{"id":20534,"date":"2022-02-01T08:52:27","date_gmt":"2022-02-01T07:52:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.paratureforma.com\/blog\/elementos-comunes\/sin-categoria\/15-renovation-mistakes-you-must-not-make\/"},"modified":"2026-01-12T13:08:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T12:08:37","slug":"15-renovation-mistakes-you-must-not-make","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paratureforma.com\/blog\/en\/common-elements\/15-renovation-mistakes-you-must-not-make\/","title":{"rendered":"15 renovation mistakes you must not make"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A renovation <\/a><\/strong>can become a nightmare if we don’t have anyone to advise and guide us in bringing our ideas to life. Below is a list of 15 mistakes to avoid when renovating<\/a><\/strong>. By following these steps, we can turn a renovation <\/strong>into something we will remember for the rest of our lives. For the better.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Stick to the budget we want, not the budget we have.<\/h2>\n\n

When we decide to renovate our home<\/a><\/strong>, one of the biggest mistakes we make is preparing an unrealistic budget or, quite simply, not setting a budget at all.<\/strong> We must include in the budget all the materials, labor, and accessories necessary to complete the renovation.<\/strong> From the ceramic tiles to the new door handles.<\/p>\n\n

\"Making
Making a budget and respecting it is the best idea for a renovation.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another of the big mistakes in renovations<\/strong> is to ask for variations or accept modifications to what was previously agreed. These changes or variations negatively<\/strong> affect the delivery time and the budget. We must take into account all our desires and needs before closing the budget<\/strong> and start chopping. <\/p>\n\n

Do not take into account just in case. Contingencies do exist. <\/h2>\n\n

A portion of the budget <\/strong>must be allocated to just in case. We know they exist; the Scott Brothers know it well<\/a>. It is very easy that, when we discover the floor<\/strong> or the ceiling, we find a problem <\/strong>that was there, living with us, but that we did not know existed. <\/p>\n\n

\"Don't
Don’t let unforeseen events ruin your renovation<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

These types of unforeseen <\/strong>events can be very diverse, with different costs for removal or repair. We may find mold<\/strong>, pipes in poor condition, uneven floors or ceilings, etc.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

If we are fortunate and encounter no unforeseen circumstances<\/strong> (which we doubt), that portion of the budget could be converted into a pleasant trip or that wood-burning fireplace<\/a><\/strong> we have been wanting to purchase for so long. This is one of the most common mistakes in renovations.<\/p>\n\n

Prioritize aesthetics over functionality.<\/h2>\n\n

We all want the house of our dreams<\/strong>. We all want that big fireplace <\/strong>we saw in that American Christmas movie. We all want that porch with great views and a hammock to relax in. But we must be aware that, in the long run, what will make a renovation perfect is the focus on comfort<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

\"Think
Think about how you will use it. Then make it happen. <\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Maybe we are in love with a material <\/strong>that is difficult to clean. Maybe that type of paint <\/strong>we want for the living room is not compatible with having children at home<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

And, in addition to comfort<\/strong>, we must be realistic with our budget<\/strong>. We cannot forget fundamental details such as air conditioning and insulation<\/strong> to give prominence to aesthetics. With the passage of time, we will be grateful for it. <\/p>\n\n

Pinterest is an unreal world.<\/h2>\n\n

And neither does Divinity<\/strong>. We must assume that the photos and houses<\/strong> we see on TV or on the internet are not real. They are all retouched and have long hours of preparation behind them. It’s great to get ideas <\/strong>: a staircase with glass handrails, open kitchen with island, large window for the living room… But sticking centimeter by centimeter to something we have seen on television is one of the biggest mistakes<\/a> in the reforms. <\/p>\n\n

Paying too much attention to deadlines.<\/h2>\n\n

“We’ll have this in a couple of days.”<\/strong> He arrived on the fifth day.<\/p>\n\n

“By February you will be able to move in.”<\/strong> It is April and there are still no doors.<\/p>\n\n

\"Respect
Respect deadlines, but understand delays.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There is no need to be nervous<\/strong>. Reforms are not something exact like mathematics. Unforeseen events and obstacles arise that will put our nervous system to the test. <\/p>\n\n

Not letting ourselves be advised and being too closed-minded.<\/h2>\n\n

We must look for a good contractor<\/strong>, quantity surveyor <\/strong>or architect <\/strong>and trust his professionalism. For him it is essential that the reform you fall in love and he will look for the best means to do so. The reform will bear his stamp and a satisfied client<\/strong> is a guarantee to get new clients. <\/p>\n\n

We must heed his advice <\/strong>and be flexible<\/strong> with our preconceived idea. We must trust him<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

Not being clear about what we want. And what we need. <\/h2>\n\n

It is good to ask for advice from our environment to give us their point of view and even avoid mistakes in the reforms that others have already made. But no one has the same habits<\/strong> as us nor has the same house <\/strong>as us. We must not forget this in order not to make one of the mistakes in the reforms. <\/p>\n\n

You may be advised to put casement windows<\/strong> “because they insulate more than normal ones”, to put sliding doors<\/strong> in the living room “because they save space”. Accept the advice of your professional<\/strong> and your environment but without neglecting what you need in your daily life.<\/p>\n\n

Throw away purchase tickets and warranties.<\/h2>\n\n

KEEP IT ALL<\/strong>. Tickets, guarantees, receipts, discount vouchers, EVERYTHING. We know that it is complicated to keep order during a renovation, but if a problem occurs once the renovation is finished, we will appreciate it. <\/p>\n\n

\"Never
Never throw away your sales receipts. NEVER. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Racanear in qualities.<\/h2>\n\n

“Cheap is expensive”<\/strong>. This is a great truth. We can be seduced by that tile <\/strong>that is half the price but shines the same. We can be guided by those electric windows<\/strong> that are worth the same as manual ones. But time will put everything in its place. The tile will stop shining and the electric window will not insulate as well as the manual one. <\/p>\n\n

We must pay attention to the details and the quality of the materials<\/strong>, since everything we put in the reform we would like it to be for life<\/strong>. Or a large part of it. <\/p>\n\n

Buying furniture ahead of time.<\/h2>\n\n

Let’s not rush into anything<\/strong>. Even if it’s the bargain of the century, even if we fall in love at first sight, let’s wait. We don’t know what unexpected events may arise, what the final dimensions of the living room or bedroom<\/strong> will be, or whether we’ll ultimately be able to install an outlet on that wall for the hallway lamp.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

Let’s wait. Once the renovation is finished<\/strong> we will have all the time in the world to spend hours and hours looking at furniture. And it will be a joy when all fit perfectly in our new reform. <\/p>\n\n

Not adapting the design to our way of life.<\/h2>\n\n

One of the most common mistakes<\/a><\/strong> in renovations. As detailed above, the reforms <\/strong>implemented by our neighbors or the Johnson family in Massachusetts<\/strong> may seem very attractive to us. But these do not fit our reality or our life plan. Let’s tailor every detail of the renovation to our routine and our daily lives.<\/p>\n\n

Do not make designs before starting.<\/h2>\n\n

It seems obvious, but many of us overlook this step. Not having an idea of where we want the TV<\/strong>, the dining table, the bed or the cabinets will make us fall into mistakes <\/strong>such as not having sockets <\/strong>available or having to drill holes in the wall once the painting is finished. <\/p>\n\n

\"Preliminary
Preliminary design of a reform VS Final result<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Let’s enjoy the pre-reform time imagining and dreaming about our ideal house<\/strong>. Let’s think about where we want to get dressed<\/strong>, do the laundry or where we want to take a nap on Sundays<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

Do not compare budgets.<\/h2>\n\n

We must request several estimates<\/strong>, compare them and then decide. It seems obvious but the rush and anxiety to start as soon as possible can play tricks on us<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

Let’s compare materials<\/strong>, delivery times<\/strong>, the professionalism you convey and all the details of the budget, because once they start biting there will be no turning back<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

Not to be on top.<\/h2>\n\n

It is not necessary to become a police detective or to be there every day during the renovation<\/strong>. Let’s trust in the professionalism of the workers and the contractor, but we must be there at key moments and be actively involved, especially in the first phase of the reform<\/a><\/strong>in which it is decided what the final aspect of the house will look like. home<\/a> <\/strong>once finished. <\/p>\n\n

Not enjoying the process.<\/h2>\n\n

Many experts compare the process of a renovation to a separation <\/strong>or a move<\/strong>. If we avoid all the mistakes in the reforms that we have detailed in this post and we arm ourselves with patience, we will be able to enjoy the process<\/strong> and we will remember all our lives the moments and the decisions that made us leave the house<\/a> in the state it will be in after the reform. <\/p>\n\n

It’s time to foster our creative side and build our new home from scratch<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

Source: El Pa\u00eds<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

What is the most common mistake when starting a renovation?<\/h3>\n
\n\n

One of the most common mistakes is not setting a realistic budget<\/strong>. Many people only calculate the basic cost and forget to include labor, materials, contingencies, and finishes. This leads to cost overruns and stress during the project. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Is it advisable to modify the reform once it has already begun?<\/h3>\n
\n\n

No. Changing decisions midway through a project<\/strong> usually increases the budget and delays deadlines. Ideally, you should be clear about what you want from the outset and review the project with the professional before starting. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Why is it important to set aside a budget for unforeseen events?<\/h3>\n
\n\n

Hidden problems such as damp, old installations<\/strong>, or uneven floors arise in almost all renovations. Setting aside a contingency fund of 10\u201320% <\/strong>of the budget avoids unpleasant surprises. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

How can you avoid choosing materials that are not very functional?<\/h3>\n
\n\n

It is essential to prioritize functionality over aesthetics<\/strong>. Sometimes we choose materials for their appearance, but they can be difficult to clean, fragile, or unsuitable for everyday use. A professional can help you choose practical and durable options. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Why is it important to compare several quotes?<\/h3>\n
\n\n

Comparing quotes allows you to see differences in price, quality, and turnaround time. This helps you make an informed decision and avoid hiring someone who is inexperienced or has unclear terms and conditions. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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