DalTile now has a new blog, From the Floor Up, which will feature posts related to home design, style, and trends. Below is an excerpt from a post in their recent series on National Home Remodeling Month.
Photo Credit: CDI Home Inspections[/caption]Don't Make These Renovation Mistakes Remodeling is a big job. You never know exactly what you’re going to get. Once the walls come down, all sorts of secrets come to light.From unexpected repairs to simple oversights, remodeling is a road filled with pot holes, cracks, and delays. Here are a few whoppers that you definitely want to avoid.Don’t rush.Maybe you’re anxious to get that beautiful new kitchen, but hurrying usually means you forget something. Serious evaluation and preparation can help you avoid the unexpected and get the most out of your renovation.Tips for Success
- Have your contractor, architect, designer, and anyone else involved visit your home so they can take in the space and get a sense of who you are and what you want.
- Don’t be afraid of asking for revisions. Yeah, you have a schedule to keep, but it’s better to spend the extra time now to clarify what you expect than having to fix it later when the stakes are much higher.
- Take time to select the right people for the job. Interview contractors and designers and don’t stop until you find the right fit.
Don’t be unrealistic on the budget.Being frugal has its benefits, but being overly frugal will just create problems. Plan for bumps in the budget and give yourself a little cushion for the unexpected.Picking the least expensive materials for your remodel may save you some money now, but it doesn’t usually pay in the long run. Consider the return on your investments: ceramic tile is a little more of an investment than vinyl, but there’s no comparison when it comes to the return. Ceramic tile adds more value to your home.Tips for Success
- Give yourself a 20% margin in the budget. A cushion makes you feel more comfortable when you find the wiring has to be replaced or the bearing wall has rot.
- Don’t plan to DIY things you have no experience with. Hire an expert and skip the extra expense of doing it over.
- Give yourself plenty of time to shop around for materials that will give you a better return on your investment. You might just find something spectacular at a flea market or recycling center that wouldn’t be in your price range otherwise.
Don’t go too far out there on the exterior design.No matter how much you love the look of that ultra-modern exterior, don’t forget to take into account the style of the neighborhood. Even if your vision is spectacular, if it doesn’t fit the neighborhood, it could bring down the value of your home.The size of your home should be proportionate to the other homes in the neighborhood. Too large a home can crowd your neighbors.Tips for Success
- Try to blend in with your surroundings. Mirror the classic style of the neighborhood. Don’t try to make a contemporary statement on a street full of bungalows.
- Don’t overbuild on your lot. Keep the size of your house proportionate to the size of your lot and the sizes of other houses in the neighborhood.
Don’t skimp on lighting.Far too many remodelers don’t think about lighting. The focus rests on the cabinets, the paint colors, and the floor, but lighting is key to the success of all of these elements. Lighting alone can make you feel like you’ve got a whole new house.Tips for Success
- Let lighting be a guiding principle as you begin your designs. It is what will make your tile floors, paint choices, and cabinets the center of attention.
- Keep in mind the three main types of lighting: general lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. No space is complete without at least two in any space.
Don’t be afraid of going green.Most people who opt to skip green elements in their homes (solar panels and the like) do it because they think it’s too expensive or they don’t know how to go about it. Don’t miss out on these opportunities for those excuses—it’s definitely worth the investment.Tips for Success
- Increase the value of your home exponentially with green elements in your design. Green is quickly gaining a foothold in the mainstream and will be increase your home’s value.
- Invest now in green elements, especially solar. Prices are coming down as more people include sustainable green energy in their plans.
###Source: Daltile
