Not considering how your home will age with you:
If you're planning to stay in your home for the long haul, it's important to think about how your needs may change as you age. For example, reconfiguring your bathroom layout to include features like grab bars and a walk-in shower now can make bathing safer and easier down the road.
Failing to plan for storage:
No matter how big or small your home is, there's always a need for additional storage. Whether it's finding a place to stash holiday decorations or finding a home for all of your family's sports equipment, forethought about where and how to add storage can save you a lot of headaches (and money) down the road.
Overlooking energy efficiency:
Making your home more energy-efficient doesn't just help the environment—it can also save you money on your monthly utility bills. When planning a home renovation, be sure to consider ways to increase your home's insulation, install energy-efficient windows and doors, and upgrade to more efficient cooling and heating systems.
Skimping on lighting:
Good lighting is essential for any room in your home, but it's often an afterthought during a renovation. Be sure to plan for both natural and artificial lighting sources, and consider how you can use both types together to create an enjoyable ambiance. For example, soft white light from a dimmer switch at night can help reduce eyestrain when reading or doing other tasks by the bedside, while natural light streaming in from windows during the day may be just what your home office needs.
Not updating your flooring:
Updating your flooring is one of the best ways to give your home a fresh new look that will last for years to come. Before you choose which type of flooring to install, it's important to think about how you'll be using each room in your house—different flooring materials work better in different areas of the home. For example, hardwood floors are a popular choice for living and dining areas, but they may not be the best option for high-traffic areas like kitchens and mudrooms. Likewise, the carpeting may be cozy and comfortable underfoot, but it's not always the most practical choice in homes with pets or small children.
Not accounting for your furniture:
Your furniture can make or break a room, so it's important to take its size and shape into account when planning a home renovation. For example, if you have large pieces of furniture, you'll need to make sure there's enough space for them to fit comfortably in the room. Likewise, if you have tall ceilings, you may want to consider ways to bring that height down to make the room feel cozier and more intimate.
Ignoring your home's history:
If you're lucky enough to live in an older home, it's important to respect its history when planning a renovation. That doesn't mean you have to keep everything exactly the same, but be sure to consider how any changes you make will impact the overall look and feel of the house. For example, removing original moldings or doorways can significantly alter the character of a room—and not always for the better.
Not staying in budget:
One of the most common mistakes people make when renovating their homes is not staying in budget. It's important to set a realistic budget for your project and then stick to it as closely as possible. Otherwise, you may find yourself facing some serious financial problems down the road.