5 Common Home Remodeling Myths

5 Common Home Remodeling Myths

March 8, 2023

Every homeowner wants to get the most out of their home and remodeling projects are often a great way to accomplish that. But there are some common myths that homeowners have to be aware of before they start a home remodel. 

1. DIY Renovations Are Cheaper

One myth that often confuses homeowners is that they’ll be able to save money by doing their own home remodels. It’s important to keep in mind that some do-it-yourself projects are simply too complicated or time-consuming for a homeowner to tackle. If your renovation involves structural changes to the home, like knocking down a wall or building a new floor plan, you’ll need to hire a professional to ensure the changes are safe and effective. 

2. Wanting Bigger Rooms Mean Renovations

One of the most common and debated topics when living with others is who gets the larger bedroom. Fortunately, there are many solutions out there to settle this age-old dispute. Keeping the space tidy and organized is an obvious one, but removing or minimizing large rugs, furniture and wall art can also open up a space without the need for a total renovation. 

Using multi-functional furniture is another home remodeling trick that can help make your space seem more spacious and functional. From a chest that can serve as a coffee table to a sofa that folds into a bed, you can do it all with ease. The best part? It’s a lot less expensive than you might think. And you might even be able to recoup some of your investment when it comes time to sell. 

You might also want to consider the smallest and most visible changes, such as painting your walls or replacing a dated shower with a sleek frameless glass shower. These are the kind of minor upgrades that will add up over the years and will be appreciated by you and your family as well as any potential buyers down the road. 

3. DIY Renovations Are Easy

It’s important to know your limitations and capabilities before you decide to try a DIY project. Some tasks, like painting or changing cabinet pulls, can be relatively easy for a beginner, while others, like installing baseboards and replacing sheet rock, are more difficult and require expertise that you might not have at hand. And some renovation projects that seem simple, such as removing a towel bar in a bathroom, can get more complicated when a piece of plaster suddenly gets ripped off the wall during removal. 

4. You Don’t Need Permits for Renovations

While most small renovations like painting and installing flooring don’t require permits, large remodeling projects that involve moving walls or changing the plumbing or electrical system usually do. Permits are also required for a number of large, structural changes that can pose serious safety risks. These include adding a load-bearing wall (a wall that holds up the structure of your home), removing a load-bearing wall, and changing the plumbing or electrical system. 

Not obtaining permits for a remodeling project can result in penalties, fines, and other problems. For example, your homeowner’s insurance company may refuse to cover you for damage caused by unpermitted work, which could be devastating for you. It can also stall or even cancel your remodeling project.  

5. Renovations Always Add Value To Your Home

Home renovations are no small feat and while it’s true that there are some improvements that will make you the envy of your neighborhood, most are more about style than substance. In fact, some of the more gimmicky remodeling projects can actually reduce your home’s value, so it’s smart to avoid them if at all possible. The best way to prevent this issue from occurring is by making sure that the right improvements are made to your property. That includes the most cost-effective upgrades that won’t bleed your wallet dry. While a new roof or remodeled kitchen are the top of the totem pole, savvy homeowners will also consider other types of improvements that will not only add to their comfort but increase their home’s value as well. 

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