9 Biggest Home Renovation Regrets & How To Avoid Them

Reynard Lowell

20 Sept 202414:48

Summary

TLDRThis video script discusses common renovation mistakes and offers advice to avoid them. It emphasizes the importance of planning the order of tasks, choosing timeless materials, and considering functionality over form. The script also touches on the necessity of adequate storage, the potential impact of renovations on resale value, and the importance of budgeting. Additionally, it highlights the value of seeing materials in person, the pitfalls of high-maintenance materials, and the significance of clear communication with contractors. The script concludes with a reminder to enjoy the renovation process despite potential challenges.

Takeaways

🛠️ Start renovations by choosing window frame colors first, preferably white or paintable.
🌳 Select flooring next, opting for light to medium natural tones to avoid looking dirty or outdated.
🔥 Ensure the fireplace fits the style of your home and kitchen.
✅ Prioritize kitchen countertop selection due to budget and material constraints; light countertops are the most versatile.
🚪 For cabinets, ensure the white works well with your countertop; consider color cabinets based on your living or dining area's main furnishings.
🖼️ Choose a timeless backsplash that's easy to change compared to more permanent fixtures.
🏡 Consider the functionality and storage needs of your home to avoid a lack of space for everyday items.
🛋️ Avoid designing with form over function, ensuring drawers and other storage are deep and practical.
💡 Spend time planning to ensure the space flows well and is practical for daily use.
🖼️ Use a 3D printer like the Bamboo Lab A1 to create functional and personalized items for your home.
🏠 Design your home for your own enjoyment, not just for potential future buyers.
💸 Always include a buffer in your renovation budget to account for unexpected costs.
📏 See the actual material, especially for natural stones, rather than relying solely on small samples.
🚫 Avoid choosing high-maintenance materials without considering the reality of upkeep.
👥 Communication is key during renovations, especially in a team effort.
👷‍♂️ Don't leave town during renovations; inspect the work regularly to ensure quality.
🏗️ Don't underestimate the value of hiring professionals for major renovation work.

Q & A

What is the first step recommended for a full home renovation?
-The first step recommended for a full home renovation is to choose your window frame colors, as that is likely what your builder is going to order first.
Why is it suggested to go with white or paintable interior frames?
-It is suggested to go with white or paintable interior frames because if you choose a non-paintable color, you'll have to use that color in your decorating for decades, which can be limiting if you want to change things up.
What is the recommended flooring choice for a renovation?
-The recommended flooring choice is a wood or wood look in a light to medium natural tone, as dark floors can look dirty with dust and scratches, and gray or charcoal floors are going out of trend.
Why is it important to choose your kitchen countertop before your cabinets?
-It is important to choose your kitchen countertop before your cabinets because your choices for countertops are more limited due to budget and material constraints, and light countertops, especially off-white, are the most versatile.
How should you approach choosing cabinet colors if you want a white kitchen?
-If you want a white kitchen, make sure your cabinet white works with your countertop white. For example, if you have a quartz countertop with a muted appearance, off-white cabinets with a warm or creamy tone will look good, but if you have a Carrera marble countertop, go for true white or blue-white cabinets.
What is the recommended approach to choosing a backsplash?
-The recommended approach to choosing a backsplash is to go for timeless designs. Many people try to make a statement with their backsplash, but it's easier to change up your furnishings than redoing a backsplash.
Why is it crucial to consider the functionality of your home during a renovation?
-It is crucial to consider the functionality of your home during a renovation because many homeowners focus on the aesthetics without giving much thought to how the space will work day-to-day, which can lead to a lack of storage space and poor usability.
What is the advice regarding the resale value of a home during renovation?
-The advice is to design your home for you and your family to enjoy, not for some future buyer. While it's important to consider the resale value, it should not be the sole focus, especially if it's your own home and not a flip property.
Why is it important to see the actual material and not just the samples when choosing natural stones?
-It is important to see the actual material and not just the samples when choosing natural stones like marble, soapstone, or granite because there's so much variation in them. A small sample can't give you the full picture of how the entire slab will look.
What is the recommended budget strategy when undertaking a renovation?
-When undertaking a renovation, it is recommended to make a solid budget and include a buffer of 15 to 20% on top of your budget for unexpected expenses, as things inevitably will go wrong.
How can using a 3D printer like the Bamboo Lab A1 help with a home renovation?
-Using a 3D printer like the Bamboo Lab A1 can help with a home renovation by allowing you to print handy items tailored to your needs, such as organizers for office supplies or unique bookends, providing a fun and functional way to create custom items for your home.