Home Improvement – Some Common Remodeling Mistakes
Part of my job as an architect is to help my clients avoid common mistakes on their home remodeling projects. These projects will typically only happen once in your lifetime. Therefore, I do my best to help prepare my clients as much as possible about the whole process. I have been involved in hundreds of projects. My experience on home improvement and remodel projects, additions, or custom home builds is extensive.
Here are some common mistakes to try to avoid.
Home Improvement – Design Issues
Design issues are rampant in home remodel projects. A Google search will give you plenty of examples. Doors that open in to fans. Drawers that open into walls. Stairs that are too thin.
All of these issues and more can be caused by an number of things. Inexperienced contractors. A do-it-yourself project not properly permitted. Or an amateur designer who doesn’t properly account for existing conditions.
All of these problems can be solved with a good architectural design and some prior planning.
Home Improvement – Not a DIY Project
HGTV has created a lot of issues for home owners. People think that they can “Do It Yourself”. If you don’t have the proper skill sets to get the job done, you’ll have a construction nightmare on your hands.
You wouldn’t perform your own heart surgery. Or fill your on cavity. You respect your doctor’s professional opinion because of their training and schooling.
Well architecture is the same process. a great deal of training and schooling go into making a good architect and good design.
While there is a fee associated with an architect, they will typically save you money in the long run on your project.
Home Improvement – Hire the right Contractor
Along the same lines as above, get someone who specializes in home remodel projects. This will be critical, because not all contractors have the same abilities. You want to hire a contractor who has experience in the type of project you are taking on.
Also, make sure that you can work with them. Cost is only one factor to consider. Home improvement projects are messy and difficult undertakings. Problems will surface. So make sure you and your contractor will be able to work through those issues together. And in an efficient way.
Home Improvement – Proper Channels and Permits
I can give you many examples of projects going wrong. One of the main issues is improperly conducting the project. The reason permits are required for many projects is for one reason only: Safety! Your safety, your neighbor’s safety, and the safety of the community.
It is another layer of complexity, but it is for a good reason.
Here again an architect can help you wade through the waters of bureaucracy. This can be a pleasant process if handled properly.
I’d be interested in hearing your own opinions and experiences of home improvement projects…Good or bad.