(469) 225-9527The summer season is the opportune time to get started on your remodeling dreams. After being cooped up for the winter months due to the cold, you might have come up with some ideas on how to improve the look and/or functionality of your home. Before jumping into any renovations, read over these 9 common remodeling mistakes to avoid this summer.
Skipping Inspections
The first renovation mistake to avoid starts before you even move into the house. Don’t be afraid to get every inspection done possible before actually buying the house. Having plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, structural, and sewer inspections (just to name a few) will give you a good idea of which parts of your potential new home will need some work later on. While the cost of inspections aren’t free, you will save time and money now versus finding out renovations could cost you thousands in the future. This will help your decision on whether or not it’s wise to go through with the buy.
Rushing to Choose Contractors
New projects are exciting! It makes sense that you want to get started as soon as possible. Who wants to spend time talking to multiple contractors when you’ll have to reject some of them eventually? However, it’s recommended to get at least three or more estimates on the work you want to be done. Don’t be afraid to ask for references either. Poor craftsmanship will not only decrease the value of your home but will also cost you to repair the work later. Contact our HVAC and plumbing contractors at Cody & Sons for a consultation and estimate!
Forgetting to Check Neighborhood Guidelines
Before starting any part of the renovation process, be sure your project will pass any Homeowner Association or historical regulation guidelines. New homeowners agree to abide by these restrictions when buying a home. Forgetting to get approval for your project may cost you as you might be asked to revert to the original house design after the process has already been started. This brings us to our next point:
Working Without a Permit
If you decide to put your handyman skills to good use this summer, be sure to always check with your county or local municipal court that you have all of the proper permits for any of the work that you plan on doing. The cost of forgetting this trip could be catastrophic. Remodels done without permits are oftentimes torn down. Also, when you go to sell the house, the price may be affected.
Moving Walls You Shouldn’t
If your project isn’t a must-have in your home, you might want to reconsider a remodel that involves moving walls. Firstly, figure out what your walls support before having your heart set on demolition. You don’t want to find yourself halfway through and discover that wall supports a structural beam. Other issues might come from electrical, plumbing, or ductwork that might need to get relocated. Evaluate if the vision you have for your home is worth the hassle before you proceed.
Waiting to Pick The Sink
Choosing a sink before everything else in the kitchen will save you the time and headache later on. This will help your contractor put everything in the right place and build off your sink, arguably the most important feature in your house. Some homeowners might not realize that sinks must be the right size and fit the location of the pipes to be correctly installed. Save your time (and your cabinets) by picking the sink first.
Mismatching Pipes
Make sure your pipes match or are connected correctly with the proper fittings. When mismatching pipes are installed without the correct composition of pipes and fittings, leaks and corrosion can occur that could eventually damage your remodel. Also, to avoid low water pressure throughout your home, make sure your pipes are compatible with your fixtures.
Neglecting Return Vents
A common mistake that leads to discomfort inside the home is neglecting to place efficient return vents in your newly renovated room(s) and HVAC system. Return vents all air inside your home to return to the system for heating or cooling to maintain the temperature in your home. Be sure to include these (and that you have enough of them) in your renovation plans.
Having Too Many Sharp Bends
Many homes have flex ducting, which is a cheaper option than metal ductwork, but you can run into problems if it isn’t properly installed. Too many sharp bends in your ductwork will prevent cool air from reaching each room quickly and effectively. Other common problems with incorrect installations are bunching, shagging, and undersizing.
Bonus HVAC Tip:
Tearing down walls, replacing floors, and doing any remodel work in general will dust up your air ducts and ruin the air quality of your home. Don’t forget to schedule duct cleaning after your remodel is finished!
Avoid these 9 Remodeling Mistakes this Summer with Cody & Sons
According to a 2020 US Houzz and Home study, only 36% of homeowners stayed within their remodeling budgets. 31% went over, 3% came under and 29% did not set a budget. With a customizable payment plan, you’ll be able to create the house you always wanted and stay within your budget.
If it’s time for kitchen or bathroom remodeling in Dallas, TX, then it’s time to call us at Cody & Sons Plumbing Heating & Air. We can help you with any remodeling project that involves your Dallas plumbing system. We can move pipes, install and test fixtures, and more. Before you know it, we’ll have your house one step closer to being the house of your dreams.
Check out our remodeling services and give us a call. We can help you create the house of your dreams, avoid these 9 common remodeling mistakes this summer, and maintain your home for many summers to come.
Call Us 24/7 (469) 672-5403