Home renovations can be an exciting way to breathe new life into your living space, increase property value, and improve functionality. But let’s face it, they can also be a breeding ground for unexpected setbacks and frustrations.

From budget overruns to delays and miscommunication with contractors, many challenges can threaten to derail your dream project. Follow these nine ways to avoid home renovation setbacks to stay ahead of the curve.

1. Plan Your Budget and Add a Buffer

Creating a realistic budget is the foundation of any successful home renovation project. Research the costs of labor, materials, and permits in your area and set a budget that reflects the scale of your project.

Don’t forget to add a 10-15% buffer for unexpected expenses, as surprises are almost inevitable. Be cautious about underestimating costs, as doing so could lead to going over budget due to inaccurate estimates. Consult local contractors for the most up-to-date costs on renovation options.

2. Set Clear Goals and Priorities

Long projects can seem to stretch on forever, especially when you don’t have clear goals set. Outline your renovation goals before starting to avoid decision fatigue and scope creep. Start by identifying what your must-haves are versus your nice add-ons that aren’t essential.

Do you want to improve functionality, create more space, or modernize the design? Having clear priorities will help you make decisions more quickly and ensure your renovation aligns with your ultimate vision.

An example of this could be a kitchen renovation project. Focus your budget on custom cabinetry instead of luxury materials if the top goal of this renovation is to optimize storage.

3. Consider Any Obstacles

Once you have set goals and budgets in mind, you should also plan for any obvious obstacles that may arise. These obstacles could be anything from outdated wiring that requires professional help to bring up to code to longer delivery schedules for supplies.

Larger renovation projects that utilize a crane should consider any potential setbacks seriously, as crane operations can be a significant and expensive part of the process. You must prepare for any problems that may arise, from small issues, such as speaking with the operator, to larger problems, such as understanding ground preparations for crane operations.

4. Thoroughly Vet Your Contractors

Hiring reliable professionals can make or break your renovation experience. Take the time to research contractors, review their portfolios, and read customer testimonials to ensure you make an informed decision.

Don’t hesitate to ask for references and verify licenses or certifications. Many businesses also have reviews available online, allowing you to determine whether the contractor met the needs of other customers or if they were disappointed with the work.

Be cautious of contractors who hesitate to provide detailed quotes or offer estimates that appear significantly lower than those of others. They could be cutting corners or don’t have the proper training for the services they provide.

5. Obtain Necessary Permits

Failing to obtain proper permits can result in hefty fines, delays, or even the undoing of completed work. Ensure that all permits required by your local municipality are in place before you begin construction.

Permits are typically required for any type of electrical work, plumbing, or structural modification. Your contractor should be aware of the permits and inspections required by the local and state governments, so speak with them to confirm what is needed. You might also need to confirm which one of you is responsible for securing the permits.

6. Choose High-Quality Materials

It can be tempting to cut costs on materials. Choosing cheaper items can ultimately cost you more money. Additionally, lower-quality materials often compromise durability and aesthetics over time, and can change your perfect design into a mess.

Invest in high-quality materials for key areas, such as flooring, countertops, cabinetry, and exterior finishes. Some mid-range options are available; although they may not be as durable, they can still last you a few years before requiring any touch-ups or replacements.

7. Communicate Clearly With Your Team

Effective communication with your contractor or design team is essential. Misunderstandings can lead to mistakes, delays, or costly rework. Be specific when describing your needs, preferences, and timelines.

Agreements between you and your contractor should have written versions, allowing you to reference them during any disagreements or reviews. Additionally, check-ins are a helpful tool to stay updated on the progress the team is making.

You can also voice any concerns or changes you may want at these meetings. Something as simple as wanting a different pattern on the bathroom walls might be doable, but large overhauls might not be possible once the work has begun.

8. Expect the Unexpected

Even with the best planning, hiccups can still occur, such as shipping delays and unforeseen structural issues. Therefore, staying flexible is crucial. Having your buffer built into the budget and timeline ensures you can handle unexpected challenges without stressing over deadlines.

Problems that can often arise are outdated equipment within the home, such as wiring, plumbing, or even HVAC units that are no longer up to code and needing updating to continue with the work. It’s essential that you are mentally and financially prepared for projects that reveal hidden issues.

9. Plan for Seasonal Considerations

Timing matters when scheduling a renovation, especially if your project involves exterior work or HVAC systems. Avoid scheduling major outdoor projects during rainy seasons or extreme heat.

Additionally, keep holidays and school schedules in mind, as they may impact timelines or accessibility. Having work done around major holidays, such as Christmas, could lead to delays due to more workers being absent or taking additional days off between renovations.

Spring and summer are the busiest seasons for contractors, as the weather is generally more conducive to work. Therefore, contractors will be very busy during this time, so book their services well in advance so you’re not left with no one to complete the project.

Start Planning Your Home Renovation Today

Renovations don’t have to be a source of stress or disappointment. By considering these nine ways to avoid home renovation setbacks, you can reduce the added stress these inconveniences can cause.

Remember, you can keep your peace of mind during this hectic time by sitting down and discussing the project with a trusted contractor who can guide you through the different decisions you need to make. Don’t wait for the perfect time, start planning your dream renovation project today.