When it comes to home remodeling, there are a lot of opinions out there. But some common misconceptions stand out, so we’re going to look at five myths in this blog and explain why they’re wrong.
1. MYTH: DIY WILL SAVE ME A TON OF MONEY
There will always be people who watch some TV shows and YouTube tutorials, and then they’re ready to hit the local big box store to load up on materials. Why? They believe two things—they can remodel their own home themselves, and doing it themselves will save them a lot of money.
Unfortunately, most people are most likely wrong on both counts.
There are some projects where the average person can watch a tutorial, buy some handyman materials, and get the work done. The work will be acceptable, and the homeowner will, in fact, save money. But this is typically only the case with tasks like painting interior walls, installing new lighting fixtures (even here, you have to be careful!), or staining your cabinets.
If you have some handyman experience yourself, you might be able to replace flooring, replace faucets or other bathroom hardware, or add some built-in shelves without hiring any help.
There are two main keys to a successful DIY project:
- You have the knowledge.
- You have the experience.
Without both of these in equal measure, you’re more apt to lose money during a DIY . . . because you won’t like the way it turned out and have to hire someone to fix it anyway.
When it comes to remodeling the entire house, save yourself the hassle and heartache. Hire a pro the first time around.
2. MYTH: ANY KIND OF REMODEL IS A GOOD ONE
When we say “professional,” we mean the company you hire should be skilled in each of the following areas:
- Demolition
- Home Construction
- Construction Materials
- Carpentry Repairs
- Whole House Painting
- Windows
- Roofing
- Driveways
- Patios
- Flooring
- Plumbing Fixtures
- Countertops and Cabinets
- Appliance installation
- Air Conditioning
- Lighting & Electrical
Where you go from here is up to you. We want homeowners to be happy, so if you want to turn your extra bedroom into a greenhouse, go for it. If you play guitar and want a sound-proof recording studio tricked out to the nines, we won’t try to talk you out of it. All we ask is that you remember you might want to sell the house one day. Not every home remodel decision will add value for resale, but we encourage our customers to customize their home how it makes sense for them. We’re happy to provide input on how you can maximize ROI throughout the process.
When it comes to whole house remodels, there are a few standards that won’t hold you back on a resale: upgrade the bathrooms, upgrade the kitchen, arrange the home’s entire layout for optimum functionality, and add square footage (even if this simply means turning a “dead” corner into a hidden closet or pantry).
3. MYTH: GO WITH POPULAR TRENDS FOR HIGHER ROI
Nothing says 1970s like linoleum and shag carpets. The 80s featured a lot of peach wallpaper and “popcorn” ceilings. Inevitably, there will come a time when today’s trends will seem strangely dated—and not what homebuyers are in the market for.
Popular trends like sustainability and energy efficiency will probably go the distance because people are going to always want to save money. But even some of the tech that’s popular now might be outdated when you go to sell your home.
Again, we’re not saying you shouldn’t remodel the way you want to remodel. You should do what makes you happy, for sure! But it’s not wise to expect your changes to guarantee a return on investment. If you expect to sell in the near future, neutral designs and color palettes have a more timeless feel and will appeal to far more buyers.
4. MYTH: A WHOLE HOUSE REMODEL CAN BE DONE QUICKLY
Maybe on HGTV, where everything is expertly filmed and professionally edited, and you only see the high quality clips that keep the episode moving. Or on a reality TV series where they build a home from the foundation up in ninety days. However, those shows are scripted, and viewers only see what the producers want you to see. It’s all about the “big reveal” before and after photos.
Over here in real life, a full-scale home remodel takes 3 to 12 months on average. That’s assuming there aren’t any delays with materials, permitting, or inspections.
Other types of remodels don’t take as long, but major home renovations do. And this term doesn’t always mean the entire house is “being gutted and demolished—we just mean the majority of the home is being renovated. For example, if you’re re-structuring your entire first floor—including new flooring, painting, and a new kitchen—we’d consider this a whole home renovation.”
5. MYTH: ALL CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES ARE CREATED EQUAL
Soooo not true. Sure, we’re biased. It’s true we’re a construction company, but it’s also true that there are many construction companies with poor reputations. When it comes to timelines, budgets, quality materials, and excellent craftsmanship, choose a company that stands apart from the crowd.
Full home remodels are not the same scale or scope of work as a room upgrade or even a kitchen remodel. Not all construction companies can handle this type of end-to-end full scale project.
Make sure to select a company with top customer service if you want to be kept in the loop regarding any permits, progress, or problems. And choose a company that offers free consultations, where you can meet the team and discuss what you have in mind. Talk about your renovation budget, construction logistics, and interior design preferences. Don’t sign any contracts until the details are in writing, and to your liking!
Is there a reputable home remodel company near me?
We’re glad you asked. If you live in Florida, especially in Alachua County, Marion County, or surrounding areas, you should contact the experts at Straight Line Construction today.
With Straight Line Construction, remodeling your whole house is easy. Through every step of the construction process, we put your satisfaction first, so you’ll love the renovation experience as much as your newly remodeled house.
Our team of licensed construction professionals have more than 12 years of experience with whole house remodels in North Central Florida. We can guide you through current trends and time-tested ROI options, help you achieve your desired aesthetic with interior design suggestions, and take care of everything you need for a complete home makeover.
Call or text us anytime at (352) 453-6909 for your free renovation consultation!