Homeowners: 5 Scary Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

Renovating your home can make it more comfortable to live in. In addition, it also can put a little extra money in your pocket when you decide to sell the home. However, our REALTORS® also know that some renovations can leave you less than happy with the finished result. Some can cost more than you expect, and others can detract from the home's value. The following are five home renovations that aren't worth the headaches and costs that they create.

• Going Against the Grain
  Maybe you like Ultra-Modern, or long for something more Tudor. That is not a problem when the rest of the home matches the renovation style you want to incorporate. However, if you try and put an ultra-modern kitchen in a Tudor home, or a Southwestern style living room in a country cottage, the resulting contrast will make the home less appealing to prospective buyers. When considering style, always choose design styles and features that complement and enhance one another.
  
  
• Being Too Trendy
  Trends come and go, which is why it is never a good idea to renovate your home based on this season's hottest trends. Remember the hag carpets that defined the '70s and the neon that permeated everything in the '80s? Rather than going with the hottest colors and latest styles, look for long term trends that will last. This includes features like hardwood floors, reliable insulation, open spaces, extra bedrooms, etc. that have remained popular throughout the decades.
  
  
• Going Cheap
  Renovating your home is a costly endeavor. It is even more expensive when you have to do it again because the materials you chose the first time fell apart. When you are renovating your home, you invest in both your comfort and the future value of your property. Invest the time it takes to find a reliable, skilled contractor. Invest the time it takes to choose high quality, durable materials. Going cheap is a great way to go broke, and it will leave you less than enamored with the finished renovations.
  
  
• Spending Too Much
  Granite countertops are beautiful. Outdoor living areas and hot tubs can provide hours of relaxation. But, these are also very costly investments. In some cases, you can upgrade your home to the point that it becomes an outlier in the neighborhood. Naturally, you will believe your renovations add value to the property. However, when your home costs significantly more than the rest in the neighborhood, it will become an outlier. This will make it much harder to sell, and it will often force you to lower your asking price, which means you won't recover the funds you put into renovating the property.
  
  
• Doing it Yourself
  Everyone has different skills. While you may be adept at wielding a paintbrush, do you know anything about electricity, plumbing, masonry, etc.? While you can watch videos, read manuals, and learn new skills, it's essential to recognize your limits. Leave tasks that are beyond your skillset to the professionals. You will save time, money, and possibly a few trips to the emergency room.      

Contact us to speak with our real estate agents about the best renovations for your home. We will tell you what buyers tell us they want to see in Mansfield homes for sale.