Renovating a home can be a thrilling endeavor, promising to breathe new life into one’s living space, amplify its value, and tailor it to one’s unique needs. But without meticulous planning and execution, this endeavor can morph into a costly and frustrating nightmare. As a homeowner, understanding renovation pitfalls is important to avoid unnecessary stress, delays, and financial setbacks. Here are some common home renovation mistakes to avoid for a smooth process. Ignoring permits and regulations Neglecting to obtain the necessary permits and ignoring local building codes can lead to fines, delays, and even having to undo completed work. One should check with the local authorities and ensure that one’s renovation adheres to the required regulations. Neglecting structural issues Before embarking on cosmetic renovations, one should address any underlying structural issues in their home. These may include foundation problems, roofing issues, or termite damage. Addressing these issues early on will prevent further damage and ensure safety. Failing to plan for contingencies Home renovations can quickly become more expensive than what was initially anticipated. In addition to the costs of materials and labor, one should factor in additional expenses like permits, inspections, shipping, and other unforeseen costs. One can set aside a contingency budget of around 10-15% of the project cost.

Keeping the washroom clean is a hands-on task. But it’s necessary to wipe down all surfaces, use quality disinfectants, and sanitize the area regularly to maintain good hygiene. Doing so will prevent transferring bacteria and germs from the toilet to other areas of the house. Cleaning the toilet seems straightforward enough. But here are 7 mistakes you might be making involuntarily and should avoid the next time you tackle this task. Forgetting to clean the toilet brush The tool designed to scrape off grime, gunk, and all the funky discoloration in a toilet also needs to be cleaned thoroughly after regular use. Not cleaning the brush leaves bacteria and viruses to harbor and transfer over to your hands the next time you pick it up. Wiping down surfaces immediately When you use a chemical base toilet cleaner, it is important to spray and allow the product to sit on the surface while the formula activates and does its job. Never wipe down the surface immediately after spraying it with the cleaning solution, as it will not be as effective. Using too many cleaning products Mixing cleaning products or repeatedly using them on the surface can cause the toilet bowl layer to erode and become discolored.

Gardening is one of the most beloved hobbies for multiple reasons. To begin with, this is an activity in which one is surrounded by greenery, fresh air, and, above all, positive vibes. Additionally, gardening is a great exercise as it makes one stretch and sweat. Gardening involves several aspects, such as irrigation, using fertilizers, planting seeds, and taking care of growing plants and one must avoid making certain common gardening mistakes in the process. Planting too early or too late It is important to be mindful of the temperatures and climate at which specific seeds sprout. For instance, kale seeds sprout in warmer temperatures. So, if one goes ahead and sows them too early in the spring, they will not do well. In fact, such seeds will end up rotting. On the other hand, if certain seeds are planted too late, then the plants may freeze before their fruits have time to mature. To avoid planting too early or late, one needs to always know the soil temperature in their garden. Therefore, using a soil thermometer can be helpful to prevent this common gardening mistake. Underwatering or overwatering Watering is another facet of gardening that needs the perfect balance. Underwatering the soil, or forgetting to do so at the right moments during the day, can leave the roots dried up.

Redecorating the home with new furniture is always exciting. It gives one the chance to redesign the space based on their current needs and preferences. Exciting as it is, this process may often also feel tedious. As a result, many people end up rushing the process, purchasing furniture pieces they regret in the future. Here is a list of seven common mistakes people make when buying furniture and how to avoid them. Looking for the cheapest options Many people look for the cheapest options when buying furniture. However, this could end up costing them more in the long run. While it may be an immediate money-saver, the furniture pieces may need to be replaced sooner. When buying furniture, consider the frequency of its use, along with its material and build quality to pick pieces that will last long. Eyeballing measurements One must always carefully measure the furniture being purchased. Additionally, it is important to measure the dimensions of the room it will be placed in and the size of the doorways and hallways. Eyeballing these measurements is a common mistake to avoid as it may mean the furniture cannot be brought into the room, or does not fit in its intended space, which may cause one to return the piece and/or lose their deposit.

Mosquitoes are carriers of dangerous diseases like dengue, malaria, and West Nile Virus, making it crucial to avoid their presence in and around the house. A Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) study found over 1,000 cases of mosquito-borne infections nationwide last year. Mosquitoes tend to be vectors of a variety of viruses. Therefore, to avoid mosquito-driven infections, here are some unconventional yet practical ways to keep them at bay. Spreading out coffee grounds One of the most weird ways to keep mosquitoes away is using coffee grounds. These are surprisingly efficacious in repelling mosquitoes anywhere. Mosquitoes tend to breed in stagnant pools and puddles of water. To inhibit the breeding, one can spread coffee grounds on the surface of such pools and puddles. The grounds form a barrier that prevents oxygen from entering the water surface. This results in the suffocation and elimination of mosquitoes and their larvae underneath the surface. Apart from preventing larvae from growing into adult mosquitoes, this method is also an eco-friendly way to keep mosquitoes at bay. Adding piñon wood to one’s wood stack Mosquitoes find certain odors incredibly repulsive, and the scent of piñon wood is one of them. Piñon wood tends to work like incense, another common tool used to drive mosquitoes away, and gives off a strong aroma that mosquitoes cannot stand.

Moving into a new home is always a special experience. At the same time, it is also regarded as one of the most stressful times in one’s life. Individuals must simultaneously pay attention to many things, from packing and cleaning to saying goodbye to their old home, which makes it a bittersweet episode. To make this transition smoother, we have discussed eight mistakes one must avoid while moving into a new home. Not verifying if the new home is ready to move into Individuals must check whether their new home is ready to move into before moving day. If the property or the space around it is undergoing renovations, it increases the risk of injuries, accidents, and allergies. Not having the utilities up and running For a hassle-free living experience, one must ensure that utilities like gas, water, electricity, and Wi-Fi are up and running. Failing to do so may cause frustration, unexpected delays, and increased expenses during the initial days in the new home. Failing to hire a mover Moving homes is a long and cumbersome process. Instead of trying to navigate the journey independently, individuals must hire a moving company. These professional services make the packing process stress-free by bringing their own resources, from boxes and protection material to moving trucks.

Renovating kitchens every now and then keeps their look fresh and attractive for longer periods. It is often believed that newly renovated kitchens can also inspire chefs to come up with incredible culinary ideas. However, kitchen renovations can be typically expensive, which is why one must get them right in the first attempt. Certain remodeling mistakes can debilitate the look of a kitchen. Here are some of the most common kitchen remodeling mistakes to avoid: Not setting a budget Before undertaking any renovation project, the first critical step is to make a budget. One needs to decide what features of their kitchen are most important and worth upgrading. Some people may want more cabinet and drawer space to store their cutlery, while others may want a designated pantry to store more food than the refrigerator can handle. Some individuals may simply want to have additional lighting in their kitchen. Whatever the requirement, one needs to create and stick to a budget so they do not waste a lot of money on the remodeling. Choosing kitchen appliances after installing the cabinetry Choosing the appliances after installing the cabinetry is a massive remodeling mistake. Usually, kitchen remodeling involves a lot of measurements and precision tools.

Carpets and rugs not only provide thermal insulation and warmth to a space, but they also elevate a room’s aesthetic appeal. They are among the most used home furnishings, especially in colder places, and when maintained well, they last longer and retain their texture. Since carpets are quite textured and heavy, one may find it difficult to clean them and end up making certain mistakes. These are mentioned below and should be avoided: 1. Scrubbing to remove stains Carpet stains are icky and sticky and quite an eye-sore, especially if they are very visible. So naturally, people use quite a bit of elbow grease and a heavy-duty brush to scrub off fresh stains and get rid of them quickly. While this may work the first few times, this method stops being effective after a while and damages carpets. Carpet fibers, like most kinds of fabric, cannot resist sustained, prolonged abrasions through scrubbing, squeezing, and aggressive rubbing. In fact, scrubbing stains is not even an effective tactic, as it just causes the stain and liquid to permeate further into the carpet fabric layer. 2. Using a low-quality vacuum cleaner Vacuuming is an effective way to clean carpets, as it is one of the easiest ways to do the task.

Roofing projects are complex, so they are better left to the pros. When a roof is not fixed or repaired correctly, it can risk extensive damage to the whole property and take away the house’s curb appeal. Furthermore, improper installation can lead to concerns like higher utility bills, ventilation errors, and dry rot. If a person still wants to go ahead and undertake the roofing project, they should avoid these six common mistakes. Placing new asphalt over the old layer Placing new asphalt over the previous layer is a big roofing mistake people should avoid when working on renovation plans. New over old might work out well for certain roofing systems, but it is usually the wrong way. Placing new asphalt over the old layer is illegal in some places and more expensive. When installers do this, they risk missing a problem in the old roof, which could lead to higher repair and replacement costs later. Additionally, this practice can lead to the roof structure shouldering more burden than it was designed to. So, individuals should first get the roof inspected and avoid applying a new asphalt layer over the old one. Installing a slate roof without researching While a slate roof demands little to no maintenance, replacing it can be tricky.

Doors and windows are perhaps the most fundamental architectural elements of one’s home. They are important in controlling light, ventilation, and even movement in and out of the house. Many people, however, fail to maintain them properly, causing wear and tear and compromising their integrity. This could lead to expensive repairs or replacements in the future. Here are ten common window and door maintenance mistakes people make and how to avoid them. Not cleaning regularly One must clean the doors and windows regularly to keep them looking clean and ensure their proper functioning. This includes wiping down the screen or surface and removing any dirt or debris that collects in the tracks or hinges. Skipping this could increase the risk of corrosion or limit their movement. Using harsh chemicals to clean One should pay close attention to the cleaners being used. Harsh or abrasive products and tools, such as ammonia-based cleaners and sponges, can damage the doors’ and windows’ surfaces, affecting their appearance. Therefore, it is best to use a gentle cleaner with a soft microfiber cloth or a lint-free towel to avoid streaks or scratches and keep them looking fresh as new. Forgetting about lubricants Once in a while, using a lubricant on the moving parts of doors and windows can also help.