Are you planning to undertake some home improvements this year? Before you start turning your dreams into a reality, don’t let these 7 common home improvement myths lead you astray.
A home can suffer more damage when an inexperienced renovator tries to do something. “Much of the advice out there can be contradictory,” says Thomas Goodman. “Despite doing your research, you want to know what’s fact or myth.” Goodman is a property expert at MyJobQuote, emphasizing the importance of accurate information.
Some pricey jobs to rectify include knocking down a wall (£20,000), electrical wiring (£2,000), fitting flooring (£1,200), and fixing dodgy paint jobs (£450). You might save a pretty penny doing it yourself, but a failed design could end up costing you more (and leave y
Take a look at the seven top home improvement myths below:
- You can do it all yourself
Being able to tackle DIY tasks requires the right tools to do the job. While many of us choose to take on our own DIY projects (such as wall panelling), some tasks could have expensive consequences if done incorrectly.
- Renovations will always get you a good return on investment
Bigger renovations don’t always yield better value, as spending more doesn’t guarantee higher returns. Many dream of kitchen and bathroom makeovers. However, homeowners may not recover more than the construction cost. Focus on practical upgrades instead of extravagant projects.
- Paint can cover up anything
Preparing interior walls before painting is essential to ensure a blemish-free finish. Before you begin, fix any ugly holes, blemishes, cracks or chips so your paint has a smooth foundation it can adhere to. While you may be able to fix some flaws yourself using a sander and multi-purpose Polyfilla, calling on the professionals is worth considering.
- Repairing something is cheaper than replacing it
Things break or wear down at home, but replacement isn’t always necessary. Consider whether a repair solves the issue. If not, buying new might be more cost-effective to avoid ongoing expenses. Weighing the benefits of repair versus replacement can save money in the long run.
- You should renovate with current home trends in mind
We enjoy staying informed about interior trends, but current décor styles may not suit every space. Thomas advises avoiding expensive, permanent materials for walls, cabinets, countertops, and floors. This approach ensures your home matches your lifestyle. Flexibility in design allows for adjustments without costly investments.
- Remodelling happens quickly
In general, an extensive remodel of the entire house will take several months, if all goes well. Larger houses may take between nine and fifteen months, plus more time with additional delays. A good contractor can complete the work faster and more efficiently than doing it yourself.
- Good planning can outwit surprise
‘Renovations have a way of exposing unanticipated problems in your house. No matter how much you plan, it is sometimes only after the contractor begins work will they find the undetected leak, pests, and handyman fixes,’ adds Thomas.
Embrace Flexible Trends: Update Your Space with Accessories
Incorporate trends in ways that are easy to change, such as through accessories. ‘People grow tired of trends and interior design ideas are constantly changing,’Thomas adds.
“Typically, you’ll recover 60 to 80 percent of the cost spent,” says Thomas. “It’s better to invest in upgrades that enhance comfort while you’re living there, rather than just boosting its value.”