10 Home Improvement Mistakes to Avoid

Sometimes, there needs to be less "Y" in DIY. As in, there needs to be less "you" involved in the entire process. Home improvement is a perfect example of this, as many people make big mistakes when trying to do certain tasks themselves.

Let's go over a few examples of why it's usually best to call in the professionals for many home improvement projects:

1. Ignoring Your Budget

This is a common mistake whether you work with a pro or not. Make sure you nail down (no pun intended) a budget before you even start the project, much less decide who will do it. From labor to parts, unforeseen expenses pop up, so make sure you always set aside more money than you think you'll need.

2. Forgetting Licenses and Permits

From local building codes to city permit requirements, do your homework when it comes to the possible licenses and permission you'll need to do the work. It might be as simple as sending a letter to your HOA, but it also might require government approval. You don't want to deal with fines or legal repercussions after making this mistake.

3. Rushing the Plan

When you're rushed, you're more prone to make mistakes. This is never more crucial than it is in the planning phase, as it affects every other area of the project. Make sure you take the time to thoroughly research and plan every phase of your project, from design choices to materials.

4. Not Calling a Pro

The earlier you can tell that you're in over your head, the better. Once you determine that the home improvement is beyond your level of expertise, get an expert's advice. They may let you know that you're in over your head, or simply point you in the right direction.

5. Forgetting the Primary Goal

Another negative aspect of doing things yourself is that there's no one to keep you in line with side projects that pop up. If you're doing some plumbing work in the garage, for example, it's not an ideal time to start painting the siding. Stay focused on the primary goal.

6. Neglecting Ventilation

A common problem that pops up in bathrooms and kitchens in particular, neglecting ventilation can lead to mold, odors and damage to fixtures or cabinets. Make sure you think about this element of your home improvement early.

7. Focusing on Looks

Similar to the point about forgetting the primary goal, don't overly focus on the look of the project. Maybe the project has an aesthetics focus but try to hold most of your opinions on looks until the end, when you have a clear picture of the final result.

8. Thinking Short-Term Only

Similarly, don't forget the long term with home improvement projects. Whether your family might grow or you might need more space for hobbies, thinking about the future won't hurt. In fact, it can save you expenses and time down the road.

9. Forgetting Energy Efficiency

This is especially important in warmer climates like Texas, but you want to ensure everything from insulation and windows to appliances and bathrooms are as energy efficient as possible. You make efforts in other areas of your home so why negate those with a home improvement that isn't energy efficient?

10. Relying on YouTube

Finally, don't forget that the home improvement profession is always a better resource for advice and questions than a YouTube expert. Many homeowners fall into the trap of just looking up a video to find an easy solution but end up wasting more time than they would have with a simple call to a company like Expo Home Improvement.

These are just a few home improvement fails to avoid. To make sure you don't make any of these DIY mistakes or fails in the future, make sure you consult with a home improvement professional first. Contact Expo Home Improvement today for a no-obligation quote or to get your questions answered.