Ignore These Home Improvement Myths
North Georgia home improvement guru Tracy Tesmer looks at some common home improvement myths and sets the record straight.
Common Home Improvement Myths To Ignore
Every industry is full of myths and misnomers, and our industry is no exception – the home improvement industry is fraught with misconceptions, bad information and bad contractors. Navigating this sea of bad advice – no matter how well intended it may be – can be difficult for even the most savvy of homeowners. Fortunately, help is here!
A big home improvement myth we face is probably one of the worst: you should always go with the cheapest quote. Have you ever heard the phrase, “You get what you pay for?” When it comes to home remodels and home renovations, this is especially true. While a “contractor” may offer you a great deal (often for a “limited” time), most of the time you will end up paying more than you would have if you went with a more expensive (but experienced) build/design firm.
When approached with a “great” home improvement deal, ask yourself this: why is it so cheap? Is the remodeler cutting corners to save on costs? Are they skipping out on insurance and license to offer such a low price? Odds are, they are, and often to your detriment! Perform due diligence before hiring anyone to work on your home.
With the influx of home improvement and DIY shows infiltrating our homes through the television screen, homeowners are often under the impression that any home remodel project they undertake will reap them oodles of added value in their property. While this can certainly be true in many instances, the reality is that not every home remodel or renovation is going to add value to your home. For instance, you may prefer a walk-in closet and to get one, decide to take up some of your bathroom space to make your dream closet a reality. While this might be your preference, other homeowners may prefer larger restrooms – meaning that your closet addition could actually lessen the value of your home or make it harder to sell.
Finally, you may be tempted to tackle those “simple” home projects yourself. After all, you have undertaken DIY projects in the past and have binge watched all the latest episodes of your favorite home remodeling show – how hard could it be to remodel your kitchen?
Thinking it is better to perform your own home remodel than hire a professional is the worst home improvement myth out there. Unless you are an experienced professional with years of experience working on home, have had extensive training, and – preferably – some certifications, leave the home improvement work to the pros!