Home renovations are an increasingly important part of owning property or even preparing one to sell. Whether you are planning to renovate on your own or hiring a professional, it's best if you can do it right the first time. Renovations cost time, energy, and money, so the worst thing that can happen is having to redo a project. Here is an overview of common remodeling pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Have a clear vision

Create a clear plan of what you want and fully define the scope of your work ahead of time. If you're hiring a professional or working with a team, make sure everyone is on board with your vision to ease the potential of scope creep and minimize miscommunication. 

Detail your budget

It's not enough to create a budget that encompasses everything in the renovation. Leave some wiggle room to create a cushion that protects you against potential mistakes, changes, or contingencies. A good rule of thumb is to add an extra 10 to 20 percent to your initial estimate.

Along those lines, make sure you accurately estimate your specific project. Basing costs on what you see on television remodel shows is a quick way to set yourself up for failure, as is underestimating the unknowns. Once the budget is set, stick to it. 

Thinking you know best

There are thousands of websites and online resources available nowadays to use for inspiration, but they're not necessarily what you need for reliable information. Every property and project is different and has a specific budget. 

If you don't have extensive experience remodeling and renovating homes, it is best to rely on professionals to help you achieve your goals, such as designers, contractors, etc. Enlisting an expert can save you money in the long run and ensure you're using quality materials and design that will last for the long haul and function well together.

Timeline

Don't underestimate the time it takes to remodel your property or the impact and inconveniences of living at home during a remodel. You might think a project, even a small-scale one, won't take long, but it's best to prepare for all contingencies ahead of time. 

Television is not real life, and even though they rebuild homes in as little as a week on HGTV doesn't mean that will be the case for you. Address the unexpected and expect to add a few extra weeks to the overall timeline to cushion the blow if complications arise.