Home improvement should mean just that—a way to improve the way your home looks, feels and works for you. The problem is, once you get a project underway, it almost always seems to be more expensive than you thought.
So exactly how do the home remodel costs always seem to get out of line? Check out these 4 hidden home remodel costs that could be affecting your renovation budget.
4. The Unknown Problem
The biggest unexpected home remodel costs related to home improvement projects is the great unknown. In other words, it's what you don't know before you begin the project. Perhaps the goal is to replace the roof, and you get a quote for replacing the shingles. Then, the roofer learns that the substructure is in bad condition and needs replacing.
The final result is a much higher cost (sometimes twice as much as the original quote) and a busted budget. It's hard to prevent the unknown, except for ensuring you get a thorough quote to start with on any project.
3. The Last Minute Upgrade
It happens to be the best of us. You set your eyes on a remodel project, plan out the budget based on a per-item charge, and head to the home improvement store as the work begins to buy materials. Perhaps you decide on and budget for a certain kind of kitchen countertop.
Then, you get to the store and fall in love with a luxurious countertop made of granite. You simply have to have it.
This hidden cost is one you can prevent by visiting those home improvement shops to start with when making your budget. You can also just buy what you need online so you aren't tempted to upgrade.
2. The Added Home Remodel Costs for Insurance
One of the most forgotten hidden costs of renovations remodels, and expansions to the home are the added insurance costs. When you upgrade your home, the value rises. If you buy items that are especially expensive, like high-quality fixtures or appliances, it's helpful to realize those items might not be covered by your policy.
The good news is you can use the internet to get more info on new insurance policies, which can help to reduce the overall costs you'll pay. Don't forgo your upgrade for these costs, but look for a more affordable provider instead.
1. The Cost of Inexperience
Finally, before you take on that backyard remodel, tiling job, or that bathroom makeover, realize that it will cost more if you don't have any experience. Without experience, there's simply no way for you to actually know what the home remodel costs are going to be.
Did you know you needed underlayment for the wood floors? Perhaps you didn't realize you'd have to move the plumbing fixtures to have enough room. You don't want to have to call emergency plumbers in the middle of the night, do you? The bottom line here is that it may be less expensive to work with a professional, or at least get the opinion of a professional before you start the work.
Home improvement projects can be outstanding opportunities to raise the value of your home or to upgrade to a more luxurious lifestyle. You just have to make sure you know what the hidden home remodel costs are ahead of time. Good luck!
Home renovations costs are less expensive if you plan well. Doing your homework is very important! Thanks for the article!
Planning can def help with remodeling costs but unfortunately hidden costs show up a lot of the time too
I watch those home buying/remodeling shows and it never fails that there are hidden costs in those walls. Electric or plumbing or asbestos…you name it.
Yeah, I watch those too. Things almost always pop up.
It’s not always the contractor’s fault when the budget is busted. Sometimes homeowners are responsible for unexpected costs. For instance, mid-way through a bathroom remodel, you decide you want to upgrade your tile or choice of shower fixtures, which exceed the estimate and increase the total cost of the project.
That is very true! Changing minds can cause extra expenses.
Ok I don’t own my own home but even I could see how great these ideas are…………
Thanks Jo Anne 🙂