Renovations are overwhelming but incredibly rewarding. Not to mention they add value to your home! Below is a list I compiled of 15 things I wish I knew before starting my home renovation:
1. Paint matching doesn’t always work. Most contractors get a discount with Sherwin Williams, but if you want a Benjamin Moore color, it doesn’t always translate well when SW tries to match it.
2. You can replace cabinet doors as opposed to the entire cabinet and save big $$$.
3. Blinds. Are. Expensive. (And if your windows are 2” longer than the “standard” size like mine, get out your checkbook🫠)
4. Use Google Lens to find the exact same product for a lot less (a light fixture on Wayfair might be $100 less under a different name on Amazon).
5. If you’re going to splurge, do it on the countertop. You’ll use that surface every day and it’s not something that can be easily changed.
6. If you need to save, start with paint and flooring. That alone can be transformative.
7. The farmhouse sink and hidden trash drawer are worth it✨
8. Your contractor estimate likely doesn’t include the cost of fixtures (lighting, vanities, sinks, faucets, knobs, etc). Factor that in when budgeting.
9. Also be prepared for the final cost to change if you choose a different level of flooring, countertop or cabinetry than your contractor estimated.
10. Ask your contractor what suppliers they work with so you can take advantage of their contractor discount.
11. Over-communicate with your contractor. Don’t assume that all the little details you’re envisioning are the way they’re thinking too (Where do you want the cabinet pulls placed? How high do you want the light fixtures hung?)
12. Painting estimates are more involved than you might think. Do you want doors, ceilings, closets, baseboards and shoe molding painted – or just walls? What gloss for each surface? How many coats?
13. If you’re ordering wallpaper, make sure each roll is from the same dye lot.
14. If you’re ordering door handles, just know there is a difference between exterior, interior, lock vs. passage vs. dummy, and make sure you order the handle facing the right direction😅
15. You will be inundated with selections. Carpet & pad samples, countertop types/edges/seams, floor stains & finishes, cabinet styles, paint colors & finishes, backsplash tile, grout color, not to mention all the fixtures you have to select and purchase. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Take it one piece at a time. Creating a folder with screenshots of the look you’re going for helps.
