Planning a home renovation project demands adequate fund financing, a predetermined budget, and a detailed timeline. Frequently, homeowners find themselves in the midst of a remodeling project only to realize that they have committed multiple home renovation mistakes. These remodeling errors can lead to delays, stress, and extra expense in the form of emergency loans. In general, there are various pitfalls that homeowners commonly encounter when undertaking home improvement projects. 

1. Setting an unrealistic budget
Determining a budget is one of the most crucial steps in the success of a  home renovation  project. It helps one make the right selection of products, know their limits, and avoid financial surprises in the process. However, the budget will only pave the way for success if it is well thought-out and realistic. Sadly, many homeowners rush through the process and forget the primary components in the remodeling drill. So, when deciding a budget, consider every aspect of the renovation. It can include the following things:

• Temporary housing
  Is it safe or realistic to stay during the construction, or should one look for other alternative options? This can help them sort out expenses for the accommodation too.
• Project scope
  Write down everything that is a part of the project before the construction starts.
• Permitting process finishes and selections
  Determine their availability and pricing.
• Labor
  Is one managing or securing individual contractors, or does one have a general contractor handling the overall process? These questions need to be answered to help one through the remodeling process. 

Consider all this information and then decide what one is willing to spend. Do not try aiming for a number that is too low. It can leave one pinching pennies and picking cheaper selections than one needs. Similarly, if one aims for a number that is too high, they might end up at a cost they cannot afford. Thus, it is best to come to a middle ground.

2. Shopping for cheaper materials
The bitter taste of the poor quality remains long after the initial satisfaction of a low price has faded. So, while one works on their home renovation project, they should bear it in mind. It may be tempting to cut corners and opt for cheap materials, but they must be cautious about the elements they decide to replace or cut with low-quality alternatives. Hence, when trying to reduce cost, always do it on items that do not impact the overall design and can be added later as time goes by, for instance, a hidden water bubbler, high-end marble tile, in-built cabinetry, cabinet hardware, or a kitchen backsplash. Never cut corners on things with maximum staying power, such as hardwood flooring or top-quality cabinet construction. 

3. Hiring a cheap contractor
Home renovation is typically costly. Homeowners try saving money by going with the contractor with the least bids or the most inexpensive one they can find. While one must be mindful of their budget, they should ensure they do not pick a contractor solely based on price. Always remember the cheapest contractor might not necessarily be the best to do the job. Consequently, the quality will suffer. Homeowners trying to keep costs down at the expense of everything end up paying more in the long run, as they have to hire a professional to redo sloppy jobs or fix mistakes. Hence, before one trusts someone with a job, acquire the price estimates from different contractors. Also, request to see testimonials from prior clients and even contact them with specific questions about their experience with the contractor.

4. Opting for trendy finishes and colors
It is a forgivable mistake if one decides  to stay at home in the long run.  But if conducting home renovations in a house that will be sold soon, always opt for neutral colors. The best neutral tones are gray tones. Neutral palette appeals to most buyers. On the contrary, trendy or poppy colors limit the buying pool. 

5. Stressing on décor and not quality construction
It is the type of renovation people perform when they flip houses. Since they focus on the décor too much, the construction quality suffers. One can integrate excellent remodeling with top-notch décor, but place quality at the top of the priority list.

6. Ignoring the legal permits
Acquiring a permit for a brief renovation might seem like a waste of money and time to most homeowners. However, in many places, it is crucial for most home improvements. A permit depicts that the work has been performed according to legal standards and assures future buyers that the work is conducted safely.

7. Rushing with the job
The remodeling process requires time. When planning a home renovation, give it enough time to plan every step and address unexpected issues. Respect the enormity of it and keep a window of at least three to six months if undertaking a big project. The idea is to keep a cushioning of at least a few extra weeks to assemble a team, plan a project, and work through any unforeseen hiccups.

8. Ignoring the natural light
One thing one does not see on the floor plan is how natural light shapes a room. So, figure out how the different spaces in the house feel as the sun shifts across the day before finalizing the layout. For instance, one might want their primary family living areas to benefit from maximum light. So, amplifying the levels with glazing alternatives like large picture windows or glass patio decors can help. On the contrary, one can keep the occasional rooms like guest spaces and snugs to occupy the darker areas of the house. 

9. Failuring to measure the cabinets properly
It can be a costly mistake. Often people shop for kitchen cabinets, call for installation, and then realize that the appliance needs more space. Hence, measure and remeasure. So it is best to have two people measure the cabinets and match the dimensions to leave no room for error.