Remodeling your home is an exciting experience for any Ohio family that will transform the home you have, into the home that your family wants or needs. Don’t be so hasty though, remodeling isn’t really that straight forward and easy!

You’ve probably heard some of the remodeling horror stories from friends, family and co-workers but it’s also never easy to learn the truth in these situations and what events really led up to the negative experience. What you can do as a homeowner though, is learn what not to do when you’re remodeling your own home because mistakes with construction can be very costly, either immediately or much further down the road when an unexpected repair is needed.

Here are 6 different home remodeling mistakes that we really don’t want to see you make if you’re remodeling your Ohio home.

#1. Setting an Unrealistic Remodeling Budget

As a contractor this is something we experience all the time.  Many homeowners are not really aware of the costs for projects like these unless they’ve done it before.  To a first time home buyer who’s never remodeled a home before the price of what they want to do can be a sticker shock. If the scope of work you want to complete is outside your immediate budget range, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to build large projects in “phases” over a longer period of time. Maybe you start with a specific room like a bathroom, move to the kitchen, then tackle that large basement space further down the road.

Your entire project doesn’t need to be completed at once. Talk to your contractor about “phasing” your project and how they would recommend you do it to maximize your return.  On the other side of the coin it’s important to remember that “phased” projects often don’t ever get finished, not at the fault of the contractor but the homeowners circumstances might change and the projects is no longer feasible.  Just something to think about.

#2. Use Caution Hiring The First Available Contractor You Find

Many homeowners make the mistake of wanting to get their home remodeled in a hurry and remodeling + hurry  = WORRY! This is almost always a recipe for disaster. When it comes to construction and remodeling “fast” usually means cheaply built and less care will be taken and inferior materials are going to be used.

A good contractor will almost always be booked up well in advance, sometimes 4-8 weeks or even more. This is a good sign, because it means their work is good enough to be in demand. While it might take several weeks to get to your project, your contractor can usually get started on your estimate right away and can help you work within your budget on material choices and if you decide to move forward, can book you into their schedule.

#3. Don’t Expect Returns on Hidden Upgrades When You Sell

There are certain aspects of a home remodel that buyers love to see and feel such as new granite countertops, new hardwood flooring or even new siding or a beautiful new architectural shingle roof. Then there are the remodeling upgrades that they can’t see such as upgraded plumbing and wiring. The latter is not something you can expect a buyer to want to pay more for and they probably won’t because it’s not visual, and they usually don’t care.

Most home buyers are only interested in the visual improvements they can see contributing to a higher value of the home and won’t want to pay more for upgrades they consider “essential” for any home such as proper plumbing, wiring or insulation for example.  Wouldn’t you?

#4. Making Your Remodeling Changes Too Personal

If you’re going to live out the rest of your days in your home, then it might not matter so much but if you intend to sell your home within months or years after your remodel it’s important to make sure whatever changes/improvements you make to the home will also be appealing to others.

While you might think that an 80’s decorating scheme is the way to go, someone looking to buy a nice, modern home in your neighborhood might not. If resale value of your home is important to you then try and choose home improvements that will be more appealing to a general crowd and stay on with current remodeling trends.

#5. Failing To Get Proper Permits

There are many contractors willing to do work on your home without a permit. Don’t do it! They probably don’t have insurance or a license either!  We can probably all agree that filing all the proper paperwork and cutting the red tape can be a pain in the rear but it’s absolutely necessary if doing things the right way is important to you.

When a permit is pulled for a home remodeling project a city inspector is charged with inspecting the work during the rough-in phase and usually once again after everything is finished. These visits ensure that everything has been done to code and is safe for your family.

If your remodeling project is being completed without any proper permits unless you know a lot about construction you won’t have any idea what is being done to your home. Getting caught doing large scale remodeling to your home without proper permits in place can lead to a stoppage of work and also very steep fines for you and your contractor. It’s just not worth it.

Ohio Home Doctor Remodeling is a Home Remodeling Contractor Based Out Of Springboro, Ohio

Ohio Home Doctor is a full service general contractor based out of Springboro, OH and serving all of the Miami Valley. We specialize in all aspects of home construction and remodeling from building a new shop or garage on your property to remodeling your kitchen or building out that home addition, we can even install a new roof if that’s what you’re looking for.

Like many of the great contractors in our area we’re always booked in advance for our projects so if you’d like to receive an estimate for your upcoming home remodeling project please give us a call 937-605-6882 or fill out our contact form and someone will be getting right back to you.

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We would like to share this important information about egress window and the code requirements for them.

Wells: 

Wells vary in form and function but all share the same basic purpose, help keep water out and provide a way out for your occupants in the event of a fire or other disaster.

Egress window wells generally come in either metal or plastic and need to include a ladder as per building code. Code varies per county so the well you select  must fit your needs as far as function and durability.

Check out the links on our egress page to browse different options then call the discuss the possibilities and schedule a time to receive a free quote from Ohio’s best egress window installer.

Covers: 

Egress window well covers are required by code and are generally a great safety feature. The well cover prevents children and pets from falling down the well from the outside and injuring themselves.

Well covers are available in several styles ranging from clear polycarbonate’s to steel grids.  Most egress window wells have covers special made for each particular well but custom well covers are available from Ohio Home Doctor.  Keep in mind choosing a well cover that lets in natural light is always an inportant consideration.

Drainage: 

A properly installed egress window and well system includes tying the wells drainage into your homes  drainage system and consequently the home’s sump pump pit.  Proper drainage must be installed both under the well and around the well for the systems drainage system to properly work for years to come.

Code Requirements:

The window sill must be less than 44 inches from the finished floor of your basement.

The window must proved at minimum 5.7 sq ft. of opening space meaning the actual space available for somebody to climb out of it not the rough opening need for the window.

Your window well must include a escape ladder apparatus for egress escape.  Window wells must include an approved cover.

When considering your new basement remodeling renovation why not let the light in and create and open up  all the possibilities for new living space by, adding an egress window.

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Pad profiles: 

A pads profile refers to how its finished edge appears next to the grid system.  Altering the pad profile can change the overall appearance of your proposed acoustical ceiling and can add elegance and prestige to your ceiling design  and your home remodel project..

Recessed:

Recessed profiles extend down past the grid and provide a recessed or sunken look.

Beveled:

Beveled acoustical ceiling pads have a unique modern look.  The edges are cut or mitered together forming nice even lines and a rich look.

Roman Ogy:

These profile are very elegant but can be costly.  Roman Ogy profiles are for customers who demand the most aesthetically pleasing results from there interior finishes.

What is an acoustical ceiling pad made of and is it safe for my family?

Acoustical ceiling pads are made of several different materials including recycled cardboard, recycled cotton, and other paper and fabric based materials.  Acoustical ceiling tiles are very clean and beautiful.  They are great choices for residential, hospitals, and businesses alike.

Grid Options: 

There are several grid options ranging from standard metal square and rectangular frames to hidden frames and elaborate industrial and commercial styles.  The most popular grid style is comprised of T shaped mains and cross supports and comes in a satin white electro finish.

Sound Proofing capabilities:

Acoustical ceilings, as the name insinuates, yield outstanding sound absorption and retention capabilities. Properly selected material and instillation can provide the utmost in sound proofing for its owners.  Custom sound designs are available for media rooms, doctor offices, and residential applications.  Ceilings can be designed to maximize audio visual experiences, or provide privacy and confidentiality when necessary.  Ohio Home Doctor can design and install an acoustical ceiling system that is right for your needs.

These various types of acoustical ceilings are the most common.

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Drywall:

Wood stud framed walls covered with ½ drywall a time tested and cost effective method for finishing basement walls. A wood framed wall with a pressure treated bottom plate offers great strength and long lasting durability while providing a finely finished wall system that maintains wall fluency throughout all the levels of your home.

Fiberglass Drywall:

Fiberglass drywall is a relatively new product and boast extreme resistance to mold growth. Mold spores, when provided the atmosphere and opportunity will typically grow only on the paper face of the drywall board not on the substrate. Thus by removing the paper and facing the panels will fiberglass laced with Microban the mold growth potential is greatly reduced.

Wood vs. Metal studs: 

When considering your options for remodeling or finishing your basement one must consider whether they want to frame the walls out of wood or metal studs. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Wood provides a sturdy wall system and is a great material for hanging cabinetry and doors.

However mold will grow on wood if provided the proper conditions and opportunity. Where as a metal wall will prohibit mold growth more so than wood wall but lacks in strength and ability to freely hang items from it. Some applications are best when a combination of wood and metal framing is utilized.

Call (937) 605-6882 today to schedule a time to discuss which basement finishing system would be best for your specific situation and conditions.

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