When you are renovating your home, it is important that you choose high-quality materials, use the right tools, and follow simple DIY instructions for each individual project. There are also some common mistakes other homeowners make that you can learn from and work to avoid.

Failing to Get a Permit

A very common mistake made by people who are new to remodeling and home renovations is not getting a permit. It might seem like your renovations are simple to complete and since you own your home and property, it shouldn't be up to the city when you choose what to do in your home. Unfortunately, this is seldom the case. Many renovations require a permit, though it depends on your city ordinances. Some common reasons you will need a permit is if you are adding a room to your home, doing major plumbing or electrical work, or are working with the home's sewer system. Make sure you visit your local building permit office to find out if you need a permit or not.

Not Being Aware of Plumbing and Electrical Work

If part of your remodeling project has to do with tearing down a wall with a sledgehammer, you should not just swing the hammer and have fun with it. While this can be a great stress relief, it puts you at risk of permanently damaging these systems in your home. You first need to be aware of exactly where the electrical wiring is located behind that wall. If you accidentally hit a wire, you will need to call an electrician to have it repaired. The same goes for the plumbing, which could lead to a burst pipe and major flood damage in your home.

Ignoring the Importance of Waste Pickup

You might be halfway through your home remodeling project before you realize how much of a mess you are making. It is important that you consider how your waste will be picked up before you even get started. If you are remodeling a small part of your home, such as replacing a bathtub in your bathroom, you might be able to get it done the same day. In this case, you will often put the waste in the back of your truck and haul it to the dump yourself. However, bigger remodeling projects last longer and have more waste than you can handle on your own. You will either need to rent a dumpster to be placed in your driveway or in the street during the project, or hire a hauling company to pick it up for you. This keeps the area clean and allows you to deal with the waste expediently.