Renovating a home is a significant undertaking. It’s not for the faint of heart. Not only is it difficult work, but it’s also financially all-consuming. You begin a project with a budget of, say, $30,000 and soon realize that what you want to do is a going to cost double or triple that.
What’s more, you can have people who plow their life savings into a property renovation only to come out the other side wishing they’d done things differently. Are you planning a renewal of your property? Check out these biggest regrets that renovators have when they come to the end of their project.
Failing To Install Underfloor Heating
Traditional central heating systems had a good run. Boilers, radiators, and pipes running through every room got the job done and provided people in the 19th and 20th centuries with the facilities that they needed to warm themselves on cold evenings.
But we’re not living in the 20th century anymore, so why are our heating systems? Many renovators stick with traditional formats not because they have to, but because they can’t think of anything else. Options like underfloor heating seem like something reserved only for those with the fattest wallets.
The truth, however, is that they’re not. Underfloor heating is surprisingly accessible these days, especially if you’re planning a full-scale renovation. What’s more, you can finally get rid of all those ugly radiators and clattering pipes, freeing up your interior spaces and making them more attractive.
Failing To Replace The Roof
Roofs are only designed to last a certain amount of time. Beyond that, and you end up with regular problems as the various elements age. Roof replacement is often the only option. Many renovators, however, forget about the roof entirely, believing it to be like the masonry – virtually immortal. It’s not.
Replacing the roof isn’t as dramatic as it first sounds. While it’s a major project, it’s actually about restoring the property to its former utility rather than making fundamental changes. You can upgrade the roof covering material and get something that looks more stylish.
Failing To Get Dimmer Switches
While you can always install dimmer switches at a later date, many renovators regret putting them in immediately. Dimmer switches let you adjust the brightness of the lighting in all your rooms, allowing you to set the mood however you like.
The utility of dimmer switches really comes into its own when you’re trying to watch a movie. You don’t have to choose between sitting in the dark or watching with bright lights on. You can calibrate the brightness to the perfect level.
Failing To Install An Intercom
With the rise of the smart home, it’s becoming progressively more comfortable to install things like intercoms and intelligent cameras. But, with that said, it’s nice to have these things become part of the fabric of the house. Retrofitting them later can be a hassle.
You can see why this is one of the biggest regrets that renovators have. It offers a tremendous amount of utility and prevents you from having to go down to the garden gates or front door every time you want to let someone in.
Please note that some of the links above and below are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.
