Renovation & Remodeling Myths

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Few processes are as riddled with myths and misunderstandings as home renovations. Inaccurate beliefs heard from the infamous 'friend of a friend,' or self-professed "experts" on an internet video can cost would-be DIYers a lot of time, money, and energy. Here are four of the most enduring remodeling myths that professionals find themselves cleaning up after:

  • Permits are a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have. While buying raw materials can be a budget buster, nothing costs more than having to unexpectedly dismantle your work without a permit. The fines, fees, and cost of having to tear down finished work, apply for permits, and rebuild it can tank an entire renovation in a matter of moments. Before picking out new doors for your home, windows, cabinets, or countertops, make sure that you're following your state and county's permit regulations. And of course, don't skimp on necessary inspections.
  • I can do the work. I don't need a professional. Placing a renovation component in its proper place isn't really completing the job. Years of experience guides a professional's eye, helping them spot issues like potential leakage around window frames, what to expect from countertops settling, and whether a wall can bear the weight of a particular set of cabinets. All of these scenarios can and are easily missed by a well-intentioned DIY enthusiast, who is then saddled with high HVAC bills, mildew, a need for replacement countertop solutions, or a huge mess of broken replacement cabinets and drywall. Remember, while television shows can make DIY trends look easy, they don't show the "behind the scenes" experts fixing oversights and guiding the project. To avoid issues, use these popular shows for design inspiration, rather than a blueprint for doing the work yourself!
  • I'll just repair them (counters, cabinets, etc.) instead of replacing them. While upgrading features of your home like windows is an investment, it's one that some homeowners are hesitant to make. The fact of the matter is that components are only part of the way a feature like a window operates. Sure, a pane can be replaced, but in the interim, the seal is shriveling up due to unseen dry rot. Your home's components are designed and intended to be upgraded periodically, and it offers you an excellent opportunity to improve both aesthetics and function in the process.
  • I'll always get my investment back. While it's true that improving things like kitchen and bathroom accents during a remodel can often boost your home's value, there's also no guarantee they will. It's always best to keep your budget conservative and manageable while renovating, rather than pouring a great deal of money into a remodel in a gamble to get it back during a home sale. An experienced member of the installation team at Window Depot can offer suggestions for reasonable improvements that fit your home, your budget, and your lifestyle.

If you're ready to unlock the potential beauty in your home's windows, doors, counters, and more, The Window Depot has a location near you in AZ, TX, NM, or CA. Give our experts a call today and make an appointment for your renovation needs: you have nothing to lose but your home's outdated features![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]