With any new home improvement project, there’s always a lot to think about. But understanding some of the common mistakes that homeowners make, and knowing how to prevent them, will go a long way to avoiding any potential stresses.
Biggest Home Improvement Mistakes
Earlier this year, a survey of members of consumer group Which?’s endorsement scheme Trusted Traders revealed some of the more frequent pitfalls:
1.) Underestimating the budget
The traders surveyed cited this as the most common problem of all. Get a breakdown of costs from the start, and understand where the money is going. Try and make sure everything is covered from the outset.
2.) Not appreciating the project’s complexity
Some 65% of the traders surveyed said that customers didn’t always appreciate just how complex a particular home improvement project can be.
To stop this from happening to you, do plenty of online research so you’re aware of what to expect. At Isis Windows, we’ll make sure we communicate well with you every step of the way so you know what’s involved. Equally, we’ll always be happy to answer any questions you may have. In the unlikely event of any hold-ups or other issues, we’ll always explain why these have occurred – and offer a solution.
3.) Employing the wrong tradesperson
Nearly two-thirds (63%) of traders said customers hadn’t hired the right tradesperson for a job. Again, this can be avoided with good communication. At Isis, we’ll be open with you if your project doesn’t fall within our skillset, and we’ve been doing what we do for years. Always ask to see examples of a trader’s previous work to have peace of mind that they have done a similar project previously.
4.) Underestimating how long a job takes to complete
More than half (56%) of those surveyed said customers had underestimated how long it would take to complete a job.
Again, talk to your trader about what’s involved before starting any project. They should be able to explain how long different parts of it will take, and keep you informed about any delays and the reasons for them.
5.) Not leaving it to the professionals
Just over half (51%) of those surveyed had come across over-enthusiastic DIYers. A similar number had even come across dangerous situations where people had tried (and bodged) DIY home improvements. If you decide to do any work yourself, make very sure you know what you’re doing, especially, for obvious reasons, if gas and electricity are involved.
Many of the potential issues in home improvement projects are caused by poor communication, having the wrong expectations or hiring a trader who simply isn’t up to the job.
At Isis Windows, we’ve been supplying double-glazed windows in Oxford and around for more than 20 years. With FENSA membership and a decade-long guarantee on our installations, you can choose us with confidence for your replacement windows and doors. Give the friendly, professional helpful team a call today.