I did the unthinkable – I purchased a home in this crazy, insane, way too high market. I was so proud of myself. And, I bought it for under asking, knowing that I would need to renovate it. Inevitably there would be some unexpected home reno things I would have to learn but, no problem.
I had some renovation budget saved, spoke to a contractor, was told my budget worked for what I wanted to do and that I could be in the house in a few months. All of it sounded great! I was excited.
Let me backtrack and stress on something – all of it sounded great. Once construction started… basically everything that could go wrong, went wrong.
The Unexpected Home Reno Things I Couldn’t Anticipate
There are so many things I wish I had known at the start of the process that I had no idea about, especially as a first time homeowner. Learn from my mistakes. Here are the unexpected things I have learned during my home reno. You don’t want to follow in my footsteps.
Have Multiple Contractors Look Over Your Home
I did not get multiple contractors to look at my house and give me an estimate on the time it would take and the amount of money it would take. Why not? Because the contractor I was using was a family friend. So, of course I didn’t think they would steer me wrong.
Well, sometimes, when you are doing business, it’s best to go with someone you do not have any ties too. I should have gotten that second, even third and fourth, estimate. I probably would have seen sooner that I really was not saving as much money as I thought I was by going with a family friend.
Look Into Your Village/Town/City Building Renovation Rules
You may own the house, but that still does not mean you have free reign to do whatever you want to the house – that’s a lesson I learned the hard way. I had no idea that the area I had purchased in had strict building rules, even when it came to home demo!
I had started the demo process shortly after closing on the house happened and I had the keys. Well, I was quickly hit with a stop work order because of it. Why? Because the area I lived in required a permit, even for interior demo.
I could not get the stop work order taken off until I had gone through the proper process of filing and receiving a construction permit… which literally took months. Don’t miss this part of unexpected home reno things when you start your own renovations.
It Will Take Longer Than You Think
When it comes to construction, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. Never expect the best, always expect the worst. Those are two pieces of advice I wish I had heard at the start of this.
I was only planning on knocking down a couple of walls. Well, you knock down one wall, find black mold and deteriorating framing, you better knock down all the rest to fix everything. I did not realize how old the home was that I was buying… and how much work it needed.
If I didn’t fix everything from the get-go, I would definitely have to deal with problems down the line. And they are so much worse to deal with when you’re already settled in and living there!
Unexpected Home Reno Things: Expensive!! More Than You’d Think
That budget that I was comfortable with from the get-go? It’s out the window. We’re at over double that already. Why? Because more work than I had originally thought had to be done.
Mistakes had to be corrected. Fines and permits had to be paid. The cost of material is insane. All of that adds up, and it adds up quickly.
Everyone in older generations I have spoken to and told them this home renovation is costing me more than double has literally said to me that they’re not surprised to hear that. Why did no one tell me this before I purchased the home?!
You Feel Like A Constant ATM
There were times during this process when money was due for everything. It came due for the contractor, for the electrician, for the plumber, for the inspections. All of this is typically due in cash, too.
I felt like I lived at the bank; the tellers knew my name, knew what was going on, and even stopped asking me why I needed so much cash! I felt like a constant ATM, and I also felt like people thought I had never ending funds.
Whereas I am very fortunate that I do well for myself, I am by far not someone who has never ending funds. I never dealt with financial stress like this before. This component of unexpected home reno parts was a whole new ballgame for me.
Make Sure You Have Good Neighbors
The one silver lining during this home renovation is that my neighbors on either side of me are fantastic. They didn’t complain about the eye sore that was up while the stop work order was in place and we couldn’t do anything.
They didn’t complain when we had to fence the house in to start construction. And, they didn’t complain about the construction noise. In fact, they are so supportive and keep an eye on the house for me as I am not living there just yet.
They text me all the time letting me know how impressed they are with the progress and how they can’t wait for me to move in. If I didn’t have their support, and I had neighbors who were unhappy with the construction and how long things are taking, this home renovation experience would be more stressful than it already is.
One Closing Piece Of Advice On Unexpected Home Reno Things…
Before you get into a home renovation, especially a major one, take a step back and make sure you are ready, not just financially, but mentally and emotionally, too. Whatever price or timeline you are given, double it in your head.
Home renovation is the epitome of the mindset “have low expectations that way you can be happily surprised.” I would also make sure that you chat with a financial advisor or a family member before starting, too. This way you have a backup option if you do need some extra cash that you do not have on hand just yet.
Final Thoughts On Unexpected Home Reno Things I’ve Learned
So speaking from experience, take note, a home renovation project is not for the faint of heart. The process can be so discouraging. But, maybe now you know some of these easily unexpected home reno things you’ll be more prepared if you do!
