When it comes to renovating your home, there are some mistakes you simply must avoid if you want to get the most out of your investment. Many homeowners think that they will get all their money back – and then some – when/if they sell the house, but that isn’t always the case. Don’t allow yourself to become so excited that you don’t think things through. Home renovation is a process that takes time and requires a lot of planning.

Here are some common mistakes that you definitely should avoid making:

Trying to undertake everything by yourself.

Everybody has their DIY limits. You will need help by professionals at some point. You might be able to do small jobs, such as painting the doors and trimming by yourself, but you will require licensed professionals for the more challenging and complex jobs. Trying to do the more difficult tasks by yourself can result in disaster. You will then be stuck paying even more money to have a professional fix your mistakes.

Not working with the right renovation company.

Do NOT hire the cheapest contractor you come across. Work with a renowned company with a lot of experience and knowledge. The Reno Pros is a great choice. Look at portfolios for some ideas regarding houses the same size and style as your own. You might also want to acquire professional management services. Managing the project yourself can turn into a mess – particularly if you are having your entire home renovated.

Not acquiring the right permits.

Every area has certain building codes. Most routine maintenance procedures do not require permits, but many remodeling changes do. Find out what kind of permits you will need, and make sure that everything you plan to do complies with building codes. Failing to do this may result in fines and difficulties selling the house in the future.

Making inaccurate measurements.

This is especially a problem with items like cabinets and bathtubs. If something needs to be built-in, obtaining accurate measurements is a must. Even if you’re just half an inch off, you will either have to return the piece of furniture or appliance and wait for another one to come in, or modify the walls to make the fit. Don’t just measure everything once – measure everything at least ten times, and have someone else take measurements as well to see if they match up with yours.

Neglecting things you can’t see.

Renovating your home requires more than just making aesthetic improvements. If you plan on remodeling your attic, for instance, you might as well make improvements with insulation and ventilation as well. If you are renovating walls, make plumbing and wiring improvements as well. Take care of everything at once.

Going overboard.

You don’t have to have the biggest, fanciest house in the neighborhood. Don’t add a bunch of excessive features just for the sake of having them. Look at other homes selling in your area for an idea of how much they are going for and determine how much money you should invest in your own house. If you go overboard, you might have trouble finding a buyer because people looking for homes in your area might not be able to afford your high price

Renovating your home is something that takes a lot of planning and preparation. Have licensed professionals help you every step of the way, from planning to installation.