Top home renovation myths that we’re busting today

If you’ve recently made the decision to do some home renovation, you probably have a billion questions about how you can best go about doing so. Improving your home is going to require a hefty investment of your time, effort and money, so it’s important to ensure that you make the right choices from the get-go. (Cover image credits)

Want to separate fact from fiction? Let’s go ahead and debunk some of the top home renovation myths out there which may be holding you back from achieving your perfect dream home.  

Myth #1: You save a heck of a lot of money doing home renovation yourself

This is one of the most common home renovation myths – if you want to save money, it’s best to do it yourself instead of hiring a professional.

True or false: False. Let’s be honest here: Unless you have personally worked as a contractor or in a similar line, you probably don’t have the expertise or proficiency to tackle a home renovation project on your own – no matter how many episodes of Fixer Upper you may have watched beforehand.

Also, going the DIY route is often a bigger investment than most homeowners expect. At the end of the day, it’s important for you to know and understand your own limitations – and don’t be afraid to invest in a professional’s help.

Myth #2: You should always choose the lowest bidder

When it comes to hiring an interior designer or contractor, many people believe that the best method is to get 2-3 different quotations and pick the lowest one. (Alternatively, some others believe it’s better to go with the most expensive option, as higher fees indicate a higher level of experience.)

True or false: False. The truth is, a contractor’s fees won’t be able to help you determine their level of experience or quality of work.

It’s best to do as much research as you can before deciding on a contractor. Interview several different people and make a comparison.

You’ll want to ask them questions about their rates and estimated budget for your project. While you’re at it, find out more about things like their previous projects and work history, and check out their reviews or testimonials online. This will help you pick the best contractor to meet your needs and help you achieve your home remodelling goals.

Myth #3: Any remodelling project will add value to your home

This is another common myth – that any remodelling project you do will increase your home’s value.

True or false: It depends on the renovation. There’s nothing wrong with improving your home, but not all changes or new features that make sense to you may appeal to potential buyers.

Instead of adding a home office or hot tub, it’s a better idea to focus on making your home practical and functional. Make sure that all basic house repairs are taken care of, as things like leaky sinks or uneven flooring can actually decrease the overall value of your home.

Myth #4: You can’t go wrong with the latest home design trends

It can be tempting to follow the latest trends when making your home remodelling plans. A trendy home is a beautiful home, right?

True or false: False. As with fashion, the interior design landscape is ever-evolving, and trends will come and go. After a few months, that trendy new kitchen design you thought was cool may start to seem a little over-the-top – or simply may not match the rest of your home.

The key to good home renovation is to keep things stylish, yet simple. Do your research beforehand on different styles, and plan things out before committing to a particular design. You’ll want something that’s not just practical, but which appeals to your own personal preferences.

Myth #5: You can save money by buying materials yourself

Most people are unsure whether it’s cheaper to let their contractor order and provide the materials, or if it’s more affordable to source what they need by themselves.

True or false: It depends. If you do your due diligence, it may be cheaper for you to locate what you need on your own, from distributors or mega retail stores.

However, not everyone has the time to research, or to travel from place to place comparing prices. If so, it may be best to rely on your contractor to make the material orders/purchases as part of their services.

Most professionals already have strong relationships with suppliers/wholesalers, giving them access to high-quality materials at lower costs. They also have the expertise necessary to tell good quality materials from lower-tier ones, and will know exactly how much of each material to order so there won’t be any waste or excess.

Depending on how well prepared you are, your home renovation process can either be a breeze or a huge pain. To make sure you’ve got all your bases covered, check out our articles on dealing with irresponsible contractors for newbie homeowners and 6 questions to ask before committing to an interior designer!

Find the home of your dreams today at Singapore’s largest property portal 99.co!