Whether you are a new or current home owner looking to renovate the exterior of your home, there are important things to consider in your decision-making process. Even a small project can create a major headache and even bigger pain on the wallet. You want a smooth process with good use of every dollar. We’ve provided you with 11 important mistakes to not make.

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#1 – NOT CHECKING OUT THE BONES OF YOUR HOUSE

You need to have a good understanding of the overall condition of your home and its necessary components. Imagine replacing all the siding on your home because you didn’t like the color. Only to find out a month later you have a roof leak and peeling crumbing caulk on all of your windows. These problems should obviously come before aesthetic repairs. The most important of these are your roof, foundation, windows and mechanicals. If you’ve just bought a new home, your inspection should have provided you with information as to whether these 4 things are adequate or in need of improvement/replacement. If you’ve had your house for a while, you might want to consider the age of your roof and windows and whether your foundation is solid.

• Roof – This is an important consideration both in terms of cost and protection of the interior of your house. If the roof is relatively new, it won’t need to be changed for years unless you want a different material.

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• Windows – The age of the windows, thermal quality and ability to keep the house warm and cool, and whether the exterior caulking is intact or failing are things to consider. If the windows are not old and still functioning well, there is no need to change them unless you want a new look.

• Foundation – Generally, you will know if your foundation is sound as long as you don’t have water leaking into the house or basement. If you do, weatherproofing is one of the first things to take care of.

• Mechanicals – Your furnace, hot water heater keep your home running. A well-maintained furnace can last 15-20 years and about half of that for a hot water heater.

#2 – THINKING YOU CAN HANDLE A FIRST TIME PROJECT YOURSELF

Unless you have a lot of building experience yourself, hiring a general contractor can save you time and money. A contractor can come up with a plan for your project, secure an architect if needed, handle all materials, and coordinate sub-contractors. When hiring one, make sure to do the following:

• Ask for references, and call them. There is nothing wrong with asking for some previous references. Typically, a good contractor has a lot of happy clients and is proud of their work. Handing over a couple references should not be an issue for a good contractor. Also, always Google them, look on various websites to read reviews for each contractor you intend to interview. Don’t just rely on the contractor’s website to avoid bias.

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• Interview 2-3 contractors before deciding on the best one for you. The cheapest contractor isn’t always the best. Check references of actual jobs they’ve completed. Remember, if your project is lengthy, you’ll be in each other’s space for as long as it takes to complete.

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• Ask for a schedule. Your contractor should know when step by step how a project is going to work. This is important as it will give you an idea what area of your home may be tore up at what time. Also, this will allow you to budget accordingly knowing what materials need to be purchased first and what only requires a deposit.

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• Ask questions. If something doesn’t make sense or you fully don’t understand the process ask!

• Sign a contract. It needs to be clear what you expect and what you will be receiving.

#3 – LOCKING IN A CONTRACTOR BEFORE RECEIVING BIDS FOR ALL NECESSARY WORK

You need to get bids for materials as well as labor if it is needed. You could meet with a roofer and think they are fantastic with a reasonable rate. You give them a non-refundable deposit and only to find out the roof you need has now pushed you over your budget and you haven’t even gotten to the failing windows on your house. Make sure you have good idea of all your costs before you give any deposits.

#4 – NOT MAKING SURE MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE WITHIN REASONABLE TIMEFRAME

Some materials need to be preordered way in advance, and others just plain aren’t available due to Covid shortages. You need to make sure a material you need to proceed to next step is available in a timely manner and does not hold up progress.

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#5 – DEMO TOO MUCH AT ONCE

It is super exciting to start renovations. But don’t get Chip Gaines demo happy and start tearing down areas that aren’t necessary yet. Don’t start tearing off the roof if your new roof materials aren’t going to be delivered for a couple weeks. You have no idea what could happen with the weather or even your roofing contractor getting backed up and falling behind. You don’t want to cause unnecessary water damage having your house exposed for too long.

#6 – THINKING YOU NEED TO REPLACE EVERYTHING

There are some high-ticket items that do not necessarily need to be replaced. Like windows, shutters or gutters. If you wanted to update the look of your home you could possibly paint these items verse replacing them all. Obviously, you can paint wood but you can vinyl as well! Just make sure you sand until surface feels rough to the touch. This will allow the paint to adhere. Also, the best paint for vinyl is water-based 100% acrylic paint.

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#7- SKIMPING ON QUALITY

We all have the bottom dollar on our minds. Cutting corners are okay in certain instances. But on major functioning components you get what you pay for. Skimping on something like windows could cost you more in the long run. Because damage to even a single window can open up other parts of your home to damage as well.

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#8- USING THE WRONG TYPE OF PAINT

Depending on area or material there can be a few options for type of paint, and for some only 1 that should be used. There are many types of paint finishes and each gives a different appearance or function. For example, a semi-gloss is ideal for painting your front door, as its more stain resistant than flatter sheens and easily wipes clean. It is also more reflective, which highlights trim detail. Brick for instance looks the best using flat or eggshell. Although these two finishes are not the easiest to hose down or clean so if maintenance is just as important as looks then a satin might be best for you.

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#9- USING TOO MANY TRENDY MATERIALS OR STYLES

We all want to be on point with current trends and styles. But sometimes our home exterior is best to play it a bit safe. This could save you from getting tired of something too flashy. Or the trend is so bold it leaves the top spot in popularity quickly. Neutrals are a safe bet, think whites, beiges, greiges. If you love color, the blue-gray trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Also remember black is a neutral! So, if you love contrast, adding black to any design ads drama and interest.

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#10- NOT BEING REALISTIC ABOUT BUDGET

Before you start any renovation project you need to have a good understanding about costs for materials and labor. If you are replacing your siding you need to know the quantity of siding needed. Shop around, get a few quotes for all items needed and write it down. You could be in sticker shock once these items are added up. So better to know this before you start your project. Also always make sure to add in some extra dough. Studies show renovation projects typically exceed budget by minimum 16%.

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#11- NOT USING DZINLY.COM!

Home renovations are pricey, why not SEE what it will look like once completed? Dzinly.com is the simple and affordable approach to virtual exterior design. You can see ideas rendered on your home, from professional designers, within two business days. Take all the guesswork out of your renovation. Make your largest investment look the best with Dzinly.com.