We love home makeover shows for the instant gratification. In a single episode, you can watch a dilapidated crack den transform into a farmhouse-inspired family abode. But according to interior designer Cynthia Soda, Principal of Soda Pop Design Inc., some renovators could use a reality check. Here she shares seven truths about home renovations that the cameras won\u2019t show you.<\/p>\n
1. Renovations take months, not days or weeks
\nWhile an episode of your favorite home makeover show only runs 30 minutes, in reality, the renovation process takes much, much longer. \u201cA whole-house reno takes five months, and often clients are surprised by that,\u201d says Soda. \u201cEverything takes time, we can\u2019t just wave a magic wand and make it all come together!\u201d However, those unexpected problems and expenses that arise are very real. \u201cOn a recent project of mine, we ordered a sink four months in advance and it still wasn\u2019t delivered on time,\u201d says Soda. \u201cThe counters didn\u2019t get to template and the entire schedule had to be pushed back. Once one thing gets pushed back, everything starts to snowball.\u201d<\/p>\n
2. Renovations often cost much more than what you see on TV
\nAn entire kitchen makeover for $1,000? Dream on, says Soda. \u201cWhile it\u2019s true that contractors and designers can help you find the best price for materials, they\u2019re not going to score things for free,\u201d she adds. \u201cWe can do beautiful work on a budget, but homeowners need to be realistic.\u201d Home improvement programs often do not disclose the products or labor they recieve for free in exchange for all that TV publicity, which can drastically distort the final budget.<\/p>\n
3. Remodeling a \u2018fixer upper\u2019 takes a lot of elbow grease, knowledge and experience
\n\u201cBecause there\u2019s so much out there in terms of inspiration, like on Pinterest, Houzz and Instagram, people look at a project and think, \u2018Okay, I could do totally do that in my place!\u2019 says Soda. Retiling your kitchen backsplash with the help of a YouTube tutorial may save money on labor costs, but rookie DIY mistakes could end up costing you more in the long run. \u201cDo your research ahead of time and make sure you know what you\u2019re getting into before you begin,\u201d says Soda. \u201cYou might consider yourself a \u2018handy\u2019 person, but it\u2019s quite another thing when you\u2019re dabbling in an industry where professionals are paid to install cabinets or hook up a dishwasher. At the very least, have someone that you can go to with questions if you run into trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n
4. The return on investment for your reno may not be astronomical
\nA sparkling new kitchen may attract potential buyers to your open house, but it\u2019s no guarantee the property will sell over asking \u2014 maybe it\u2019s a buyers market, or the neighborhood lacks top-notch schools. \u201cIf you\u2019re buying a place to flip it or rent it out, make sure you\u2019re sticking to your budget because you\u2019ll want to make back your investment immediately,\u201d says Soda. \u201cBut if you\u2019re going to live in the home for five to 10 years, then the real \u2018return on investment\u2019 should be that you get to live in a space you\u2019re proud of,\u201d says Soda. While she warns it isn\u2019t wise to overspend or ignore the market completely, Soda believes your reno decisions should make you happy.<\/p>\n
5. Flipping homes isn\u2019t a get-rich-quick scheme
\n\u201cI don\u2019t know too many people who have a pile of money sitting around that they can use to purchase a lot and invest money in upfront,\u201d says Soda. Flipping houses often requires capital from an investor, and very few are willing to fork over that cash with no strings attached. \u201cIt\u2019s a partnership and if your investor isn\u2019t happy with what you\u2019re doing that can lead to longer lead time, which could mean you have to hold onto the property longer,\u201d notes Soda. \u201cAgain, it\u2019s one of those situations where you really have to do your research. Have an understanding of what could potentially go wrong, and evaluate all of your risks before jumping in.\u201d<\/p>\n
6. Your permit has to be approved before construction can begin
\nWhen was the last time you saw a TV host haul their cookies down to City Hall to secure a building permit? Paperwork is boring, which is why it doesn\u2019t get a lot of airtime. \u201cIf you hire a designer that has their BCIN [Building Code Identification Number] they can stamp your drawings and have them go to permit,\u201d says Soda. \u201cIf you\u2019re looking to do an extensive renovation, like adding another level to your home, you\u2019d have to bring in an architect and an engineer to make sure you have all your T\u2019s crossed and I\u2019s dotted.\u201d Depending on the type of renovation, you may need to hire additional specialists, like an arborist or geological expert. \u201cTechnically, you should wait for a permit to be approved before starting construction. The last thing you want to is to begin demo, only to find out that your permit has been denied!\u201d<\/p>\n
7. Constant visits to the site are not recommended
\nOn TV, it seems like the homeowners are always stopping by the worksite \u2014 delivering baked goods to the trades and spewing one-liners for the camera. \u201cI know it sounds weird, but if you\u2019re working with a contractor and design team, stay out of their way as much as possible,\u201d says Soda. Instead, she suggests visiting the site at the end of the day after everyone has left and relaying any notes you may have to the contractor. \u201cVisiting the site to chat with everyone holds up progress, and you\u2019re only hurting yourself at the end of the day,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n