Renovating your home is a big deal—sure, it’s exciting and filled with possibilities, but it can get overwhelming fast. There are plenty of ways things can go off track, from setting your budget too low to making last-minute design changes. To help you keep your home renovation project stress free, we’ve put together a rundown of the most common mistakes (and how portable storage can make the process easier!)
Planning & Budgeting Mistakes
Underestimating Costs
It’s easy to think you’ve nailed your budget until you run into surprise expenses. Whether it’s unexpected permits, hidden structural issues, or the urge to upgrade materials, things do add up quickly. To avoid blowing your budget, always build in a little extra. Padding it by 10–20% is a smart move for those inevitable curveballs.
Unrealistic Timelines
We all hope for a fast turnaround, but renovations rarely go exactly as planned. Materials can take longer to arrive, work gets delayed, and schedules shift. Giving yourself a timeline buffer reduces stress if a phase of the project runs longer than expected.
Ignoring Structural Issues
You might have your heart set on a beautiful new living room, but if there are underlying problems with your home’s structure, it won’t matter how nice the space looks. Start off with a thorough inspection and address any big issues early on—that way, you’re not hit with surprise costs later.
Not Planning Sufficient Storage
Ever wonder where all your stuff will go during the renovation? This is something a lot of people forget. Portable storage units from Go Mini’s are a simple solution. These containers give you an easy, secure way to store your things so everything is out of the way and protected until your space is ready again.
Hiring & Workmanship Mistakes
Hiring the First Contractor
It’s tempting to say yes to the first contractor who seems friendly and available, but it pays off to shop around. Check references, get a few quotes, and read reviews so you can feel confident you’re picking someone reliable.
Choosing the Cheapest Option
We all love saving money, but going with cheap materials or the lowest bid can lead to regrets later on, like repairs, replacements, or even safety issues. Invest in skilled contractors and quality materials up front and you’ll thank yourself in the long run.
DIY Overkill
Doing some work yourself is great (and in fact, we love DIY solutions at Go Mini's!), but there’s a time and place for it. Complicated jobs like electrical and plumbing need a professional. Often, attempting these projects on your own ends up costing more to fix than if you’d brought in an expert from the start.
Design & Functionality Mistakes
Prioritizing Design Over Function
That trendy statement sink or open floor plan looks awesome in magazines, but it might not fit the way you actually live. Before jumping into the latest design fad, think about how you use your space day-to-day and what will make it most comfortable and practical for you.
Being Too Trend-Focused
It’s easy to get caught up chasing what’s “in” right now, but designs that are super trendy can go out of style quickly. Try to stick to classic features for the important pieces, and use fun accessories to show off your current style.
Forgetting Lighting
Lighting matters more than you might think. The right setup can transform a space, while poor lighting can make even the nicest room feel off. Aim for 2-3 sources of light in every room, and mix up your lighting with a combo of ambient, task, and accent lights for the best effect.
Choosing the Wrong Materials
Cheap materials sound good on paper, but especially in busy spots like the kitchen or hallway, quality pays off. Investing in durable, attractive finishes helps avoid frequent touch-ups and repairs down the road.
Other Common Mistakes
Not Reviewing Homeowners' Insurance Coverage
Before swinging that first hammer, make sure your homeowners' insurance is up to date and will cover any issues that could pop up during your renovation. It’s one of those details that’s easy to overlook but so important if something goes wrong.
Making Changes Mid-Project
It’s natural to want to tweak things as you go, but frequent changes can throw your budget and schedule off track. Take your time during planning to really settle on your choices. That way, you’re less likely to need last-minute fixes.
Not Storing Materials Properly
If you’re stocking up on materials and fixtures, don’t just leave them lying around. Chances are, you’ll be getting a lot of deliveries and you’ll have tools and materials piling up while you renovate. All that stuff takes up more room than you might expect, and leaving it scattered around can make things messy and even put your supplies at risk. Portable storage containers from Go Mini’s give you a safe, organized spot to keep everything until you’re ready for it.
How Portable Storage Can Make Renovations Easier
Renovations always stir up a bit of chaos, but portable storage can help keep things under control. With Go Mini’s portable storage containers delivered right to your driveway, you get flexible, secure storage that’s easy to access. You can safely stash furniture, valuables, or materials on your own property. No more tripping over boxes or risking damage to your things!
Why Choose Go Mini’s?
- Flexible Sizes: Pick the container that fits your space and project.
- Super Convenient: Delivered where you need it, when you need it—load and unload at your pace.
- Security You Can Trust: Quality containers are weather-resistant and keep your stuff safe.
- Options to Suit You: Keep your container at home or let Go Mini’s store it off-site until you’re ready.
Start Your Hassle-Free Renovation with Go Mini's Today
Renovations can be messy, chaotic, and downright exhausting. But a stress-free renovation is possible with the right planning and a little help from Go Mini’s. Don’t let clutter and stress get in the way of your dream home. Get an instant quote from Go Mini’s today to get started and see how portable storage can make your next renovation easier!
