3 costly mistakes that home owners make

We all know that the home buying process is a huge investment. There are many steps, from the time you decide to buy a home till the time you move in.  But there are certain costly mistakes that home owners make time and time again, without even knowing it.

If you don't plan carefully, all your efforts may go waste. Owning a home is an investment and requires serious planning and executing. If you are thinking of taking this step, before making the decision, there are some cost factors you need to know about. 

• 1.- Failing to plan for the future
• 2.- Improperly managing home renovations
• 3.- Neglecting routine maintenance
• Bonus: Not hiring a real estate agent for the home buying process
• Hiring professionals is worth the money in some cases

When it comes to start house hunting, many buyers focus on the present. They look for a home that meets their immediate needs without thinking about the future. But if you don't consider your long-term plans, you may end up regretting your purchase later down the road.

HGTV home improvement expert, Chip Wade says, "First-time homeowners typically don't think about the long term when they set out to renovate. They're just happy to have a place of their own and are excited about making it their own."

As such, he finds that new homeowners tend to make mistakes that don't necessarily hurt them in the short term but may cause problems down the road. For example, opting for trendy looks that may not stand the test of time .Do you plan to age in place? Do you need to add on a room for a new baby? Does your property location allow your commute to remain convenient as the city continues to grow? If you’re planning on staying in your home for more than five years, build as much flexibility into the design of your home as possible.

For example, if you have small children now, will they still be living at home when they go off to college? Are you hoping to have more children in the future? Will you need room for an older relative like your parents?

A young family might buy a home with only two bedrooms because it seems affordable, but that could turn out to be a major mistake if the couple has more children or one parent decides to work from home. The result would be having to sell in a short time period at a loss or deal with the hassle and expense of moving again.

If you are planning to have kids in the next few years, make sure to buy a home with enough bedrooms.  Not only will this save you from the headache of moving again, but it will also allow you to avoid the costs associated with selling your home, such as realtor fees.

If you are planning on retirement, choose a home in a community that has plenty of amenities for seniors, a quiet location and is maintenance-free.

These are all scenarios that can happen down the line and could influence where you choose to buy your next home. By failing to plan for the future, you may end up spending more money in the long run.

If you're planning to renovate your home, be prepared to spend at least 5% of your home's value on the project. Homeowners often fail to budget properly for their renovations, which can lead to going over budget and taking on too much debt. Worse yet, they might not finish the project at all because they can't afford it.

To avoid this mistake, make sure to get several estimates from different contractors before you start your project. Once you have a realistic idea of the costs, you can create a budget and stick to it.

Also, many homeowners will try to save money, by looking not to spend so much money on a professional and try to do the work themselves. Unless you're a professional contractor, it's best to leave the job to the experts. Not only will this save you time and money, but it will also ensure that the job is done correctly.

You can also hire house remodeling services from a home construction company. This will help you save time and money while getting the work done right. Some services that these companies offer include:

• Room additions
• Kitchen remodeling
• Bathroom remodeling
• Basement finishing
• Construction of Outdoor Areas
• Home Additions 

Many homeowners might think that you are throwing money by hiring a professional, but in reality, you are saving yourself from a costly mistake. In the long run, it will save you money, time and a lot of headaches.

Your home is a huge investment, and like any investment, it needs to be properly maintained. Unfortunately, many homeowners neglect routine maintenance, which can lead to serious problems down the road. For example, failing to change the furnace filter can lead to a build-up of dust and dirt, which can eventually damage the furnace.

Not only will neglecting maintenance lead to costly repairs, but it can also shorten the lifespan of your home. By properly maintaining your home, you can avoid many of the common problems that homeowners face, such as water damage, that leaky faucet, running toilet, mold growth and pests, among other minor issues.

To avoid this mistake, create a maintenance schedule and stick to it. Make sure to change the furnace filter every month, clean the gutters every year or have the chimney cleaned every few years. By properly maintaining your home, you can avoid many of the common problems that homeowners face.

While it is possible to buy a home without the help of a real estate agent, it's not recommended. Real estate agents are experts in the field and can help you find the right home, negotiate the best price and get the most favorable terms.

Hiring a real estate agent is one of the best things you can do when buying a home. They will guide you through the process, answer any of your questions and help you find the home of your dreams.

They might help you with real estate transactions, help you understand about property taxes, down payment, interest rates, insurance, help you negotiate the asking price or get the full price of the home (if you are selling), and more. It is always a good idea to have someone on your side who knows the ins and outs of buying a home.

Most importantly, they will help you save time and money. The average home buyer who uses an agent saves $15,000 when purchasing their home. On the other hand, home sellers that use an agent make thousands of dollars more on the sale of their home.

There are many benefits to hiring a real estate agent, so if you're thinking of buying a home, make sure to hire one. It could be the best decision you ever make.

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If you want to save yourself time and money in the long run, then hiring professionals to handle your home improvement projects is definitely the way to go. The pros are skilled and experienced, which means that they'll finish their projects faster than you will. And by making good decisions at the start of a project, you can help keep costs down. To get the best experience as a new home owner, make sure to educate yourself on the common mistakes homeowners make, so you can avoid them.

At Brito Construction, we have over 20 years of experience in home improvements and offer a wide range of home construction services to help you get the work done right. Not only will you avoid making a big mistake, but you will also have a warranty on the job, the experience and you will feel amazing in your brand new home.

If you have any questions, please contact us today! We look forward to hearing from you soon.