Home improvement can seem intimidating, but we’re here to make it simple! Everyone has opinions and beliefs about home renovations. From what kind of projects have the most impact to the return you can expect from your investment, there is a lot of conflicting information available.
Luckily, our home improvement experts are here to debunk 10 common home remodeling myths. If you’re planning a renovation soon, read on to see which myths we’ve busted. It might make your home improvement project easier!
10 Common Home Renovation Myths
- Only Big Renovations Make an Impact
- Replacement Windows Are Expensive
- DIY Always Saves Money
- You’ll Make Your Money Back When You Sell
- “Green” Products Are More Expensive
- Always Follow Home Decor Trends
- Remodeling is Always Stressful
- You Don’t Need a Permit
- Repairs are More Affordable than Replacements
- Use the Best Materials You Can Afford
1. MYTH: Only Big Renovations Make an Impact
There is a common belief that a home improvement project has to be major to make an impact. Not true! You don’t have to knock out a wall or add on a room to make a big change in your home.
While large renovations may make a bigger impact, smaller projects can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your home. A few of the most-impactful small(ish) home remodeling projects (other than painting):
- Staining or repainting kitchen and/or bathroom cabinets
- Reglazing or refinishing your bathtub
- Installing new ceiling fans and/or lighting fixtures
- Installing crown molding
These projects – and so many more! – are surefire ways to transform your home without breaking the bank or starting a long renovation process.
2. MYTH: Replacement Windows are Extremely Expensive
A lot of people put off replacing their windows because they think they can’t afford it, or that they can only afford bottom-of-the-line windows. While it’s true that some windows are more expensive than others, replacement windows as a whole are probably more affordable than you think!
At other window replacement companies, vinyl windows typically run between $150-$650 each, depending on the size and style. You can expect to add another $100-$200 per window for installation for a total of $250-$850 per window.
At Window World, we strive to make top-of-the-line vinyl replacement windows affordable. With our affordable pricing and great financing options, upgrading your windows has never been so affordable!
3. MYTH: DIY Always Saves Money
The truth is that DIY home renovations can save money sometimes. Painting your own home, installing new lighting fixtures, and staining your cabinets are all projects that you can complete yourself to save some money.
If you have experience with home remodeling, you might even be able to replace your old floors, install new faucets or other bathroom hardware, or add some built-in shelves without hiring any help.
The key to a successful DIY project is experience. Tackling a home renovation project that you don’t have the experience for means that you’ll probably need to pay a professional to repair it and/or do it correctly. But if you stick to the projects you know you can complete, you can definitely save money by doing it yourself.
4. MYTH: You’ll Make Your Money Back When You Sell Your Home
A lot of people believe that all home improvement projects have a 100% return on investment (ROI) and that they’ll make back all of the money they put into their house when they sell it. While this would be ideal, it’s just not how renovations and selling work.
First, not all home remodeling projects add value to your home. Some simply bring your home up to date. For instance, removing popcorn ceilings will make your home more attractive to buyers, but it doesn’t add value. It simply brings your home up to the standard that buyers are looking for. These types of upgrades are still worthwhile, and may help your home sell faster, but you shouldn’t expect to get more money.
Second, there are very few home improvement projects with a 100% ROI. By our calculations, landscaping is the only project that will net you a 100% return. If you put work into your home before selling, you can expect to recoup some of that money, just not all of it. (Although you may be rewarded in other ways, like a quick sale!)
5. MYTH: “Green” or Energy-Efficient Products are Always More Expensive
There is a common belief that if something is energy-efficient, “green”, or has the Energy Star certification, it’s automatically more expensive. While this might be true for other things, it’s not the case when it comes to home renovations!
When it comes to windows, let’s compare vinyl to wood. Vinyl windows, like those we sell and install, provide excellent insulation and are very durable. Vinyl windows are also among the most affordable replacement window options. Wood, while a good insulator, is susceptible to rot, pests, and other issues that can significantly shorten its lifespan. Still, it’s one of the most expensive materials for replacement windows.
In this case, vinyl is the most energy-efficient and the most affordable option. That’s a win-win!
6. MYTH: You Should Always Follow Home Decor Trends
Trends are great for things that are (relatively) inexpensive or you can easily change, like decorations, throw pillows, or window treatments. But when it comes to more permanent features of your home like flooring, countertops, and even paint/wallpaper, you want to go classic or neutral.
For instance, barn doors were extremely popular in farmhouse-style homes just a few years ago. But new trends are always around the corner! What looks on trend this year may look like old news next year and you’ll have two choices: live with it or pay to have a relatively new fixture replaced. Neither are ideal, so with your major fixtures, stick with items that will never go out of style.
7. MYTH: Remodeling is Always Stressful
We’ve all heard stories of contractors showing up late, going over budget, and dragging out projects far beyond the deadline. Some people even put off remodeling for years because they don’t want to deal with the stress. Unfortunately, some contractors have given the industry as a whole a bad reputation. To avoid a stressful remodeling experience, always do research on your contractor and read plenty of reviews.
At Window World, we’re proud of our track record of excellent service, with most jobs being completed in just 1-2 days. Our factory-trained installers get the job done right the first time, every time. And on the off-chance there’s an issue with your installation, your new windows, doors, and/or siding are all covered by our lifetime warranty. Read our reviews to see what your neighbors have to say about working with us!
8. MYTH: You Don’t Need a Permit to Work on Your Home
It’s true that for most home improvement projects, you don’t need a permit. Things like painting, installing new cabinetry, laying new flooring, and even repaving your driveway are all projects that you can likely complete without seeking a permit.
Large projects like adding on a room, knocking down walls, or installing new piping are common renovations that typically require a permit, although there are many more. Municipalities require permits for several reasons, primarily to ensure work is being done safely and that the materials being used are suitable for the climate.
If you’re not sure if your project requires a permit, it’s always best to check with your municipality before starting. Failure to secure a permit before construction begins results in a fine in most locations.
9. MYTH: Repairs Are More Affordable than Replacements
This is a common belief for many things, not just home renovations. While it’s true sometimes, it’s definitely not the case across the board. For instance, refinishing your bathtub is more affordable than replacing your tub altogether.
But for a lot of home improvement projects, replacement is actually more affordable than repair. This is especially true if part of your home needs multiple repairs. Over time, the cost of several repairs could be much higher than the cost of replacement.
10. MYTH: Use the Best Materials You Can Afford
On the surface, this makes sense. Why use subpar materials if you can afford better? While you shouldn’t cut corners on your home renovations or use the bare minimum quality, buying more expensive materials might mean that you’re buying things that your home doesn’t need.
When remodeling your home, think about how you can meet your needs without maxing your budget. If your home doesn’t require something, don’t feel like you need to spend money on it just because you can. You may even find yourself coming in under budget!
Trust Your Home to the Experts at Window World
If you’re ready to upgrade your windows, doors, or siding, we’re ready to help you with high-quality products and top-notch service. To get started, schedule your free consultation today!