Real Estate Marketing & Beyond
The increased popularity of reality TV inspired by real estate is compelling many homeowners to put aesthetic before functionality in their home remodeling projects, and that’s a big concern, experts said in a recent article in Forbes.
Popular trends include no-door kitchen cabinets, but that might not be such a good move for homeowners who don’t have matching dishes or an eye for cleanliness, experts say
“Everyone wants a kitchen or bathroom that looks like it belongs in a showroom, but when you’re remodeling, there is such a thing as getting too into aesthetics,” the Forbes article notes. “If you make your remodel look magnificent but forget to take function into account, odds are good that you’ll be itching to remodel again sooner rather than later.”
The experts say it’s better to go for “timeless updates” that will survive far beyond any design trend. It’s also important to put functionality ahead of aesthetics when starting a home improvement project, they said. As such, homeowners might need to go for a more basic look if the design doesn’t fit with their home’s style, or if they have budgetary constraints.
Homeowners ought to ask themselves the following questions before starting a remodeling project:
How does this space function, and what do I wish was different? Will a renovation change how I use the space then?
The article also highlights another often overlooked issue – the need for a permit. By obtaining a permit, not only are homeowners adhering to the law, they could also suffer from fewer functional issues once the job is done. In addition, it might also be necessary for the authorities to inspect any renovations should they decide to sell their home later. Any issues with the work could prevent a sale, experts said. Getting a permit also protects the homeowner, as the buyer could sue them later if they discover the work was unapproved.
For homeowners who embark on home remodeling projects themselves, the responsibility of filing and getting a permit for the work falls on them. A professional contractor can help navigate the process and ensure everything is up to code.
