Some Do's and Don'ts to Avoid Over-Customization When Remodeling
Remodeling your home is a move that should add value while you live there and value when you sell it in the future. But one mistake is known as "over-customization." To help you identify over-customization and ensure you don't fall into it, here are a few key do's and don'ts.
Do Look at Other Homes.
While you want your home to feel like it fits your personality and style, start by keeping in mind what the general baseline for homes is in your area. Tour comparable homes for sale that have sold to make note of what they tend to have in common. These features are probably what buyers will look for and will expect to see. You don't need to copy them, but they create a gauge.
Don't Go Crazy on a Feature.
Going all out — pouring a large amount of money, time, and work into one element — easily leads to over-customization of that feature. Rather than spend all your energy and budget on a single amazing element, such as an over-the-top home theater, put it into improving the home in various smaller ways all over.
Do Make It Reversible.
If you want to customize some part of your home, try to do it in a way that will be reversible should you ever decide to sell. For instance, a music lover's studio room decorated with guitar memorabilia is much easier to revert to neutral than a guitar-shaped entryway to that room. The more flexible you make your personalization, the less trouble you'll have later.
Don't Have to Explain Everything.
You want some personalized features of your home that may only be special or relevant to your life. A crazy piece of artwork you bought on your honeymoon, for example, or a favorite color can be a fun conversation starter. But if you must explain and justify your decorative choices in detail and often, you've probably gone too far in customization.
Do Avoid Trends.
Over-customization doesn't just occur when you choose things based on your own taste. It can also happen when you follow trends too closely. Trends and fads in home design come and go very quickly, soon leaving a home feeling dated and frustrating. The more you buy into today's trends, the more you may dislike them when attitudes change. Go for timeless choices that fit the home's architecture instead.
Where to Start
Want to know more tips for finding the right balance of customization and classic home design? Start by meeting with a home remodel contractor in your area today.