12 Home Renovation Hacks That Will Cost You More in the Long Run

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Renovating your home can be exciting with many ways to get your space done on a budget. DIY hacks and cost saving measures may sound sensible at first glance but they will actually end up costing you much more in the long term. Sometimes, cutting corners backfires and brings regret, and then higher repair bills.

Here are renovation tricks that might not be the best idea because they hurt you more than help you over the long run.

Peel-and-Stick Backsplashes

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Peel and stick backsplashes are easy to put up, but they have a tendency to peel off over time, particularly in humid kitchens and bathrooms. These tend to be fragile and fade or peel off quickly, and can damage the wall below. While pricier, proper tile installation lasts longer and adds to your home’s resale value. This shortcut will cost you double to fix.

Painting Over Wallpaper

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Painting over wallpaper does save time, but it seldom turns out well in the long run. When the paint doesn’t adhere evenly, bubbling and peeling often result, especially in humid conditions. A fresh coat of paint or wallpaper becomes a hassle when it’s time to get rid of both and requires professional help.

Cheap Laminate Countertops

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Laminate is cheap but easily scratched, and can be heat damaged. Kitchens are too much for them, and they look quickly worn out in a short time and diminish the appeal of the space. When laminate wears out, it usually costs more than the equivalent of durable materials like granite or quartz to replace. Investing in quality counters is a time, effort and money saving investment.

Skipping Underlayment in Flooring

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This underlayment sounds like an unnecessary expense, but it helps stop squeaks, absorbs sound, and adds insulation. Failing to do so will result in an unstable, noisy floor that wears faster and lacks comfort underfoot. To fix a floor without underlayment, you have to lift the whole installation, and that’s expensive and cumbersome.

Cheap Temporary Cabinet Refacing

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According to Cabinet Coatings of America, paint and stick on veneers can refresh cabinets, but these quick fixes don’t last. The age of the cabinets quickly wears away through regular wear and tear, and touch ups or full replacement are frequently needed to hide it. Quality cabinetry is a long term beauty and function choice.

Using Plywood Instead of Drywall

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Plywood might be a cheap and fast wall, but it’s no substitute for drywall. It’s not moisture resistant, isn’t fire resistant and warps easily over time. The cost of reinstalling drywall will most likely exceed what you saved when you needed the drywall replaced. As a safety and durability precaution, stick with the standard drywall installation.

Caulking Your Bathroom Cheaply

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Cheap caulk shrinks, cracks, or molds fast, so water prone areas are left exposed. Water that seeps in can damage walls, flooring and cabinets, and it’s very expensive to repair. Quality, mold resistant caulk investment can maintain a clean look while also preventing water damage. Skipping on caulking quality is a costly mistake over time.

Choosing Low-Quality Paint

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Budget paint has poor coverage, doesn’t last, or chips easily. Frequent repainting is needed, which is time and material consuming. Paint, high quality paint, will give you lasting color and will last longer on your space. Better paint means you will get more years out of each paint job.

Installing Cabinets Without Studs on the Walls

Even though it feels easier to skip the stud hunt, the cabinet won’t be stable with heavy items in there. If your cabinets are installed improperly, they may come loose and do damage to your wall and any items inside. Installing cabinets correctly is a pain and can get expensive.

Proper Ventilation in Bathrooms

An Empty Bathroom
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It is possible that some would choose to save by skipping the bathroom fan, but any moisture buildup is an invitation to mold, mildew and odor. Without ventilation, you will do long term damage to the walls, paint and fixtures, and you will have to repair it. It costs less to install a fan than to treat or even replace mold damaged materials. Ventilation first for safest, mold free bathroom.

Temporary Outdoor Paint for Use Indoors

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Outdoor paint is tough, but indoor use can bite you. It has a tendency to crack indoors, emitting stronger fumes, because of different temperature and humidity levels. Repainting is both time consuming and costly when it begins to wear. Using interior specific paint means your walls will stay looking clean and fresh.

Choosing Cheap Door Locks and Hardware

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In the beginning, cheap locks and hardware may look fine, but they are easily breakable and worn. Home security with weak locks will leave your home insecure to break-ins, and it will cost you more to replace them often or after a security breach. Do not spend money on using cheap hardware; rather, buy solid hardware. It will be costly but worth it.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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