Things You Need to Know Before Deciding to Renovate Your House

Aug 28, 2025

Before renovating your home, consider 8 key factors—budget, requirements, contractor, reputable team, etc.—to avoid risks and optimize costs.

Renovating or repairing your home can increase its value, but if not done properly, it can lead to costly mistakes and unexpected expenses.

– Source: VnExpress –

Before deciding to renovate, you should carefully consider the following 8 factors to determine whether your current home is worth the effort.

1. Is the house worth renovating?

Make sure the house has value before making any changes. According to Robin Kencel, a real estate broker with 20 years of experience in Greenwich, Connecticut, you should identify any standout advantages, such as careful construction or a prime location.

If these advantages are not present, it may be better not to renovate, as it could just waste time and money.

2. What is your budget?

“The two biggest mistakes in home renovation are not defining a budget and not having a contractor estimate that budget properly,” Kencel explains. Without addressing these, it’s easy to overspend.

3. What do you need versus what do you want?

When planning your renovation budget, distinguish between:

Necessities: appliances, electrical and plumbing systems.
Wants: wine cellar, karaoke room, or other luxury features.

This ensures you allocate enough funds for the most important items.

4. Do you have a contingency fund?

Unexpected costs always arise during renovations, so it’s essential to have a reserve fund for surprises.

5. Are you working with a reputable team?

Before hiring an architect or contractor, verify their credentials, experience, and reviews from past clients. This helps reduce construction risks.

6. What does your real estate agent say about the renovation?

Consult your real estate agent for an objective perspective, especially if you plan to sell the house in the future.

7. Can you do it yourself?

Many people attempt DIY renovations to save money. However, honestly assess your skills before starting. “Don’t risk your property if you’ve never renovated before.”

8. Who is the renovation for?

Define your goal clearly:

For yourself: prioritize comfort and personal preferences.
For resale: focus on features widely appreciated by buyers and avoid over-personalization.

After considering these 8 factors, if you decide to renovate your home, contact NQT – an experienced construction contractor who can provide accurate cost estimates and execute the project efficiently.