If you're reading up on potential problems that can occur during a renovation, you're already a step ahead of the game in terms of helping your own renovation go smoothly. Many people go into their first renovation blindly and end up making mistakes that could have been avoided through a bit of careful planning. Here are some of the most common mistakes homeowners make when doing a renovation project for the first time:

• Inaccurate measurements. Especially if you're doing any actual construction yourself, be more careful than you even think you need to be about making correct measurements. Checking and re-checking each measurement you make will save you headaches down the line.
• Not accounting for surprises. All large projects, especially home renovations, are subject to factors beyond human control, like the weather and the quality of the soil on your property. Your renovation may end up taking much longer than you expected, or you may end up having to stay elsewhere for a while to avoid chemical smells and sawdust. Being prepared for these eventualities will help you take them in stride.
• Not anticipating costs. The smallest details of home renovations can end up piling up and adding significant costs to your project, so don't plan your entire renovation around a ballpark estimate of what it will cost. Instead, create a detailed list of every cost you might anticipate during the process, with some extra money factored in for unexpected needs. That way, you won't end up accidentally eating into your savings to buy that extra window or light fixture later.

If you're buying or selling a home in Washington D.C., call Alban Inspections to make an appointment for a home inspection today.