Building your forever home requires time and money. The effort and money that you invest on your home from the very beginning is crucial - from research, to the type of labor to hire, up to the product quality will give you the beautiful and durable home you desire. 

Repairs are inevitable in a home since it gives us protection from the environment's natural occurrences. But if there are available options in the market to avoid repairs - such as using mold resistant boards for your walls and ceilings to avoid constant exposure to this bacteria, then it can contribute to the overall welfare of your home. 

Home maintenance is hard work, but here are some tips on what to do on your next home renovation: 

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Tip #1: Choose Quality materials 

The quality of materials matter; small items from screws to fiber cement boards to paint lay the foundation for your home. Choosing the cheapest possible options for structural materials can save you money today, but hurt you and your bank account in the future because of unwanted renovations due to quick wear and tear.

When in doubt, ask for help and do your research. Spending a little extra time looking for durable, but possibly more expensive, products will save you from a ton of stress. Check out HardieFlex® NexGen™ fiber cement boards and other JamesHardie™ products for affordable high-quality materials. 

Tip #2: Don’t rush. Enjoy the process

In addition to choosing quality materials, you’ll need to assess if they are a right fit for your plans and environment. Searching and sourcing materials online is quite easy thanks to the rise of e-commerce, but it’s also tricky since there are a dizzying number of suppliers.

Reviews can give you an initial feedback on the product, but seeing the physical product will give you a better assessment on the product that you need. Instead, look for stores, like James Hardie, that allow you to request for free samples of their materials before purchasing in bulk. You can also ask around and look for customer reviews or testimonials. 

It never hurts to be more confident and certain about the quality of your materials. 

Tip #3: Repair problems at home from its core. 

Setting Mold as an example,  this may be manifestation of something else to repair at home - such as leaks, low air ventilation, moisture exposure. It is important to address the mold problem at its source, and not rely on short term solutions such as through DIY cleaning.  

Prevention, not reaction, is the best way of dealing with mold growth. If you’re renovating or building a new home, consider mold-resistant* products such as HardieFlex® NexGen™ fiber cement boards for the structure. This material is protected by MoldBlock™ Technology making it resistant to the growth of bacteria* which can aggrevate allergies**.

*Resistant against fungi Aureobasidium pullulans, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium citrinum based on results of ASTM D3273-16 testing over eight weeks; and MoldBlock™ Technology effective in reducing colonies of Stachybotrys Chartarum (toxic black mold) by up to 99% over 24 hours based on results of ASTM E2149-20.

***99.99% reduction in bacterial colonies of Staphylococcus Aureus (allergry exacerbating) based on test results of ASTM E2149-20 over 24 hours.

Tip #4: Aesthetic and function should work hand in hand

Your family won’t just look at your house like a photo on the internet, they’ll live in it. But many homeowners make the mistake of prioritizing form over function; leading to a house that looks great but doesn’t feel good to live in. 

Consider the following when planning out your home: your family’s activities, how each room should be used, how spaces flow into each other, the local climate, relevant and usable furniture or appliances, plumbing, and electrical systems.

In the long-term, a functional house will save your family from the stress of missing useful items and spaces that are beneficial for daily life. Also, you won’t need to do as many renovations or suffer through multiple reorganization dilemmas.  

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Remember: form is much more flexible, meaning it can follow and even flow from function. But doing things the other way around is difficult. 

Tip #5: Seek professional help

From small renovations to building houses ground-up, getting the right people will help with your peace of mind and prevent future repairs. Hiring a group of professionals may seem more expensive in the short-term, but they should help you save money in the long run thanks to their experience in workmanship. 

When you’re looking for people, avoid selecting based on price alone. Cheaper rates are tempting but at ultra low prices, you’re bound to get inexperienced workers eager to make a quick buck with less care for details. 

Consider the following before choosing: licenses, years in the business, experience in the specific type of project you need,  references and samples of older projects, availability (when they can start and work schedules), and professionalism. The last bit is tricky but important if you want to hire people that are cooperative.

Find the right contractors in your area with help from James Hardie and get your projects started. 

Check out our website for more home improvement tips, project inspirations, and product information.

#ItsPossible with James Hardie. 

Sources:

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/home-renovation-mistakes-new-homeowners-make

https://betterhousekeeper.com/2018/11/01/what-things-are-typically-overlooked-in-a-home-renovation/

https://blog.nationwide.com/home/home-maintenance/avoid-common-home-renovation-mistakes/

https://rtkenvironmental.com/lead/3-hidden-diy-renovation-mistakes-to-avoid/

https://www.zipmatch.com/blog/10-things-to-consider-before-renovating-your-home/

https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/ultimate-home-remodeling-project-plan/

https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/hiring-a-contractor-checklist/

https://ozinga.com/blog/4-problems-that-arise-with-poor-quality-materials/