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<\/a><\/p>\nPhoto: Bungalo<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Home renovations aren\u2019t for the faint of heart. In addition to living off microwavable meals, you\u2019ll likely have to endure construction dust, extended deadlines and hidden expenses. \u2018Hope for the best and prepare for the worst\u2019 should be every first-timer\u2019s mantra.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Greg Stewart is the Chief Operating Officer of <\/span>Bungalo<\/span><\/a>, an online homebuying platform where shoppers can browse, finance and purchase professionally renovated homes in five US cities. Here he shares four renovation mistakes that delay timelines and burst budgets, complete with real dollar amounts based on the company\u2019s extensive home flipping experience.<\/span><\/p>\n\n Photo by\u00a0tian kuan<\/a>\u00a0on\u00a0Unsplash<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n You may be able to rattle off your home\u2019s square footage, the number of closets it has, and your kitchen countertop material, but do you know what kind of pipes exist within your walls? If your home\u2019s pipes are leaking or deteriorating, it may be high time to replace them. \u201cUpgrading plumbing from cast iron to PVC can cost between $2,000 and $5,000 per bathroom, with an upgrade for the entire home costing $15,000-plus,\u201d says <\/span>Stewart.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Photo:\u00a0teofilo\/Flickr<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Many contractors will secure building permits on your behalf, however, if you\u2019ve agreed upon an hourly rate or are going the DIY route, you may want to submit the paperwork yourself \u2014 well in advance. \u201cIn a hot real estate market, permitting can be an excessively long process,\u201d explains Stewart. \u201cThe average permit takes up to 45 days to secure and costs buyers anywhere from $300 to $1,000-plus depending on the permits required.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n1. Overlooking your plumbing system<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n2. Applying for permits at the last minute<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n3. Not budgeting for surprises during demolition<\/b><\/h2>\n
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