7 Common Mistakes Made When Remodeling a Home

A remodel is a big investment, and most of the problems we see come from a handful of avoidable mistakes. Here are seven to watch out for.

1. Underestimating the Value of Design

Picture this: halfway through construction, you realize the master closet needed four more inches of width to fit an island with jewelry drawers, hampers and a bench for sitting while you put your socks on.

Design shapes the space, and with it the framing of the home. It directs lighting, electrical and plumbing, and it reveals clearances, points of symmetry and everything a room has the potential to be.

Good design also prevents common construction delays. When every snag is caught in the design phase, everything is ready for installation, every tradesperson is informed and the project manager has a handle on the whole picture.

2. Changing Your Mind After Work Has Begun

Changes mid-construction cost time and money, and they ripple through every trade. Settle the details during design, using 3D renderings to see the finished space before anything is built.

3. Improper Lighting

Lighting is easy to overlook until the walls are closed. Plan task, ambient and accent lighting early, including lighting integrated into cabinets and shelves.

4. Trying to Do Everything Yourself

Doing it all yourself can seem like a way to save money, but mistakes in specialized work are expensive to fix. Know where your skills end and bring in professionals for the rest.

5. Only Considering the Cheapest Bid

The lowest bid isn't always the best value. Compare what each bid actually includes, from materials and hardware to installation, so you're weighing like for like.

6. Not Having Enough Storage Space

Storage is one of the hardest things to add later. Think through what you need to store in each room and design cabinetry around it, with hardware like lift-up doors and full-extension drawers that make every inch usable.

7. Not Being Realistic About Space

Not every feature fits every room. Be honest about clearances and how you move through the space, so the finished room is comfortable to use, not just good-looking on paper.

Planning a remodel? Request a free consultation and we'll help you avoid these mistakes from the start.