Most Common Remodel Mistakes (And How to Spot Them)

The Mistake: Many contractors jump into a remodel without a detailed plan in place.

Why it Happens: Tight schedules or eagerness to start the project can lead to a lack of thorough planning.

How to Identify: Incomplete or vague project outlines and a rushed start are key indicators.

Avoidance Tips: Take the time to create a comprehensive plan, including timelines, budgets, and a detailed scope of work.

Not all contractors are the same: Companies that give detailed estimate often charge for them, and free estimates are oftentimes much less detailed and transparent. Making sure your contractor has thoroughly planned your remodel, and has plans in place for unexpected occurrences is vital.

The Mistake: Failing to obtain the necessary permits before starting a remodel.

Why it Happens: Lack of awareness or an attempt to cut corners to save time and money.

How to Identify: If there’s no mention of permits or inspections in the contractor’s proposal, it’s a red flag.

Avoidance Tips: Research and obtain all required permits before commencing any work.

One of the perks of hiring a project manager or general contractor is that permits and regulations are handled by an experienced expert. Unfortunately, too often are corners cut to save costs, and skipping pulling a permit is one of the most dangerous steps to miss in a remodel. Failure to secure the right permits can result in delays down the road, having to redo work, and work not being inspected correctly (or at all.)

The Mistake: Starting a project without a realistic budget, leading to unexpected expenses.

Why it Happens: Inaccurate initial cost estimates or overlooking potential hidden costs.

How to Identify: Frequent change orders and unexpected delays due to budget constraints.

Avoidance Tips: Create a detailed budget, including a contingency fund for unforeseen expenses.

All too often, contractors are happy to quote a job with exceedingly thin margins, or an unmanageably small budget. Especially for smaller contracting companies, the pressure to underbid projects to ensure you have a steady flow of work can be disastrous. Ensure your contractor is building out their remodel proposal based on your budget, and not your wishlist: If you have a firm budget, a quality contractor should be able to honestly explain what is feasible at the level of spending, and what is outside of your means.

The Mistake: Inadequate communication between contractors and homeowners.

Why it Happens: Busy schedules, mismanagement, or assuming the client understands the process.

How to Identify: Complaints about lack of updates, misunderstandings, or disputes during the project.

Avoidance Tips: Establish clear lines of communication, set regular update meetings, and ensure transparency.

Finding a good contractor goes beyond ensuring the quality of their work is high: You want someone you feel comfortable speaking with about difficult issues, and who respects your time, money, and home. Making sure your contractor is communicative and someone you feel is trustworthy is vital, but doesn’t always give you an idea of how often you’ll hear from them. Early on in the process, ask your contractor how quickly they respond to issues, what communications software they are using, or if you will have a project manager or other direct point of contact for escalating issues.

The Mistake: Opting for subpar or unsuitable materials for the project.

Why it Happens: Cost-cutting measures, lack of knowledge about material quality.

How to Identify: Premature wear and tear, dissatisfaction with the final appearance.

Avoidance Tips: Research materials thoroughly, consider durability, and invest in quality products.

With the wide variety of materials available for each facet of home remodeling, it’s no surprise that some stand the test of time while others do not. Selecting your own materials is oftentimes a recipe for disaster: You might end up dealing with returns, delayed shipments, out of stock items, or overspending when similar cheaper options are available. Hiring a general contractor or interior designer to handle your selections and purchases is one way to solve this: These professionals work with and purchase these materials regularly, and oftentimes will have experience with which are more reliable, available at a better price, or feasible to be delivered according to schedule.

The Mistake: Neglecting safety protocols during the remodeling process.

Why it Happens: Rushed timelines, oversight, or complacency.

How to Identify: Accidents, injuries, or a lack of visible safety measures on the job site.

Avoidance Tips: Prioritize safety, provide adequate training, and enforce strict safety guidelines.

This mistake is most often the result of hiring an unscrupulous contractor. Ensure that safety standards are followed on your project site: Safety measures are standardized and enforced for a reason, and beyond the risk of injury to workers, prioritizing safety ensures your job flows smoother, there is less likeliness for damage and failure during installation, and also serves as a sign that your contractor is legitimate and experienced.

The Mistake: Failing to conduct a thorough pre-inspection of the property.

Why it Happens: Eagerness to start the project without assessing the existing conditions.

How to Identify: Unexpected issues arising during the remodel.

Avoidance Tips: Conduct a detailed pre-inspection to identify potential problems and plan accordingly.

Many contractors will perform an inspection ahead of any work being performed. Even in smaller remodels, the potential for complications when opening walls, making changes to plumbing and electric systems, and changing floorplans is higher than you might think. A proper, thorough inspection ahead of remodeling can ensure that no unexpected surprises are hidden in walls or floors, and makes it far more likely for your finished remodel to pass inspection.

The Mistake: Poor organization and oversight of the entire remodeling process.

Why it Happens: Lack of experience in project management or failure to hire a qualified manager.

How to Identify: Delays, missed deadlines, and a general lack of coordination.

Avoidance Tips: Hire a skilled project manager and establish a clear chain of command.

While most General Contractors, Design + Build Firms, and Interior Remodeling companies will assign you a project manager, there are times that homeowners feel more comfortable managing the project themselves. In cases like this, it’s vital to have an experienced consultant or construction manager to assist you in scheduling, planning, and executing your remodel. Project management is a niche skillset that oftentimes requires years of experience before managers become high-performing: Learning to manage all of the individual, moving parts of a remodel from a distance is a skilled task, and heavily benefits your project in the long run.