As residential remodeling contractors, we are in the business of giving advice to homeowners all day long. Bob has been in this business for a looooong time and he loves nothing better than explaining about bearing walls and complex compound angles and all the things. It really lights him up. If I let him, he would want to talk to me about work 24/7.
As important as it is to explain to clients why they should do certain things during their renovation, it’s just as important to clue them in to common mistakes that we have seen homeowners make time and again.
We had a really tough time deciding which one of these things was the worst mistake that clients could make. Each of them on their own is enough to derail a job. Sadly, some people make all 5 of these mistakes and end up with an unpleasant process and a dissatisfying result.
We think that the worst mistake is probably a toss-up between number 1 and number 5. Although, if you don’t make mistake #1 you can avoid all the others. Let us know what you think.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Professional Advice
Clients should never dismiss the recommendations and expertise of professionals. Trusting in the knowledge and experience of skilled remodelers ensures a successful and satisfying outcome for the project. One of the most frustrating things that can really have a negative effect on the relationship between client and contractor is if you don’t believe what they are telling you about what has to happen on the job.
Listen, everyone has an opinion about what you should do, and most of the time, it’s none of their business. Bob always tells people that they don’t want his advice about fashion, or how they should cut their hair. Don’t crowd-source your remodel. If you have chosen the right contractor, you should feel secure in the advice they are giving you. Why would they steer you wrong? Nobody wants to deal with a dissatisfied client and callbacks to fix things. If you don’t know how to choose the best contractor for the job, we can help!
Download our free Renovation Roadmap HERE and we will show you what to do.
Mistake #2: Skipping Proper Planning
Rushing into a remodel without thorough planning is a recipe for disaster. Even as professionals, we have sometimes been so overcome with enthusiasm for our own projects that we don’t take the time to plan properly – and that always causes us problems down the line.
Clients should never underestimate the importance of careful planning, including budgeting, design considerations, and scheduling. Taking the time to plan comprehensively sets the foundation for a smooth and successful renovation.
If you don’t even know where to start, download our free Renovation Roadmap HERE and plan your renovation like a pro.
Mistake # 3: Cutting Corners on Quality
Opting for low-quality materials or workmanship to save money is a significant mistake. Clients should never compromise on quality when it comes to remodeling their home. Investing in high-quality materials and skilled labor ensures durability, longevity, and overall satisfaction with the finished project.
This doesn’t mean you should spend more than you can afford for materials. Make sure you do your research and check the quality of the materials you are selecting. Make good choices. Homeowners rarely regret picking a higher grade of material if they can afford it. After all, you will be living with your choice for some time to come. Don’t be afraid to ask your contractor where on the job is the best place to save money. A reputable contractor will be happy to tell you.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Permits and Regulations
Disregarding building permits and local regulations can have serious consequences. Clients should never attempt to circumvent the permitting process or overlook regulatory requirements. Compliance with permits and regulations is essential for safety, legality, and the overall success of the remodel.
Not gonna lie, some clients do want to do jobs without permits and take their chances. That’s an arrangement that’s made between you and the contractor, but it’s rarely the best option. If you get caught, you may have to stop work, pay a fine, rip out some work you’ve already paid for, and go back and start over legally. Why would you want to make the job even more complicated than it already is?
Mistake #5: Underestimating Budget and Timeline
One of the most common and detrimental things a client can do is to underestimate their budget and timeline for the remodel. This can lead to financial strain, unfinished work, and dissatisfaction with the results. Clients should never embark on a remodel without a realistic understanding of the costs involved and the time required to complete the project properly. Remember to always build in a contingency cushion in your budget. A general rule of thumb is around 10% – 20% of the budget for the job.
If you need advice on how to craft a realistic budget click HERE to download our free Renovation Roadmap.
There are hidden problems that commonly arise during certain projects. They may not be readily apparent before demolition but the contractor should know that they are a possibility. Some of these include things like pipes or wires in the walls that you didn’t expect to be there. Rotted wood framing comes up a lot in bathroom renovations. The contractor should be able to anticipate certain hidden conditions, but some others may come as a total surprise.
There may be time problems with subs or availability of materials. There can also be plenty of delays that are caused by the homeowner. These delays can cause havoc not only with your budget, but also with the completion date of your job. This is why it’s helpful to build in a time contingency cushion in addition to a budget contingency.
If you make a real effort to avoid these 5 mistakes, you are well on your way to a successful renovation.
