The 12 Biggest Remodeling Regrets (And How to Avoid Them)
We’ve seen a lot of remodels. Like, a lot. And while most turn out great in the end, there are some common regrets that come up again and again, usually after the dust has settled (literally).
Take Bob, for example. Bob took out a wall. The wall took out the house. Don’t be Bob.
If you’re dreaming of transforming your home, here’s your chance to learn from other people’s mistakes (like Bob’s) before they become yours.
Whether you’re planning a full gut renovation or just refreshing a few rooms, these are the missteps that can derail a project, drain your wallet, and leave you thinking, “Why didn’t anyone warn me?” Good news: we will.
1. Winging It (Or Constantly Changing the Plan)
Rushing into a remodel without a clear plan is like trying to build IKEA furniture blindfolded. Every change mid-project causes a ripple effect—delays, added costs, and frustrated contractors. Planning upfront also helps avoid decision fatigue—when you’ve made 50 choices already and suddenly can’t remember why you picked that tile. The clearer the plan, the easier the process.
Regret:
“I kept tweaking things… and the budget spiraled.”Advice:
Make as many decisions as possible before demo starts. Know your layout, finishes, and must-haves. If inspiration strikes later, weigh the cost (and timeline hit) before acting on it.How We Help:
At KNACK, we guide you through your entire project plan upfront—from design choices to finish selections—so you’re confident before anything gets torn down.
2. Underestimating the Budget (and Not Having a Cushion)
It starts with optimism: “We can totally remodel the kitchen for $20K!” A few change orders, some hidden plumbing issues, and a backordered faucet later, and you’re way over budget.
Regret:
“We had to cut corners at the end because we ran out of money.”Advice:
Plan your budget then add 10-20% for unexpected costs. Remodeling is like life: it rarely goes exactly as planned.How We Help:
We help clients build realistic budgets with contingency cushions baked in, so surprises don’t derail your vision.
Not Sure Where to Start With Your Remodel?
Planning a remodel can feel like juggling blueprints, Pinterest boards, and budget spreadsheets all at once. If you’re not sure how to prioritize or where to begin—we do. Let’s talk about how we can help you map out your project with confidence (and less chaos).
3. Prioritizing Trends Over Function
Those glossy magazines and Pinterest boards are full of dreamy spaces… but some trends just don’t translate well to real life. (Open shelving everywhere? Great until you have kids.) Design choices should support how you clean, store, and move through your space—not just how they photograph.
Regret:
“I designed for looks, not for how I actually live.”Advice:
Think about how you use your space every single day. Choose timeless over trendy. Style matters, but make style decisions with your life in mind, not Pinterest’s.How We Help:
Our design process balances function and style so you get a beautiful space that fits your daily routine.
4. Not Prepping for Future Needs
It’s easy to design for your current situation—but life changes fast. That charming breakfast nook might not work so well once you have two kids, a dog, and a need for a home office.
Regret:
“We outgrew this faster than expected.”Advice:
Plan ahead. Consider aging in place, growing families, future resale, or flexible layouts that can evolve with you. Think: stairs if you plan to age in place, flexible room functions (guest room → office), wider doorways, or wiring for future smart home tech.How We Help:
We design with longevity in mind, helping you think through how your space may need to adapt over time.
Want a Quick Way to Stay on Track?
This list is packed with tips, but if you want a FREE simple checklist version you can save, print, or bring to your next contractor meeting—we’ve got you covered.
5. Choosing Cheap Materials to “Save” Money
We get it—budgets matter. But some cost-cutting comes back to bite you: peeling cabinets, scratched flooring, or faucets that leak after six months causing you money in replacements and repairs.
Regret:
“It looked good for a minute. Then it started falling apart.”
Advice:
Prioritize quality where it counts. Durable finishes, reliable fixtures, and well-made cabinetry will save you money in the long run.
How We Help:
We guide you toward the materials that deliver the best value, not just the lowest price.
6. Cutting Corners on Critical Components
You went all-in on the tile backsplash, but chose builder-grade windows to save money. Or you upgraded every light fixture but left in a 30-year-old furnace. Windows and doors are a common place people try to cut costs—but when they’re low quality, they can drive up your energy bills, cause drafts and leaks, and even damage the new interiors you just spent so much on. And if they fail, you could be facing expensive replacements mid-project or shortly after.
Regret:
“Our heating bills went way up and the windows are already leaking.”Advice:
Match the quality of your windows and doors to the level of your remodel. Spend smart on components that impact performance, comfort, and durability long-term.How We Help:
As certified Premier Andersen Window & Door Contractors, we make sure you’re getting the right windows and doors for your space, with energy efficiency, durability, and value in mind.
Don’t Let Cheap Windows Ruin Your Remodel
Builder-grade windows might save you upfront, but they can cost you thousands in energy bills, repairs, and replacements later. As a certified Andersen Window & Door installer, we help you choose the right windows for your home’s design, performance, and budget.
7. Assuming Materials Will Be Ready On Demand
That gorgeous tile you found online? It’s on backorder until July. That custom vanity? It showed up with a crack… and now you’re waiting another 6 weeks. Even post-pandemic, supply chain issues linger, especially for specialty or imported products. Having everything on-site before demo (or at least knowing current lead times) can be the difference between smooth sailing and major delays.
Regret:
“We had to settle for something else just to finish on time.”Advice:
Order materials and confirm lead times early on in the project. Bonus: having everything on site keeps your timeline on track.How We Help:
We coordinate ordering and deliveries early in the process to avoid delays and get the finishes you actually want.
8. Not Having a Trusted Project Lead
Maybe you hired a bunch of separate trades to “save money” or thought you’d coordinate it all yourself. Suddenly you’re managing 12 people, 5 schedules, and a lot of finger-pointing.
Regret:
“We had to rip out finished drywall because the wiring wasn’t done yet.”Advice:
Hire a trusted general contractor or project manager. It’s their job to keep things moving, prevent overlap issues, and save you from 3 AM stress. A good GC also handles permitting and inspections, keeping everything up to code and preventing costly compliance issues later.How We Help:
KNACK. acts as your general contractor, coordinating trades, schedules, and communication so everything works together seamlessly.
Remodel Smarter, With a Team That Thinks Ahead
From budgeting and design to scheduling trades and avoiding major missteps, we manage the details so you don’t have to. If you’re planning a remodel, let’s talk about how KNACK can help you do it right—from the very beginning.
9. Forgetting About Outlets and Switch Placement
Outlets are one of those things you only notice when they’re missing. Or behind your headboard. Or across the room from your coffee machine.
Regret:
“Why didn’t we put an outlet on this wall?”Advice:
Walk through the space with your daily routine in mind. Where do you charge your phone? Plug in your vacuum? Watch TV? Plan your outlet and switch placement accordingly. Don’t forget outlets inside closets, behind TVs, or in kitchen islands. It’s easier to wire now than wish you had later.How We Help:
We obsess over the details—including outlet placement, because we can’t not think about those things—so your space works the way you want it to, right down to where your coffee maker goes.
10. Not Upgrading Electrical Panels When Adding Load
You’re adding a new kitchen, spa tub, and home office—but your electrical panel is still from 1989. Overloaded panels aren’t just inconvenient; they’re unsafe. With today’s tech-heavy homes, from home offices to EV chargers, older panels often just can’t keep up.
Regret:
“We spent so much on upgrades—and now we need to replace the whole panel.”Advice:
Have an electrician assess your system early. It’s a lot cheaper to upgrade during a remodel than after.How We Help:
Our electricians evaluate your panel and electrical load before anything starts, so you can plan upgrades proactively—not after something fails.
11. Changing the Floor Plan Without Structural or HVAC Consideration
You want an open-concept kitchen. Who doesn’t? But that wall you’re removing? It might be load-bearing. Or full of HVAC ductwork. Or both. Some walls carry the weight of your roof or upper floors. Removing them without proper support can cause sagging or even structural failure.
Regret:
“The structural fixes added $15K we hadn’t planned for.”Advice:
Always consult with a contractor or engineer before removing walls. Open concept is great—but it needs to be safe (and functional).How We Help:
With experience in both remodels and new home construction, plus a background in engineering, we naturally think through structure, load paths, and HVAC from the very beginning.
Not sure what questions to ask your contractor?
Download our free checklist—it includes questions, tips, and a printable format to help you remodel with confidence.
12. Skipping Waterproofing in Wet Areas
That beautiful bathroom tile won’t mean much if there’s a leak behind it. Waterproofing is one of the least visible—and most critical—parts of your remodel.
Regret:
“Our brand-new shower had to be torn out because of mold.”Advice:
Make sure your contractor includes proper waterproofing methods in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. It’s cheaper than repairs. Water damage and hidden mold can cause thousands in repairs—and major health concerns if left unchecked.How We Help:
We use Schluter’s Kerdi waterproofing systems behind your beautiful tile, because what’s behind the walls matters just as much as what you see.
Conclusion: Make Regret-Free Your Remodeling Reality
Remodeling your home is a big deal—emotionally, financially, and logistically. These regrets aren’t here to scare you, just to help you prepare, plan smart, and feel confident about your choices.
And if you’re not sure where to start or want a partner who’s already thought through all of this? That’s what we do. From design to build, we help homeowners like you avoid the “oops” moments and focus on the fun part: creating a space you love.
Save Yourself the Headache (and Money)
Or, let us just take care of it all for you.
Hello!
At KNACK., we’re not just creating spaces or products – we’re building legacies. With roots in three generations of design and construction, we blend heritage and refined skills with innovation to create homes and custom pieces that tell a story.
Don’t Know Where to Start? We Do.
Planning a remodel can feel like juggling blueprints, Pinterest boards, and budget spreadsheets all at once. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Let’s map out your project—together.
Doing It Yourself Doesn’t Mean Doing It Alone
Even if you’re not hiring us, we’ve got something to make your life easier. Download our free Remodeling Regret-Proof Checklist—complete with questions to ask your contractor, pro tips, and must-not-miss items.
Feeling Overwhelmed Already?
There’s a smarter way to remodel. We help homeowners turn confusion into confidence—whether you need full support or just a solid plan.
Don’t Be Like Bob
Bob didn’t download the checklist. Bob also knocked out a load-bearing wall. Don’t be Bob.
Top Articles
