Common home remodeling mistakes include choosing the lowest quote without checking what’s included, underestimating the budget, skipping permits, and failing to research the contractor. Many homeowners also rush the renovation without a clear plan, focus too much on style over structure, and overlook outdated electrical or plumbing systems.
Planning and Budget
- Underestimating the budget
- Skipping a clear plan
- Setting unrealistic timelines
Contractors and Labor
- Hiring the wrong contractor
- Not signing a detailed contract
- Poor communication
Design and Materials
- Focusing on finishes before structure
- Choosing low-quality materials
- Following short-lived trends
- Bad layout or measurements
- Skipping lighting and outlet planning
Project Management and Oversights
- Skipping the in-home inspection
- Ignoring permits and code requirements
- Underestimating the disruption
- Not ordering spare materials
- Ignoring resale value
- Skipping energy-efficient upgrades
- Overestimating DIY skills
This article covers the 20 biggest mistakes we see homeowners make during remodeling projects.
We use a 12-step process at Builders Group Construction that prevents most of these mistakes. Our system keeps you informed and in control from start to finish. Let’s look at what can go wrong and how to avoid it.
Planning and Budget Mistakes
1. Picking the Cheapest Quote Without Checking What’s Included
Three contractors give you bids for your new bathroom. One comes in $5,000 lower than the others. You sign immediately because who doesn’t want to save money?
Then the problems start. That low bid didn’t include permit fees. The materials are builder grade instead of the mid-range products the other quotes included. The electrical work costs extra. Suddenly you’re paying for change orders. That $5,000 savings turns into $8,000 in extra costs.
We see this all the time in Dayton. The cheapest quote almost always leaves things out.
Compare every quote line by line. Ask what materials they’re using. Who’s pulling the permits? What happens if they find problems behind the walls? A detailed breakdown tells you what you’re actually getting.
Our quotes at BGC include everything. We break down every cost so you know exactly what you’re paying for. No hidden fees. No surprise charges later. That’s part of our 110% satisfaction guarantee.
2. Not Budgeting for Surprises
Most people budget for what they can see. New floors, new cabinets, new paint. But every home hides problems. Last year we opened up walls in a Centerville house and found old knob and tube wiring. The homeowner hadn’t budgeted for electrical work. We had to stop the project while they figured out how to pay for it.
Old Dayton homes built before 1980 are especially tricky. They hide water damage, mold, outdated plumbing and structural settling. These aren’t optional fixes. They’re safety issues that have to be addressed.
Set aside 10 to 20 percent of your budget for problems you can’t see yet. If your kitchen remodel costs $50,000, put another $5,000 to $10,000 aside for unknowns. You might not need all of it but you’ll sleep better.
3. Rushing Into the Project
You want your kitchen done before Thanksgiving. The bathroom needs to be finished before your in-laws visit. So you skip important steps.
You don’t research contractors properly. You make quick decisions on materials. You skip the design phase entirely. Halfway through you realize the layout doesn’t work. Or the tile you picked looks wrong. Or the timeline was impossible from the start.
Good contractors in Dayton book out weeks in advance. Design takes time. Permits take time. Custom materials take time. Start planning months before you want hammers swinging.
4. Starting Without a Clear Plan
“We’ll figure it out as we go” doesn’t work for home remodeling. We’ve watched people tear out their old kitchen without deciding where the sink should go. Construction stops. Workers wait around. Costs pile up. Everyone gets stressed.
When you don’t have a clear vision, you make rushed decisions under pressure. Those quick choices usually lead to regret.
Before you call contractors, answer these questions. What problems are you trying to solve? How do you want to use the space? What style do you like? What features must you have versus what would be nice to have? What can you actually afford?
Make a folder of photos you like. Write down your priorities. The clearer you are about what you want, the smoother everything goes.
5. Ignoring Your Home’s Age
Old houses have character. They also have lead paint, asbestos, outdated wiring and building methods that don’t meet today’s codes.
A Kettering homeowner wanted to knock down a wall between two rooms. Seemed simple enough. But their 1950s house had different framing than modern homes use. That wall they wanted gone was actually holding up the second floor.
Homes built before 1978 have lead paint. Homes from before 1980 often have asbestos. Old galvanized plumbing corrodes from the inside. Outdated electrical can’t handle modern loads. Foundations settle over time.
Get an inspection before you plan major work. Know what you’re dealing with. Budget for bringing old systems up to code.
Contractor and Execution Mistakes
6. Hiring the Wrong Person for the Job
Bad contractor choices cost people thousands of dollars. Sometimes tens of thousands. We hear the stories constantly.
Someone hires their neighbor’s cousin who does remodeling on weekends. No license. No insurance. The work starts then stops. The guy disappears with the deposit. Or the work is so bad it has to be torn out and done over.
Even licensed contractors vary a lot in quality. Some do great new construction but struggle with remodeling. Others do fine work but can’t manage a schedule. Some handle basic projects fine but lack experience with complex structural changes.
Check credentials carefully. Valid Ohio contractor license. Current liability insurance. Workers compensation coverage. Recent references you can actually call. A portfolio of similar projects. Awards or certifications like our Angi Super Service Award. Local reputation and reviews.
Ask to talk with recent clients. Drive by finished projects if you can. Trust your gut when you meet them.
7. Working Without a Written Contract
A handshake deal isn’t enough for remodeling work. Memories fade. People misunderstand things. Disputes happen.
Without a detailed contract you have no protection when the contractor uses different materials than you discussed. Or when the work quality falls short. Or when the timeline stretches way past what they promised. Or when extra charges appear. Or when you need to resolve a dispute.
Never start work without a signed contract. It should include a detailed scope of work for every task in every room. Specific materials with model numbers and grades. Start and finish dates. Payment schedule tied to completed milestones. Who’s responsible for permits. How cleanup and disposal will be handled. Warranty information. The process for handling changes.
Read everything before you sign. Ask about anything that’s unclear.
Every BGC project starts with a detailed contract. We spell out everything so there’s never confusion. Our payment schedule is fair. You only pay as work gets completed and inspected.
8. Skipping the In-Home Evaluation
Some contractors quote over the phone or based on photos you text them. This creates huge problems.
A bathroom project in Dayton got quoted at $15,000 over the phone. It turned into $25,000 once the contractor actually showed up and saw the space. The ceiling was lower than standard. The plumbing came up in a weird spot. The floor sloped. None of this showed up in photos.
The homeowner felt stuck. They’d already scheduled everything and removed their old fixtures.
Only work with contractors who come to your home before quoting. They should measure carefully. Inspect what’s already there. Look for potential problems. Ask detailed questions about what you want.
The first three steps in our process at BGC happen before we give you a final number. Initial consultation where we discuss your vision. In-home evaluation where we measure and inspect everything. Detailed proposal based on what we actually found.
This protects both of us. You get an accurate quote. We avoid costly surprises.
9. Skipping Permits and Inspections
Some people skip permits to save money or speed things up. Some contractors even encourage it to keep their bid lower.
This creates serious problems. You’ll fail the home inspection when you try to sell. Insurance companies may deny claims. You’ll get code violation notices and fines. Sometimes you have to tear out finished work and do it over. You face legal liability if something goes wrong. Your home value drops.
We’ve seen people forced to demolish beautiful expensive work because it wasn’t permitted and didn’t meet code. One finished basement in Brookville had to be completely torn out because the electrical work was dangerous and nobody had pulled permits.
Always get the required permits. Around Dayton you need permits for structural changes, electrical work, plumbing modifications, HVAC installation, room additions and major renovations.
Your contractor should handle permits or at least clearly explain your responsibilities. Don’t skip this step.
10. Poor Communication Throughout the Project
Communication breakdowns sink more projects than you’d think. The contractor assumes you know work starts at 7am. You thought they’d come later. Frustration builds on both sides.
Or you’re picturing oil rubbed bronze fixtures while the contractor orders brushed nickel. You imagine white oak cabinets. You get red oak. These mistakes cost a lot to fix.
Set up clear communication from the start. Who’s your main contact? How often will you get updates? What decisions need your approval? How quickly do you need to respond to questions? What happens if you’re unhappy with something?
Write everything down. Follow up phone conversations with emails or texts that confirm what you discussed.
Design and Material Mistakes
11. Focusing on Pretty Finishes While Ignoring Structure
This is the mistake Justin mentioned at the start. It’s so common and so expensive that it’s worth repeating.
People see their dated kitchen and dream about new cabinets and granite. They don’t think about the soft spots in the floor. Or the water stains that suggest roof leaks. Or the cracks that indicate foundation problems.
Beautiful finishes don’t fix structural issues. They just hide them for a while. Eventually those underlying problems damage your new finishes.
Fix structure first. Finishes second. Before you spend money on cosmetics, inspect the foundation for cracks or settling. Check for water damage or active leaks. Look at structural framing for damage or weakness. Test major systems like electrical, plumbing and HVAC. Look for mold or pest damage.
Fix these problems first. Then add your beautiful finishes knowing they’ll last.
12. Buying Cheap Materials to Save Money
Builder grade materials are cheap for a reason. They don’t last. They look cheap. They fail quickly.
We’ve replaced contractor grade faucets that quit working within two years. Builder grade carpet that matted and stained within months. Cheap laminate countertops that chipped and peeled fast.
Quality materials cost more up front but save money over time. Better faucets last 15 to 20 years. Quality flooring stays nice for decades. Solid wood cabinets can be refinished and last a lifetime.
Think about lifecycle cost, not just the price tag today. How long will this material last? Does it have a warranty? How will it look in 5 or 10 or 15 years? What will it cost to replace if it fails early?
Spend money on high use items. Faucets, cabinet hardware, flooring in main areas and major appliances. You can save on hidden items like drywall or framing lumber.
13. Chasing Trends Instead of Timeless Design
Trends come and go fast. Remember when everything was tuscan themed? Or when people put barn doors everywhere? Or that phase when everything was gray?
Trendy choices date your home. What looks cutting edge today looks tired in five years. If you plan to stay long term or want strong resale value, choose designs that last.
Build around classic elements. Simple clean cabinet styles. Neutral base colors. Classic materials like wood, stone and tile. Functional layouts that work.
Add trendy touches in ways you can easily change. Paint colors, light fixtures, cabinet hardware, accessories. You can update these every few years without spending a fortune.
14. Bad Measurements and Layout Problems
DIY projects often fail because of bad math. The area rug is too small. The refrigerator doesn’t fit the space you planned. The kitchen island blocks the path through the room.
Measurement mistakes cost money. That custom countertop cut too short? Ruined. Those cabinets you ordered without checking ceiling height? They don’t fit. The tile pattern that doesn’t work out evenly? You see awkward cut pieces in obvious spots.
Measure twice. Order once. Better yet, measure three times. Think about appliance sizes including the clearance they need. Door swing paths. Traffic flow through the room. Furniture scale compared to room size. Ceiling height and any soffits. Window and door placement.
Use graph paper or design software to plan layouts. Mark off the floor and walls with painter’s tape. Visualize how you’ll actually use the space.
Professional designers and contractors bring experience that prevents expensive mistakes. We’ve done thousands of projects. We know what works and what doesn’t. We catch problems during planning, not during installation.
15. Not Planning Electrical Early Enough
Lighting and electrical should be planned early in your design. But many people wait until the walls are closed up to think about it.
Then they realize the light switch ends up behind the door. There’s no outlet for the bedside lamp. The pendant light hangs right where you walk through. The bathroom has terrible lighting for putting on makeup.
Moving electrical after drywall goes up costs three to four times more than planning it right from the start.
Map out electrical early. Where will furniture sit? What needs to plug in at each spot? Where do you need task lighting? What about accent or mood lighting? How will you access switches? Do you want dimmers? Where do you need USB outlets?
Walk through your space and imagine your daily routine. Where will you need power and light at each step?
Safety, Timeline and Resale Mistakes
16. Ignoring Safety During Construction
Demo is fun. Swinging a sledgehammer through an old wall feels great. But it’s dangerous.
Homeowners doing their own demo have hit hidden electrical wires and gotten shocked. Cut into plumbing lines and flooded rooms. Brought down structural elements and had walls collapse. Released asbestos or lead dust into the air. Injured themselves with power tools.
Even when professionals do the work, construction sites have hazards. Exposed nails, power tools, chemical fumes, dust and unstable structures all pose risks.
If you’re doing any work yourself, turn off power to work areas first. Check for hidden utilities before cutting or drilling. Wear proper safety gear. Know what materials might contain hazards. Have someone else nearby in case of emergency.
If professionals are working, keep kids and pets away. Don’t walk through active work zones. Don’t touch or move tools or materials. Follow the contractor’s safety rules.
17. Unrealistic Timeline Expectations
Ask homeowners about their biggest frustration and timeline problems top the list. They were told six weeks. It took twelve. They planned a party around the finish date. Then delays happened.
Every remodel faces delays. Weather affects exterior work. Material shipments run late. Permit approval takes longer than expected. Inspection scheduling creates waits. Unexpected problems require changes. Subcontractors have scheduling conflicts.
Add buffer time to any timeline you get. If your contractor says eight weeks, plan for ten to twelve. Don’t schedule important events right when the project is supposed to finish.
Ask contractors about their timeline. What could cause delays? How do they handle scheduling problems? What’s their plan for communicating if delays happen? Do they have backup plans for material availability?
Realistic expectations reduce stress. You won’t get as frustrated by normal construction realities.
18. Not Keeping Extra Materials for Future Repairs
Nothing’s worse than needing a repair three years later and having no matching materials. That tile is discontinued. The paint color is gone. The flooring isn’t available anymore.
Or you calculated materials too tight during the project. You run out with five percent of the job left. Now you’re waiting for more material, paying for another delivery and hoping the next batch matches the first.
Order 10 to 15 percent extra on most materials. Tile for future repairs and cutting waste. Flooring for damage replacement. Paint for touch ups. Trim pieces for repairs.
Store extras properly. Paint goes in climate controlled space. Tile and flooring in a dry spot. Keep product codes and lot numbers. Label everything clearly.
Some materials like custom countertops can’t have extras made. Take detailed photos of product labels and specifications. This helps if you need matching materials later.
19. Over Personalizing Without Thinking About Resale
You love purple walls and leopard print tile. Future buyers won’t. Highly personal choices limit your buyer pool and lower your home value.
Some remodeling choices actually lose you money. In ground pools in cold climates. Over improved homes that are too nice for the neighborhood. Highly specific hobby rooms. Unusual layouts that reduce how well the space works. Luxury finishes in starter home areas.
Balance what you like with resale wisdom. Choose neutral base colors and materials. Keep layouts functional and flexible. Don’t improve beyond what’s normal in your neighborhood. Focus on projects that return your investment like kitchens, bathrooms and curb appeal. Make personal touches easy to change.
Talk to local real estate agents. What sells well in Dayton and the surrounding cities? What turns buyers off? In our market, finished basements and updated kitchens add value. Pools often don’t.
If you’re staying long term, enjoy some personal style. Just keep the big permanent choices appealing to most people.
20. Missing Chances to Improve Energy Efficiency
Skipping energy upgrades means higher utility bills for years. It also means missed value when you sell. Buyers increasingly want efficient homes.
Many remodels miss opportunities. Adding insulation when walls are already open. Upgrading to energy efficient windows. Installing LED lighting throughout. Choosing Energy Star appliances. Improving HVAC efficiency. Adding programmable thermostats. Sealing air leaks.
These upgrades cost more at first but pay back through lower bills. They also make homes more comfortable and increase resale value.
When walls are open and systems are exposed, make upgrades. Insulation in exterior walls, attics and crawlspaces. Air sealing around windows, doors and any penetrations. Efficient HVAC if your system is old. Water heaters, either tankless or high efficiency models. Windows and doors if current ones are failing.
The best time for efficiency features is during remodeling. The added cost is low because you already have access. Doing these upgrades later costs a lot more.
BGC helps clients identify smart efficiency investments. We explain the cost versus benefit for different upgrades. We help you make informed choices that save money long term.
Making Smart Choices for Your Dayton Remodeling Project
Avoiding these 20 mistakes protects your investment and reduces stress. The key is working with experienced professionals who’ve seen these problems before and know how to prevent them.
At Builders Group Construction our veteran led team brings over 75 years of combined experience to every project. We’re locally owned and operated. We serve Dayton, Beavercreek, Centerville, Kettering, Brookville, Huber Heights and over 20 surrounding cities in Ohio.
Our 12 step process stops surprises and keeps you in control. Detailed discovery and planning. Written contracts that cover everything. We handle all permits and building inspections. Regular communication and updates. Quality materials and skilled installation. Final walkthrough and your complete satisfaction.
We’re fully licensed and insured. Angi gave us their Super Service Award. We back every project with our 110% satisfaction guarantee.
When you work with BGC you’re not just getting a contractor. You’re getting Justin Vaughn and a team of professionals who’ll be there from first meeting through final cleanup. You’ll meet the actual people building your project. No surprises. No runarounds.
FAQs
What are the most common home remodeling mistakes?
The biggest ones include picking the cheapest quote without comparing what’s included, skipping proper planning and budgeting, hiring contractors without licenses or insurance, ignoring structural problems while focusing on finishes and not getting required permits. These mistakes cost homeowners thousands in repairs and delays.
When should I hire a professional instead of doing it myself?
Hire professionals for structural work, electrical systems, plumbing changes, gas line work and any project that needs permits. Licensed and insured contractors protect you from code violations, safety hazards and expensive mistakes. DIY is fine for cosmetic updates like painting but complex work needs expertise.
How do I pick a trustworthy remodeling contractor in Dayton?
Look for an Ohio contractor license, current liability insurance, workers compensation coverage and local references you can check. Awards like our Angi Super Service Award show proven quality. Get detailed written quotes. Compare what each includes carefully. Meet the actual team who will do your work. Trust your gut during meetings.
How much should I budget for my remodel?
Get detailed estimates from multiple licensed contractors for your specific project. Always add 10 to 20 percent extra for unexpected problems. Old homes especially hide surprises. Kitchen remodels in Dayton typically run $25,000 to $75,000. Bathroom remodels range from $10,000 to $35,000. Room additions cost $80 to $200 per square foot depending on what you want.
Why do I need permits for remodeling?
Permits make sure your work meets Ohio building codes for safety and quality. They’re required for structural changes, electrical work, plumbing changes, HVAC installation and major renovations. Work done without permits can fail home inspections, reduce resale value, complicate insurance claims and result in fines. Always get required permits. Your contractor should handle this.
Should I think about resale when remodeling my home?
Yes, even if you plan to stay for years. Balance what you like with choices that appeal to most people. Don’t customize beyond what’s normal in your neighborhood’s value range. Focus on projects that return your investment like kitchen and bathroom updates. Choose neutral base finishes. Add personality through things you can easily change like paint and accessories.
How long does a typical remodel take?
Small bathroom remodels take 4 to 8 weeks. Kitchen remodels need 8 to 12 weeks. Whole home remodels can take 6 to 12 months depending on how much you’re doing. Always add buffer time. Delays from weather, materials, permits and unexpected problems are normal. Contractors who promise unrealistic timelines often cut corners or don’t account for real complications.
