7 Remodeling Mistakes to Skip

Renovating your home doesn't have to cost an arm, a leg and a headache—stress-free remodels are possible, and easier than you may think. Whether you’re a first-time Charlotte homeowner or you’re looking to spruce up your family home, all it takes is making the correct decisions and choosing the right people for the job. So don’t pull out the toolbox just yet—here are seven remodeling mistakes to avoid for a hassle-free home.

1. Hiring Uninsured Contractors

Hiring the right contractor can make or break the remodeling experience. From the kitchen to the bathroom, it takes an expert's hands to lay the foundation.

Before choosing the first contractor you land your cursor on, consider the integrity of your home—the plumbing, wiring and layout—to make a sound decision. A licensed, insured contractor specializing in creating your dream home, rather than an unlicensed contractor, could be the difference between quality work and an unfinished job.

Ensuring your contractor knows their way around acrylics, tiles, and all things kitchen and bathroom design is one big step in the right direction.

2. Skipping Permits

It may be tempting to skip the permit, and it may feel like you're saving yourself an unnecessary headache, but taking a moment to reflect on your home's needs will save you the extra stress. While some kitchen and bathroom remodels in Charlotte do require permits, especially when plumbing, electrical or structural changes are involved, every home is unique. So a little extra research could help you determine what’s right for you.

Unpermitted work can cost you big time—we help guide homeowners through this process and ensure work meets local requirements, leaving no stone unturned and no corner unchecked.

3- Underestimating Budgets

Home renovations are exciting, but let’s face it, the price can be no pretty number. If you’re not careful, costs add up, and your initial budget gets lost under all the tiles and hardware.

It’s essential to take the time to research and optimize your home plan for your budget. Certain contractors can help with this tedious process, offering free estimates, warranties, flexible financing options and step-by-step guidance to ensure you stay safely within budget.

After all, the right contractor will want to help your home flourish and bring your vision to life.

4- Choosing the wrong materials

The right materials turn our house into a home, but when choosing materials it’s important to consider practicality along with aesthetics.

The area you’re remodeling will tell you a lot about which direction to go in—is it a high-moisture environment prone to mold and wear, like a bathroom? Then, more durable, less porous and low-maintenance flooring is called for.

Finding the balance between a material that matches your desired aesthetic and meets your remodeling needs will keep your home pleasing to the eye and functional for everyday life with little maintenance.

5- Bad layout decisions

Your kitchen can be as pretty as a picture, but if you’re constantly bumping into your sous-chef, dinner will never get done.

Awkward layouts with poor storage are a recipe for disaster. To take advantage of your square footage and your home's potential, it’s not all about marble and stainless steel. While we may not all be design-savvy, it’s helpful to consult the layout with your contractor to ensure a practical, functional and comfortable kitchen or bathroom that will flow.

6- Not Considering Resale Value

When it comes to remodeling, we not only want to give you your dream home but also ensure your home's resale value.

The design choices you make will ultimately impact resale value, so while following the trends and your personal taste is tempting, overly specific and eclectic designs can put off future buyers. Imbuing your home's design with a healthy mix of your personal touch and a timeless, modern feel is key to staying true to yourself while keeping it buyer-friendly.

7- Rushing into the Build

It’s easy to grab the sledgehammer and get to work—rip out the tile and give it a whole new look.

But a solid remodel needs a solid plan to guarantee every detail for a smooth renovation experience. Having a well-thought-out and finalized plan will save time, money, and stress—the right contractor can guide you to a fool-proof plan, to keep your home running smoothly before we even place the first nail.