4 Common Home Remodel Mistakes

I’ve noticed when I walk through the homes of clients who have already been through a remodel process, there are consistent flaws that would have been easy to avoid. And of course I can’t really say anything because the remodel is already complete—the money already spent, the contractor long since departed. So we discuss other things like rugs, or drapes, or furniture, doing our best to put lipstick on a pig.

In this article, I touch on some of the most common and most glaring remodel mistakes I have seen in recent years.

1.        Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Don’t get me wrong. There is a right and wrong way to do vinyl. Some vinyl plank is nice. I’ve used it on projects myself and been thrilled. But the average home I walk into that has vinyl plank is typically the result of a homeowner who did not seek professional help, or they relied too heavily on their general contractor or sales consultant who sold them the flooring. Very common and very expensive mistake.

Whether you’re buying low grade vinyl or premium hardwood flooring, putting new floors in your home is a major investment, and as such, should not be taken lightly or skimped on. Designers can spot a trend that is going nowhere fast, like gray vinyl plank. I get it, it was cheap, you’re on a budget, believe me, I GET it. But ultimately, vinyl flooring (without the guidance of a professional designer) is a widely misused material in homes. Before you commit to vinyl flooring on your remodel, definitely consult with a legit designer.

2.        Overdone Can Lights

Can lights, or recessed lighting, aren’t exactly a trend. I consider recessed lighting an asset to many of my designs, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. However, I’ve noticed that some clients who have had this done on the cheap, or without any guidance from a designer, often end up with too many lights, or light fixtures that are too large, or the wrong color temperature. Their contractor asks them if they want can lights, they say ‘Yes’, and then he pops them in over a couple days, Voila! But contractors are not designers. They don’t have a sense (usually) for proportion, color, or ambiance.

Lighting design is a strategy that can dramatically impact the feel of a room. It is its own conversation in a remodel project—one that is too often neglected. Don’t neglect this conversation unless you want a builder grade “clinical” feel in your home. Call a designer who is well versed in lighting design.

3.        Windows

Windows? I know, who doesn’t love windows, right? Well this one is kind of a mixed bag of bad window related decisions, not windows in and of themselves. So I’ll break it down into these three common issues:

A.       Too many windows

Contractors and architects love a LOT of windows. Why, I can’t claim to know exactly, but it doesn’t always work out for the best. Having too many windows can be very limiting for furniture, cabinetry, and artwork. And, the people proposing and installing the windows don’t typically make any mention of how much it’s going to cost to COVER the windows, or what options are available to cover a ten foot stretch of glass, bringing me to my next point.

B.       Windows that limit window covering options

In home renovations, or even new construction, one very common issue is windows that do not have enough mounting depth for a variety of window covering options. And if you’re living in a secluded forest, can’t see the neighbors or even the main road, you probably don’t need window coverings (blinds) the way most of us do. For those lucky few, go nuts with windows, I applaud you. For the majority, who have neighbors, and some degree of need for privacy or light control, window coverings need to be at least considered before you even sign a contract.

Ideally you want a window option that will leave you with 2+ inches of mounting depth available within the window casing. Otherwise, your options may be not only disappointing but also very expensive down the line.

Oh yeah, and I know arches are making a huge comeback, but stay away from arch windows, unless you are planning to leave them entirely uncovered. I have encountered this way too often, the client who pays ungodly amounts of money for arch windows at the suggestion of their architect, then can't understand why drapes or shutters (or more recently window film) are their only options for privacy.

It's hard for me to convey what a giant pain in the ass it is to deal with this after the fact. Don't wait. And if you don't have time to juggle the million seemingly mundane decisions that go into a home remodel, HIRE A PROJECT MANAGER. Check out my Services page for options.

C.      Bad window covering selections

Window coverings are often the last thing people think about when they move into a new home, and they are never prepared for the price. Long story short, my pet peeve of window coverings are shutters. Not shutters in general, but when they are totally and utterly misused, shutting out the beautiful view that was the selling point of the property to begin with. Shutters are most useful for street side windows, and western exposure to combat the heat (at least in my hometown in sunny California). But for the covered area that leads out to the pool? No. They end up dominating and darkening what is often the most used space in the home. If you need pro designer intel on what window covering makes sense for you, call a designer before you pull the trigger on any orders.

4.        Cheap Cabinets  (The big tamale)

Cabinets should be one of the most expensive parts of your remodel. Reason being that you don’t get to replace them again for many years, if ever. Unless you are prepping your property for resale, purchase high quality custom or semi-custom cabinets.

Repeat after me: “Plywood frame, with Blum full extension soft close drawers and doors. Plywood frame, with Blum full extension soft close drawers and doors.”

Don’t know WTF I’m talking about? Google it. If you tell your builder you want cabinets with a plywood frame, with Blum full extension soft close drawers and doors, they will understand that you want good quality, not junky quality. No one requests particle board or MDF, but they generally don’t specify that they want plywood, because most don’t know the difference. Plywood is the highest quality frame material available for custom and prefab cabinets, and if you specifically request it, you will be less likely to receive a questionable quality cabinet.

The cabinets alone are worth a conversation with a professional (non commissioned) designer who can help you create a plan that will be compatible with your budget, but also high quality, attractive, and not overly trendy.

You don’t want to skimp on cabinets, but you also don’t want to make silly design decisions trying to maximize your investment. Don’t neglect this aspect of your project, and DEFINITELY don’t hand it off to the contractor to handle it for you.

Bottom line, when you are spending tens of thousands of dollars on improving your home, make sure you call an interior designer who will have your back, and guide you toward solid design decisions. One meeting with an experienced designer can save you many thousands of dollars in silly mistakes.

Don't gamble with your home. At minimum, set up a professional interior design consultation before you kick off your remodel. If you've never remodeled before, you want someone who you know is on your side, acting in YOUR best interest. Click here to inquire about what service type would be best for you and your budget.