Almost every homeowner regrets at least one home improvement project. The ones that went over budget. Cheap materials that didn’t last. Shoddy workmanship. And much more. Regrets can be relatively minor like a misplaced door stop or very serious like a quarter million dollar addition going wrong.
There are many home improvements that you won’t regret but here are some that may cause long-term remorse.
Real-life “home improvement regret” conversations abound on sites like Reddit where people compare problems and regrets. Here are a few constant themes.
Overbuilding
Spending tens of thousands of dollars turning your house into a castle in a $250,000.00 neighborhood is a huge regret when it is time to sell. Virtually no one buys expensive houses in inexpensive locations.
Jacuzzi Tubs
Spent $700.00 on a Jacuzzi tub. Used exactly 3 times in 10 years. Still requires cleaning to keep mildew out of the jets. Plus the cost of replacing it.
Cheap Shower Tiles
Thin cheap shower tiles that don’t match. Usually found on sale with no return policy. You buy way more than you need just to have enough.
Renovating To Sell
The realtor recommends $4000.00 worth of upgrades to increase saleability. The new owner tore the house down the next day. New countertops or flooring are often recommended to make the sale. The house might sell quicker but you will never recover the cost and time spent.
Stick with negotiating a fair discount for some improvements and let the new owner spend the time and money on whatever improvements he/she wants to make.
Lighting Too Bright
I changed all the lights to LED because my wife wanted brighter light. Now, I’m changing them back because they are too bright.
Spending Money On the House You Rent
Spending your time and money improving a house or apartment you rent often turns out badly–even if you make an agreement with the owner before starting–about what you are doing, what is acceptable, and who is paying.
Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings are dated. Research how to remove the stuff properly and how to refinish the drywall ceiling before starting. Not knowing makes a bigger mess, extra work, and costs more.
Not Doing Improvements
A recurring regret is waiting to get home improvements done. Putting up with small annoyances for years, then getting it all done just before listing the house for sale. The homeowner lost the use or enjoyment of the improvements.
Laminate Flooring In Bathrooms
Any flooring that absorbs water is a poor choice for bathrooms. They just have to be replaced again. Water soaking through flooring could also damage the subfloor.
Never Hire a Friend
Friends foul up home improvements, too. And still want to be paid. Home improvements are hard on friendships and (sometimes) marriages.
Installing Exterior Doors
Installing exterior doors is a challenge. Ordering the right style, swing, jamb size, etc. Cutting out the old one. Installing the new one level, plumb, and square in an opening that is none of these. Finishing and making sure it works properly. Best left to a professional.
Believing Sales People
Listening to–and believing–sales pitches without verifying the information. Salespeople are good at selling–not so much at listening and understanding your needs. And some of them know next to nothing about the products or how to use them–especially at big box retailers.
Beautiful Design vs Practicality
Design and build a beautiful bathroom–with the toilet paper holder on the wall behind the toilet.
Budget Properly
Most homeowners budget for the big things–lumber, drywall, electrical, flooring, etc. Don’t ignore smaller things. Towel racks, medicine cabinets, door handles, hinges, etc. add up quickly. Include everything you can think of and then add 10% to 20% for the unexpected.
The unexpected are usually hidden treasures like wiring, plumbing, bearing walls, price increases, delivery problems, etc.
Budget For Tools
Don’t forget a tool budget–even for replacement blades, brushes, rollers, fasteners, etc. Tools that break and wear out need to be replaced to complete the project.
Plan and Research – Then Demo
Measure twice, cut once is a construction saying. Plan and research well before destroying existing sections of the house. Hiring designers and/or engineers for large projects is money and time well spent.
Stop Contractors Early
Stop your contractor any time you want an explanation or the work does not look right. You only want to pay for the job once and you want it done right.
Professional Tips
Contractors, designers, and realtors list many of the same regrets.
- Underestimating Costs. Get detailed quotes and costs of everything.
- Poor Planning. Renovate in an organized manner.
- Accepting the Lowest Quote. Fine, if they know what they are doing.
- Eliminating a Bedroom. Also eliminates potential buyers.
- DIY Always Saves Money. No, it doesn’t.
- Budgeting. Use your estimates to budget. Don’t deviate.
- Research. All material and fixture options.
