Homeowner Regrets
It’s kind of a given that, if you own a house, you’re going to want to renovate it at least once in your life. Unfortunately, this can be a much longer, drawn-out, and expensive process than people were hoping for. Many come away from the whole fiasco saying, “Never again.” Here’s 11 things people regret after renovating their home.
Blowing the Budget on Looks, Not Function
You can blame social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest for this one. People buy, say, matte black fixtures for their bathroom and forget about the actual plumbing. The result? Beautiful spaces with hidden problems that cost even more to fix later.
Underestimating the True Cost
What starts as a $10,000 kitchen remodel often turns into a $20,000 one once bad surprises pop up – major mold problems or structural issues, for example. Many folks regret not putting more money aside for the unexpected, because the unexpected almost certainly will happen.
Taking on Too Much at Once
Trying to renovate multiple rooms at the same time can spiral out of control quickly, yet you’d be surprised by how many people try and do it. It ends up a nightmare as you have nowhere to actually live in while the renovations are being done.
Trying to “keep up With the Joneses”
Remember, no-one can see inside your house from outside in the street. Installing luxury rooms in a modest neighborhood might make your house the fanciest on the block - but who cares? Showing off to the neighbors is the worst reason for renovating.
Skipping Permits to Save Money
It’s tempting to cut corners by skipping permits, especially for seemingly minor jobs. After all, everyone does it, right? But if you ever sell the house, unpermitted work can come back to haunt you. Some homeowners find themselves paying double to fix code violations
Financing Renovations With High-Interest Debt
Putting a renovation on a credit card or taking out a personal loan may seem convenient at the time, but the interest can be brutal. Many regret not exploring lower-interest options. How about, before embarking on a home renovation journey, you have a word with your bank?
Trusting the Lowest Bid
So many people do this and come to seriously regret it later. Don’t just pay attention to the price when hiring a contractor – also go online and research them, reading as many reviews as possible. As harsh as it seems, you sometimes just can’t trust people.
Ignoring the Resale Value
Some homeowners design their interiors to, shall we say, ultra-specific tastes - like bright Barbie pink rooms or rainbow tiles. It’s fun until it’s time to sell, and then buyers aren’t impressed. Personalizing your space is great only if it’s your forever home.
Changing Plans Midway Through
Mid-project changes can add thousands to your final bill. Moving a wall here, swapping materials there -it adds up fast and can come to more money than you ever planned to pay. Homeowners who ummed and ahhed over their choices often regret the cost of their indecision.
Forgetting About Long-Term Maintenance Costs
That gorgeous marble countertop or wall-mounted faucet might look amazing - but some materials and finishes require expensive upkeep. Many regret not factoring in future maintenance costs, because they find their wallets hit hard later.
Forgetting to Budget for Temporary Living Costs
Living in the house through a major renovation isn’t always realistic, especially if there’s no kitchen or bathroom. Many homeowners regret not setting aside a lot more money for a hotel or rental, especially if renovations drag on past their finishing date.
