Avoid These Common Home Renovation Mistakes

🚨 The Mistake: Homeowners often underestimate the true cost of a remodel, leading to budget overruns and unexpected compromises.

✅ The Fix:
– Get detailed estimates upfront based on real costs, not rough guesses.
– Plan for at least 10-20% extra for unexpected expenses.
– Work with a Design-Build firm that creates a realistic budget from day one—so you don’t end up with plans you can’t afford to build.

💡 Kraftmaster Tip: We source materials directly from manufacturers, eliminating unnecessary markups and keeping costs under control.

🚨 The Mistake: Many homeowners hire an architect to design their dream space without consulting a builder first—only to find out later that the plans are way over budget or structurally unfeasible.

✅ The Fix:
– Work with a Design-Build firm, where the designers and builders collaborate from the start.
– Ensure your design is both beautiful and cost-effective—so you’re not paying for plans that can’t be built.

💡 Kraftmaster Tip: Our in-house designers work hand-in-hand with our construction team to create a plan that aligns with both your vision and your budget.

🚨 The Mistake: Going with the cheapest bid or hiring a contractor based on availability alone can lead to poor craftsmanship, delays, and budget blowouts.

✅ The Fix:
– Choose a contractor with a proven track record, strong referrals, and a transparent process.
– Ask about jobsite cleanliness and protection—poor contractors leave your home covered in dust and debris.
– Make sure they offer detailed contracts, timelines, and clear communication.

💡 Kraftmaster Tip: Our award-winning jobsite protection and dust containment keep your home clean and livable throughout your remodel.

🚨 The Mistake: Many homeowners dive into a major renovation without planning for the disruptions—leading to frustration when their home becomes a construction zone.

✅ The Fix:
– Discuss living arrangements—will you stay in your home or relocate temporarily?
– Work with a contractor who provides a detailed schedule so you can plan around major disruptions.
– Consider phased remodeling if you need to remain in your home.

💡 Kraftmaster Tip: Our online project management portal gives you real-time updates, schedules, and communication so you always know what to expect.

🚨 The Mistake: Getting caught up in fleeting design trends can leave your home feeling dated within a few years.

✅ The Fix:
– Prioritize timeless, high-quality materials over trendy fads.
– If you love bold trends, incorporate them in easily changeable ways (like paint, decor, or lighting).
– Work with a designer who understands how to balance current trends with long-term style.

💡 Kraftmaster Tip: We help clients design timeless, functional spaces with customization options that allow for easy updates as styles evolve.

🚨 The Mistake: Many homeowners focus only on aesthetics, forgetting about storage and practicality—leading to a beautiful but impractical home.

✅ The Fix:
– Plan for ample built-in storage in kitchens, bathrooms, and mudrooms.
– Consider how you actually live—functional layouts make daily routines easier.
– Choose smart storage solutions that maximize every inch of space.

💡 Kraftmaster Tip: Our semi-custom cabinetry from Starmark Cabinetry allows for maximum organization while maintaining a high-end look.

🚨 The Mistake: Going too custom or making renovations that don’t add value can hurt your home’s resale potential.

✅ The Fix:
– Invest in high ROI renovations like kitchen and bathroom remodels.
– Keep structural changes in line with neighborhood standards.
– Make sure your design is appealing to future buyers while still reflecting your personal style.

💡 Kraftmaster Tip: Our team helps balance personalization with smart investments that enhance your home’s value.

🚨 The Mistake: Hiring separate architects, designers, and contractors leads to miscommunication, delays, and blown budgets.

✅ The Fix:
– Choose a Design-Build firm that handles everything—design, budgeting, construction, and project management—under one contract.
– Enjoy a smoother process, fewer headaches, and a project that stays on time and on budget.

💡 Why Kraftmaster?
🏆 In-house design + build team = no disconnect between plans and reality
🏆 Direct manufacturer relationships = cost savings
🏆 Award-winning jobsite protection = a clean, livable home during renovation
🏆 Most of our clients are repeat and referral = a reputation you can trust