There are plenty of ways to spend money during a home remodel. Expensive countertops, custom cabinets, upgraded appliances and premium flooring can all push a budget higher.
But one of the most expensive remodeling mistakes isn’t choosing something expensive.
It’s changing your mind after the work has already started.
A seemingly simple change in the middle of a remodeling project can affect materials, labor, scheduling, plumbing, electrical work and everything that was supposed to happen next. Make enough of those changes and a carefully planned remodeling budget can unravel surprisingly quickly.
Why Are Changes During a Remodel So Expensive?
Before construction begins, changing something on paper is relatively easy.
Move a cabinet. Change the location of an appliance. Pick different flooring. Make the shower larger. Add some recessed lighting.
Once construction is underway, those same decisions can become much more complicated.
Imagine deciding that you want the kitchen sink moved after plumbing has already been installed. Now completed work may have to be removed, plumbing relocated and surrounding work completed again.
You’re not simply paying for the change. You’re potentially paying to undo work you’ve already paid for and then do it again.
The Domino Effect of One “Small” Change
One of the difficult things about remodeling is that nearly everything is connected.
Moving a kitchen cabinet may affect the countertop measurements. Moving an appliance may require electrical or plumbing changes. Changing the size of a shower can affect waterproofing, tile quantities and the location of plumbing fixtures.
Even something as innocent as changing a light fixture can become complicated if the new fixture requires a different electrical box or mounting location.
What sounds like a five-minute conversation can sometimes create hours or days of additional work.
Material Changes Can Be Just as Costly
Another common source of remodeling cost overruns is changing materials after they have already been ordered.
Suppose you’ve selected flooring and enough material has been ordered for the project. Halfway through construction, you find another floor that you like better.
Changing it may mean restocking fees, nonreturnable materials, additional delivery charges and possibly a delay while the replacement product arrives.
Custom materials can make this even more expensive. Cabinets, countertops, glass, doors and other items may have been manufactured specifically for your project and may not be returnable at all.
That’s why making firm selections before materials are ordered can save a tremendous amount of money and frustration.
Changes Can Also Cost You Time
Money isn’t the only thing affected by changes during construction.
A remodeling project follows a sequence. One part of the job often needs to be completed before the next can begin.
If a change requires different materials that won’t arrive for three weeks, the contractor may not simply be able to skip that part and finish everything else. Other portions of the project may depend on that material being installed first.
That can push back the entire schedule.
If you’re living in the house during construction, another few weeks without a kitchen or primary bathroom can start feeling very expensive even if it doesn’t appear on an invoice.
Spend More Time Planning and Less Time Changing
The best way to avoid expensive changes is to make as many decisions as possible before construction begins.
Think through how you will actually use the finished space. Look at cabinet layouts. Consider where furniture will go. Think about lighting, electrical outlets, storage and traffic flow.
Choose major finishes and materials early enough that you’re comfortable with the selections before they are ordered.
If you’re uncertain about something important, talk it through with your contractor before the work reaches that point.
Ten extra minutes spent discussing something before construction can potentially prevent hours of work later.
Don’t Rush the Design Stage
Homeowners are understandably excited to get construction started. Once you’ve decided to remodel, staring at the old kitchen or bathroom for another few weeks can feel unbearable.
But starting demolition before important decisions have been made doesn’t necessarily get the project finished sooner.
Good planning establishes what is being built, which materials will be used, what needs to be ordered and how the different parts of the project fit together.
That planning isn’t delaying your remodel. It is part of your remodel.
Be Realistic About Your Budget From the Beginning
Another reason homeowners change direction midway through construction is that the original plan didn’t reflect what they really wanted.
If you know you want hardwood flooring, custom cabinetry or a particular countertop, discuss those expectations while the project is being planned.
Building an estimate around inexpensive materials and then upgrading everything during construction isn’t a very useful budget.
A realistic estimate based on the project you actually want gives you a much clearer understanding of the investment before construction begins.
What About Problems Nobody Could See?
Not every change during a remodel is caused by a homeowner changing their mind.
Existing homes can hide surprises.
Opening a wall may reveal old wiring, plumbing problems, water damage, structural issues or work performed incorrectly during a previous renovation. Those discoveries sometimes require changes to the original plan.
That’s very different from deciding halfway through the job that the kitchen island should be six inches wider.
An experienced remodeling contractor should explain what was discovered, why it matters and what options are available before proceeding with significant additional work.
Communication Prevents Expensive Surprises
Good communication between the homeowner and contractor is one of the most important parts of a successful remodel.
You should understand what is being built and have opportunities to ask questions before major decisions become expensive to change.
At the same time, your contractor needs clear decisions from you so the project can keep moving.
This is one reason Accell Construction takes a hands-on approach to remodeling. Owner Nick Haag is personally involved in Accell projects, working with a carefully selected in-house crew rather than turning projects over to a revolving collection of subcontractors.
When a question comes up, you want to be able to talk to the people who actually understand your project.
Can You Change Your Mind During a Remodel?
Of course.
It’s your house, and sometimes a better idea doesn’t become obvious until you can physically see the space taking shape.
There are also times when spending additional money on a change is absolutely worthwhile. If you’re going to live with the finished project for the next 10 or 20 years, fixing something you genuinely dislike may be worth considerably more than the additional cost.
The important thing is understanding the consequences of the change before making it.
Ask what additional work will be required, what it will cost and whether it will affect the completion date. Then you can make an informed decision.
The Cheapest Change Is the One You Make Before Construction
If you’re planning a kitchen, bathroom, basement or whole-home remodel, don’t underestimate the value of the planning process.
One of the most expensive remodeling mistakes is repeatedly changing decisions after materials have been ordered and work has begun.
Take the time to develop a plan you are comfortable with. Ask questions. Make your selections. Understand the scope of work. Then let your contractor build it.
Plan Your Colorado Remodel With Accell Construction
Accell Construction has been remodeling Colorado homes since 1999, with owner Nick Haag personally involved in every project and work performed by Accell’s own carefully selected crew rather than subcontractors.
From kitchens and bathrooms to basement finishing, additions, outdoor living spaces and major home renovations, we believe a successful project starts with a clear plan and good communication.
Thinking about remodeling your Colorado home? Contact Accell Construction for a free estimate and let’s talk through the project before the first hammer swings.
