What Can Go Wrong: Remodeling Projects?

How to Handle the Challenges. Yes there are always challenges in Remodeling!

Remodeling projects, whether big or small, can be exciting – and they NEED to first carry an inner vision that drives the project! You’ve heard the phrase: “Remodels always cost more and take more time!” They truly are complex undertakings with many moving parts, whether it’s contractors, laborers, materials, timelines. It’s best to be prepared with What Could Go Wrong! Let’s get ahead of the curve and dive into what can go wrong. Being informed is power! And Yes, they always cost more and take more time…so know that! Expect it! Budget for it! Flow with it!

1. Here's a breakdown of common problems and ways to keep your sanity mindset.

   Budget Issues:
   • Underestimating Costs: This is perhaps the most common problem. Initial estimates might not account for every detail, potential price increases, or unexpected issues. (Thus the “Cost More” equation)
     You start with yes, I want this! Then you start entertaining an upgraded wood, marble, or fixtures. Enjoy spending more upfront planning time before the project begins – focus on the plan, don’t just gloss over, educate yourself, dig into the financials, know the options before construction begins
   • Lack of Contingency Fund: Not setting aside extra money (typically 10-20% of the total budget) for unforeseen problems can derail the project when surprises inevitably pop up. YES, planning for It always Costs More helps your budgeting. Know this!
   • Scope Creep: Adding new ideas or expanding the project midway through significantly increases costs and timelines. 
     YES, it’s completely normal once visualizing the project in real time, what else could be possible? Many of us are so visual; we need to see it. And then the light bulb goes off. Be diligent and enjoy learning, explore as you go, and thoroughly dig into your options available, then be happy with your selection! Spend the upfront time, be grateful for your search of availability and options, and choose what makes you happy, affordably.
   • Hidden Costs:  Ooops! Forgetting to budget for things like permits, debris removal, temporary accommodation if needed, increased utility bills, or eating out more often if the kitchen is unavailable is a high-level detail game. Pesky details! How about we take the attitude of “ooh, take out, picnic style, no cooking is a memorable fun time!” Be positive about the temporary changes, because your vision of ‘why’ you wanted this is strong, grounded in your inner alignment about wanting this and has a timeframe. It will end!

2. Contractor and Labor Problems:

   • Hiring the Wrong Contractor: Oopps again! Choosing someone unqualified, unlicensed, uninsured, unreliable, or with poor communication skills can lead to disaster (shoddy work, delays, legal issues, financial loss). 
     OK, let’s dive into this one. Were you focusing only on the bottom line price? Were you swayed by a swindling contractor who knows the right things to say, but then doesn’t deliver in communications and follow through? It’s often NOT about the lower or, quite frankly, the highest price, it’s about confidence and the relationship. How well do you communicate together? Trust your instincts. Dive into the contractor’s track record and testimonials before you sign on the dotted line.
   • Poor Communication: Misunderstandings between you, the contractor, designers, and subcontractors about expectations, materials, or timelines.
     Truly, you can gauge how communications are going early in the game. How do you feel energetically in the presence of this contractor? Does she/he listen to you? Does he exude confidence in the details of what this project may entail? Does he demonstrate his expertise in the little things and the big things?
   • Subcontractor Issues: Delays or poor workmanship from specialized trades (plumbers, electricians, painters) that the general contractor hires.
     Often a contractor who treats his people well has a team for decades. There’s trust in all ways – to produce a great job, to work well on behalf of their boss and you, the client. Professionals have deep experience of what it takes to fix things, to handle things, to care about the work. That’s the contractor and their vetted laborers you want!
   • Contractor Disappearing: In worst-case scenarios, a contractor might abandon the job after receiving payment.
     Here, the relationship may have been on thin ground. When you spend time, vetting and trusting your contractor, and pay them accordingly, it’s a relationship built. That’s what you’re looking for, a trusted partner.
   • Disputes: Arguments over the quality of work, payment schedules, or what was included in the contract.
     Here communications of confidence, trust, and innate honorable commitments pave the way for a timely payment schedule and set the stage for delivery. My advice: don’t go cheap! You’ll pay in other ways!

3. Scheduling and Delays:

   • Unrealistic Timelines: Homeowners or contractors setting overly optimistic completion dates.
     Believe your experienced contractor on what it takes to deliver the complex details. Work with them when there are unexpected delays, when things are uncovered, and new problems arise unknown. Commit to getting it done right. It’s not the contractor's fault that other issues arose that needed fixing. Appreciate that they knew enough to say, Hey, this needs to be fixed moving forward for the integrity of the project.
   • Material Delays: Items being back-ordered, discontinued, damaged in transit, or simply arriving late.
     This is where planning with advanced timing comes in handy. This is often not the fault of the contractor, but rather the delayed decision to move forward. And then things changed. Be ahead of the curve and get things ordered on the earlier side. Prepare ahead as much as possible. Order things you’ve decided you want as early as possible. Have a place for storage as you gather all that’s needed for the job. Supplies don’t arrive all at the same time.
   • Permit/Inspection Delays: Waiting for permits to be issued or for inspectors to sign off on stages of work can halt progress.
     A competent contractor will begin this work well ahead of schedule. Let him/her do the job with as much advanced notice as possible! Give the green light sooner. Flow with the hiccups. Focus on what’s next.
   • Weather Delays: Rain, snow, extreme heat, or cold can stop exterior work or affect material curing times.
     You can’t control the weather, but you can begin your projects in the right months!
   • Worker Availability: Contractors juggling multiple jobs, illness, or scheduling conflicts can cause delays.
     Be compassionate and know that your continued relationship and payment schedules have given your contractor confidence to hire the best laborers in his area.
   • Unexpected Discoveries: A competent contractor will alert you, be appreciative! Until you dig in, no one could have known, and now you DO!
     1. Hidden Structural Problems: Finding rotten wood, termite damage, foundation issues, or improperly supported structures once walls are opened.
     2. Outdated/Unsafe Systems: Discovering old, dangerous wiring (like knob-and-tube), leaky or corroded plumbing that needs replacement.
     3. Hazardous Materials: Uncovering asbestos (in insulation, flooring, popcorn ceilings) or lead paint that requires professional remediation.
     4. Mold or Water Damage: Finding hidden mold growth behind walls or under floors due to past leaks.
     5. Pest Infestations: Discovering termites, carpenter ants, rodents, etc.

4. Design and Planning Failures:

   • Poor Planning: Not having detailed plans or a clear scope of work before starting leads to confusion, mistakes, and changes mid-project.
   • Design Flaws: Creating a space that looks good on paper but is impractical, doesn't function well, or doesn't fit your lifestyle.
   • Ignoring Codes and Regulations: Failing to understand or follow local building codes, zoning laws, or HOA rules can lead to fines or having to redo work.

5. Workmanship and Material Issues:

   • Poor Quality Work: Work that is sloppy, doesn't meet standards, or fails prematurely.
   • Incorrect Materials: Using the wrong type or quality of materials specified in the plan.
   • Damage to Existing Property: Workers accidentally damaging parts of your home or landscaping that weren't part of the remodel.

6. Homeowner-Related Issues:

   • Decision Fatigue: Being overwhelmed by the constant need to make choices about finishes, fixtures, and colors.
   • Changing Your Mind: Making significant changes after work has started can be costly and cause major delays.
   • Stress: The disruption, noise, dust, and financial strain of a remodel can be very stressful on individuals, relationships and families.

Careful planning, thorough vetting of contractors, clear communication, realistic budgeting (with contingency), and flexibility are key to navigating these potential pitfalls and increasing the chances of a successful remodel.