When planning a remodel, some things might feel like common sense—until they’re not. Over the years, we at Concierge Remodels have seen the same overlooked issues trip up even the most prepared homeowners. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of five things that might seem obvious but often catch people off guard.

1. Your Home Won’t Be Fully Functional During the Remodel

It’s easy to assume you can continue using parts of your home as usual while work is underway. However, construction zones can disrupt more of your daily routine than you might expect. For example, dust and noise from a kitchen remodel may spread to adjacent rooms, or a bathroom renovation might impact water pressure throughout your house.

What to Do: Plan for temporary living adjustments, like setting up a mini kitchen or arranging for alternative accommodations if needed.

2. Lead Times for Materials Can Be Longer Than You Think

It might seem like all your materials will be readily available once you place your order, but supply chain delays are common in remodeling. Custom cabinetry, specialty tiles, or even popular fixtures can take weeks (or months) to arrive, which could push back your timeline.

What to Do: Work with Concierge Remodels to order materials as early as possible and have a plan for substitutions in case of delays.

3. Budget Buffers Are Non-Negotiable

While setting your remodel budget, it’s tempting to allocate every dollar to planned expenses. However, unexpected issues—like structural surprises, outdated wiring, or hidden water damage—can pop up and add costs. Many homeowners underestimate the importance of a contingency fund.

What to Do: Reserve 10-20% of your budget for unforeseen expenses to avoid stress and financial strain later.

4. You’ll Be Making More Decisions Than You Anticipate

You might think all the major decisions are made during the planning phase, but remodeling is full of small yet important choices. From grout colors to hardware styles, these seemingly minor decisions can add up and become overwhelming if you’re not prepared.

What to Do: We strive to work with our client to stay organized by keeping a running list of decisions you’ll need to make and timelines so you can prepare ahead. We also recommend that when questions arise that require a decision, you respond as timely as you're able.

5. Permits and Inspections Are a Big Deal

It’s easy to assume that permits and inspections are just a formality, but skipping or mishandling them can lead to major headaches. Unpermitted work can delay your project, reduce your home’s value, or even result in fines.

What to Do: Work with a contractor (like us) who understands local regulations and handles permits on your behalf. Don’t cut corners here—it’s worth doing right the first time.

Bonus: Communication Is Everything

Even if it seems obvious to you, the team at Concierge Remodels aren't mind readers. Communicating your vision, expectations, and concerns is critical to ensuring the project meets your goals. Regular updates and feedback go a long way in avoiding misunderstandings.

At Concierge Remodels, we pride ourselves on guiding homeowners through every step of the remodeling process—even the less obvious ones. By staying informed and proactive, you can help your remodel go smoothly. Ready to start your project? Contact us today to learn more!