The Biggest Renovation Regrets (and How to Prevent Them)
There’s nothing more exciting than planning a home renovation — finally bringing your dream kitchen, spa bathroom, or open concept living room to life.
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned in over 100 years of building and renovating homes across Westchester, Putnam, and Fairfield Counties, it’s this:
The biggest regrets usually aren’t about the color of the cabinets or the tile you picked.
They’re about the steps you didn’t take before the project began.
Whether you're planning a full home remodel or just updating a space, here are five of the most common renovation regrets — and how to avoid them.
1. Not Starting With a Solid Plan
Many homeowners get swept up in the excitement and want to dive right in and figure the details out later. Some homeowners may also think they are “saving money” by not hiring a professional architect or designer to help with the planning process.
The result? Delays, change orders, and re-doing finished work — all of which will negatively impact your budget and timeline.
What to do instead: Work with a contractor who helps you define a clear scope of work, finish selection, timeline, and budget before anyone picks up a hammer. At A. DeVito & Son, we walk clients through a detailed planning process to ensure a smooth build and shared expectations from day one.
2. Thinking the Low Bid is the Cheapest Option
For most people, their home is their most valuable asset. Renovation projects can be expensive, and it’s tempting to go with the cheapest estimate. But low bids often come with hidden costs like:
- Poor communication
- Unlicensed or uninsured workers
- Cut corners
- No warranties
- Intentional change orders and surprise fees
How to avoid it: Provide a clearly defined scope of work and compare estimates carefully. Look at what’s included, how line items are worded, what materials are specified, and if contingency pricing is mentioned. Ask for references, check reviews, confirm licensing and insurance, and make sure your contractor communicates clearly.
Often, a higher up-front bid from a reputable company with clear expectations will save you far more in the long run.
3. Only Considering Aesthetics During Design
It’s easy to fall in love with a photo on Pinterest and want to recreate that exact look. But what looks great in a photo might not function well in your home’s existing layout.
Our approach: We help clients balance their desired aesthetic with functional living. From maximizing storage and improving layout to ensuring accessibility for aging in place, our designs make sure your space not only looks beautiful — it works beautifully for your daily life.
4. Making Short-Term Financial Decisions Without Understanding Long-Term Impact
Renovations should reflect both your current and future needs, especially if you plan to stay in your home long term. Some clients omit important elements of a project to save money now, without realizing the long-term cost and stress that decision can bring.
Pro tip: If you plan to expand, add rooms, or reconfigure layouts in the future, it’s essential to build those considerations into your current project. This helps avoid redoing work later and allows you to take advantage of economies of scale now.
At A. DeVito & Son, we take a holistic approach to project planning, ensuring your budget today contributes to your future dream results.
5. Not Understanding Your DIY Limitations
Weekend DIY projects sound fun — until you’re two months in, staring at a half-gutted bathroom with no working shower and rising tension at home.
What we recommend: Let us take on the heavy lifting. We collaborate with experienced tradespeople, manage the schedule, and ensure the work is done safely and up to code — so you can enjoy the results, stress-free.
Avoiding Regret Starts With the Right Team
At A. DeVito & Son, we treat every project like it’s our own home. We believe in:
- Honest communication
- Detailed planning
- Craftsmanship that stands the test of time
Our clients rely on us to help them make smart, balanced decisions that align with their vision, function, and budget.
Thinking of Renovating?
Not sure where to start?
📸 Send us a photo or idea — we’ll help you figure out the next step.
📩 Contact us today or DM us on Instagram.
We don’t just build.
We help you love where you live.