Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make During a Renovation (And How to Avoid Them)

One of recent renovation projects. See full video at www.313builders.com/services

Renovating a home should be exciting — but for many Detroit homeowners, it quickly becomes stressful, overwhelming, or downright expensive. At Detroit Home Builders, we’ve seen it all. From do-it-yourself disasters to poorly managed contractors, we know exactly where renovations go off track.

Here are the top 5 renovation mistakes we see — and how to avoid them with the right planning, the right crew, and the right mindset.

1️⃣ Hiring the Cheapest Contractor

We get it — you want to save money. But hiring based on the lowest quote often leads to:

• Unlicensed crews

• Unsafe shortcuts

• Costly rework later

Solution: Choose a contractor who is licensed, insured, and transparent — someone who offers fair pricing, not the cheapest pricing.

2️⃣ Skipping the Consultation or Walkthrough

Jumping into a project without a proper assessment is like building on guesswork.

Solution: Start with a detailed walkthrough. At DHB, we offer free consultations that give you a clear plan, realistic timeline, and honest estimate.

3️⃣ Not Pulling Permits

Trying to "save time" by skipping permits can lead to serious legal and safety issues.

Solution: Work with a contractor who knows Detroit codes and pulls permits for you. We handle that every step of the way.

4️⃣ Underestimating the Budget

Many homeowners only budget for materials and labor — but forget about surprises, city fees, or structural issues.

Solution: Add a 10–15% contingency to your renovation budget. We help our clients plan smart from day one so they don’t get caught off guard.

5️⃣ Micromanaging (or Disengaging Completely)

Trying to control every nail OR disappearing during the job can both create problems.

Solution: Find a contractor who communicates well. Our clients get regular updates, clear timelines, and respect at every stage of the build.

🛠️ Renovating with Confidence

With the right crew, the right process, and the right attitude, home renovation doesn’t have to be a nightmare. At Detroit Home Builders, we pride ourselves on professionalism, respect, and results that last.

We don’t just renovate — we solve problems.

📞 Thinking about a project? Start with a free consultation:

📍 Metro Detroit | 💬 313-261-3330 | 🌐 www.313builders.com