Blog / Top 10 Home Renovation Regrets (and How to Avoid Them)
Top 10 Home Renovation Regrets (and How to Avoid Them)
Renovating your home is exciting. But too often, homeowners walk away with some remodeling mistakes and wished they had planned parts of the remodel differently. That one light switch in the wrong spot. The gorgeous tile with impossible-to-keep-clean grout. The storage that isn’t quite enough.
Most general contractors are not design-focused and may not think through the daily practicality of their material and construction decisions.
At State Restoration, we’ve seen it all, and we are design-focused. We help our clients avoid these common (and expensive) renovation regrets. Our design team plans the space, selects the materials and colors, and thinks through how you will use the space before construction begins.
Here are 10 renovation regrets homeowners share, and how to avoid them.
1. Overkill On Recessed Lighting
“The house feels too much like a showroom, not a home.”
Recessed lighting is clean and modern, but overdoing it can create a flat, sterile feel, lacking ambiance.
Fix: Think layering lighting—wall sconces, under-cabinet lights, and pendants help build ambiance and provide lighting for both function and mood. Dimmers add control, and warmer lighting tones keep a relaxing and inviting space.
2. Skipping Heated Floors in Bathrooms
“It wasn’t in the budget — now I wish it was.”
Tile flooring can be beautiful, but it can be chilly on cold mornings. Heated floors make the bathroom pleasurable to walk on cold days and add an extra luxurious touch.
Fix: Add radiant heat beneath the tile during the renovation. It’s an upfront cost that pays off in daily comfort, especially in the primary suite.
3. Overly Trendy Cabinet Choices
High-gloss navy seemed cool at the time…
Cabinets set the tone for your kitchen. Trendy colors or finishes can date quickly. Overly modern and trendy panel designs with pale colors can have a lackluster effect.
Fix: Choose clean, timeless lines and neutral palettes. Let accessories, hardware, and paint accents express a personality that can evolve.
4. Neglecting Soundproofing Between Floors and Rooms
“I can hear every footstep upstairs.”
Without sound control, noise can become bothersome.
Fix: Plan for acoustic insulation early. Rockwool, resilient channels, or double drywall can go a long way toward keeping your home quiet.
5. White Grout in High-Traffic Areas
Looked great… for the first month.
White grout is beautiful but unforgiving. It shows wear, stains, and dirt.
Fix: Opt for mid-tone or darker grout in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. If you love white grout, plan for frequent sealing and maintenance.
6. Not Enough Outlets Where You Need Them
“Why didn’t we add more in the kitchen and bedrooms?”
Power and charging needs grow with every device and appliance.
Fix: Think ahead. Add outlets where you use them most: near nightstands, vanities, inside drawers, and on the kitchen island. Include USB or USB-C ports for modern devices.
7. Skimping on Storage
No space for towels, toiletries, or shoes.
Minimalist design is beautiful, but adequate storage is essential for organization. Thinking through and creating space for storage is critical.
Fix: Maximize vertical space with linen cabinets, floor-to-ceiling built-ins, and entryway benches with hidden storage.
8. Wasting Potential of High Ceilings
“We didn’t take advantage of the vertical space.”
Tall ceilings create spaciousness and luxury, but when left blank they can make a space feel unfinished.
Fix: Use the height to your advantage. Go bold with vertical tile patterns, statement lighting, or tall custom cabinetry. Porcelain or glass tile can reflect light beautifully, while matte finishes pair well with polished metal accents like nickel or brass to add contrast and visual interest.
9. Lacking Proper Ventilation
The bathroom mirror is always fogged. The kitchen smells linger.
Ventilation affects air quality, moisture control, and comfort.
Fix: Install quiet bath fans on humidity sensors or timers. Use ducted range hoods in the kitchen to remove heat and cooking odors.
10. Regretting Open Shelving
It looked great in photos. Now it’s just dusty.
Open shelving can create an airy feel, but it’s not always the most practical solution.
Fix: Use it selectively. Mix open shelves with closed storage to reduce clutter and dust.
Planning a Remodel? Avoid the Regret with State Restoration
At State Restoration, we guide homeowners through every step of the process, so you can get it right the first time. From layout and lighting to finishes and functionality, we help you think ahead and design your home with confidence.
Let’s create a home you’ll love for years to come.
Discuss your remodel construction project with our design team. Visit our Westlake Village showroom and browse ideas and materials for your home remodel project.
Summary: Most Common Renovation Regrets
- Too much recessed lighting
- No heated floors
- Trendy cabinets that don’t age well
- Poor soundproofing
- White grout that stains
- Not enough outlets
- Inadequate storage
- Cheap fixtures
- No ventilation
- Open shelving overload