10 Renovation Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

Why I Am Uniquely Qualified to Help You

Over the past 10 years, I have been involved in 10 building projects:

The new stores in Framingham, Hanover, and Cape Cod (which just opened last Monday).

The new warehouse and store in Norton, along with the new warehouse and store in Nantucket, opening this April.

Then there was the near roof collapse in Dorchester in 2015, which triggered a $2 million remodel.

At the same time, I remodeled my cherished apartment in 2014 – only to move across the street less than three years later to rehab a burnt-down brownstone.

I wish I could tell you everything went well.

When I followed this methodology, things went smoothly.

When I didn’t, the problems got expensive.

Especially this:

This warehouse was a disaster – over budget and fraught with problems.

It’s the only time in my 39 years at Yale that I ever levied a 93A lawsuit against anyone.

You’re probably thinking, “It’s a warehouse. It must be huge.”

But a warehouse is just a box to put stuff in. It’s not that nuanced.

While I was fighting with the developers, interest rates climbed from 2% to 7%.

You’ll face higher interest rates now too, compared to five years ago.

We’ll talk about how to move decisively yet thoughtfully a bit later.

Lessons Learned Over the Years

2004

Of course, it hasn’t all been bad – especially when I stayed disciplined.

In 2004, I was living in Brookline and decided to move to Boston.

At that time, the Brookline market was pretty hot. I decided to swap out the appliances for Fisher & Paykel.

Fisher & Paykel was unique at the time, and I thought it would help sell the unit – which it did.

So here’s a good question to ask before selling your house:

What really adds value at a minimal cost while maximizing resale potential?

2014

Ten years later, a contractor friend convinced me to remodel my Boston apartment.

The results were nice, but I ended up spending a lot of money fixing punch list items to be polite.

We’ll dive deeper into dealing with contractors shortly.

2017

Three years later, I moved again for lifestyle reasons.

We’ll talk about your lifestyle soon and how to build a kitchen that fits how you actually use it.

Once again, I stayed disciplined and ended up with a great place to live.

You’re probably thinking, “I’ll be more fortunate than you.”

Maybe you will.

But in Boston in 2024, three prominent developers collectively lost $15 million when their trusted general contractor filed for Chapter 11.

It could happen to anyone.

That’s why you need a methodology – one I wish I had stuck to last year.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Hiring the Wrong People
• Not Knowing Your Lifestyle
• Thinking You Have More Time Than You Actually Do
• Misunderstanding Cabinets and Underpaying for a Cabinet Designer
• Placing Your Stove in the Middle of an Island
• Failing to Understand Ventilation
• Oversizing a Vent (Massachusetts Residents Only)
• Stacking Wall Ovens Improperly
• Using a Downdraft for a Professional Range
• Assuming Your Appliances Will Be Repaired

10 Renovation Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

Mistake #1: Hiring the Wrong People

When you look at those 10 projects, hear about your friends’ experiences, or listen to nightmare renovation stories, one theme consistently stands out:

Good contractors lead to good outcomes.

It’s that simple.

Experienced contractors have been through it all and know how to solve similar problems.

But the only way to find the right contractor is by asking quality questions.

You want to understand their experience, their process, and how they follow through. That’s really it.

However, don’t forget to ask for references – not just from customers but also from subcontractors.

Why Subcontractors?

Because you need to ensure the general contractor (GC) isn’t cutting corners and consistently pays their bills.

A contractor who churns through suppliers or subcontractors is a red flag. A good one keeps things on track and within budget.

Top 20 Questions to Ask a Contractor Before Hiring

Before you hire, ask the right questions. Here are the top 20 to help you make the best choice:

• Can you provide references and examples of similar projects you’ve completed?
  • Past clients and portfolios give insight into their work quality and reliability.
• Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
  • Confirm their credentials and coverage for liability and worker injuries.
• What’s included in your quote?
  • Ask for a detailed breakdown of materials, labor, permits, and additional costs.
• What’s your timeline for the project?
  • Get clarity on the start date, completion date, and milestones.
• What happens if the timeline isn’t met?
  • Discuss penalties, delays, and how they’ll handle unforeseen issues.
• How do you handle unexpected costs or changes to the project?
  • Changes happen—know how they’ll communicate and price them.
• Who will be working on my project?
  • Ask if they use subcontractors and confirm the qualifications of everyone involved.
• How often will we communicate during the project?
  • Establish a communication plan, including updates and progress meetings.
• What permits are required, and who handles them?
  • Ensure they manage permits and inspections to avoid legal issues.
• How do you handle https://shophjr.com/ safety and cleanliness?
  • Ask about daily cleanup, debris removal, and protecting your property.
• Will you provide a detailed written contract?
  • Everything—scope of work, materials, timeline, costs—should be in writing.
• Do you offer a warranty for your work?
  • Find out what’s covered, for how long, and the process for addressing warranty issues.
• What materials do you recommend, and why?
  • Get their professional opinion on materials, but ensure it aligns with your budget and vision.
• How do you ensure the project stays on budget?
  • Ask how they track expenses and manage unforeseen costs.
• What payment schedule do you require?
  • Avoid paying large amounts upfront—agree on a phased schedule tied to milestones.
• How do you manage subcontractors?
  • Understand their vetting process and how they oversee subcontractor work.
• What happens if there’s a disagreement?
  • Discuss dispute resolution methods, like mediation or arbitration, to avoid legal battles.
• Are there any potential issues or risks you foresee with this project?
  • A seasoned contractor should be upfront about challenges with your property or plans.
• Can you provide a written project timeline with key milestones?
  • This helps track progress and hold them accountable.
• How do you handle final inspections and the punch list?
  • Confirm they’ll walk through the finished project with you and address any remaining issues.

Who Is Managing Your Renovation?

You’ve picked your general contractor. Fantastic.

However, that’s just one piece of the puzzle. A successful renovation isn’t just about who’s in charge. It’s about how the project is managed.

Who will be your Project Manager on your kitchen or home renovation?

This is a critical follow-up. You want someone experienced in handling trades. You do not want someone new or unproven.

Mistake #2. Not Knowing Your Lifestyle

Even the best contractor in the world can’t help you if you can’t make decisions.

Take the photo above. Are we going for a classic look or a beach house vibe?

I think back to my own journey- from renovating my penthouse apartment to moving across the street into a garden-level apartment.

From Penthouse to Basement

In my previous place, my kitchen was on the top floor. When I moved into my house, I deliberately placed the kitchen in the basement.

It was a radical change in lifestyle.

Then my daughter was born in 2016. Suddenly, carrying her up to the fifth floor, unloading groceries, and fighting for a parking spot became exhausting.

It was much easier having the kitchen on the first floor.

I could park her on the couch and move the bundles in from there – no more struggling with stairs and logistics.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself Before Renovating Your Kitchen

Not sure about your own lifestyle needs? Ask yourself these key questions:

• How do I use my kitchen now?
  • Do I cook elaborate meals, or mostly heat up leftovers?
  • Is my kitchen a social hub or a private workspace?
• What frustrates me about my current kitchen?
  • Is it the cramped prep space, inconvenient fridge location, or lack of outlets?
• How many people use the kitchen—and how?
  • Do multiple people cook at the same time?
  • Do I have kids, pets, or entertain frequently?
  • Will an island help or create traffic jams?
• What’s my kitchen’s relationship to the rest of the house?
  • How does its location impact flow and function?
• What’s my personal style, and will I still love it in 10 years?
  • Am I drawn to modern, traditional, or rustic aesthetics?
  • Should I prioritize timeless over trendy?
• What’s my storage personality?
  • Am I a minimalist (open shelving) or a collector (serious storage needed)?
  • Do I need space for appliances, cookware, or pantry items?
• Do I have any special accessibility needs?
  • Would lower countertops, easy-to-reach shelves, or wider walkways improve function?
• What’s my real budget?
  • Have I accounted for unexpected costs?
• How long do I plan to stay in this house?
  • If long-term, should I invest in quality and customization?
  • If short-term, should I prioritize resale value?
• Do I care about sustainability?
  • Should I invest in energy-efficient appliances or eco-friendly materials?
• What vibe do I want my kitchen to have?
  • Cozy and warm, sleek and modern, or something else?
  • Are there objects or features I want to highlight?
• Do I renovate the kitchen first—or should I prioritize other spaces?
  • Would tackling bathrooms first make more sense for my lifestyle and home value?

Mistake #3: Thinking You Have Time—You Don’t

Unlike in years past, you’re now dealing with higher mortgage rates (trust me, I know this all too well).

Every delay will cost you real money – month after month.

And with potential tariffs on the horizon, supply chain issues could become a serious problem.

If 2020–2022 taught us anything, it’s that supply chain disruptions can halt construction for months.

So let me give you some perspective. In 2018, I renovated my bathroom:

I spent way too much time stressing over tile choices and whether the bathtub matched the sinks.

Seven years later? I don’t even remember why I was so worried.

In fact, I never even used the rainfall showerhead I thought I absolutely needed.

10 Renovation Mistakes to Avoid: Key Takeaways

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.”

Sage advice.

Planning solves all these problems.

Remember, construction should be broken down into four equal parts: design, scheduling, construction, and closeout.

Finding good people at every level and truly taking time to understand your lifestyle will mitigate most of these issues.

Think a bit about how you cook and how you will use the space.

You can plan, but once you start, move decisively.

You can do this, and it can be fun and rewarding as you beam at your new kitchen.

Additional Resources