Thinking of renovating your home? Whether you’re dreaming of a spa-like bathroom, a gourmet kitchen, or an open-concept living space, remodeling can be exciting — but it’s also full of opportunities to go off-track.
At Avery Construction, we’ve helped thousands of Florida homeowners bring their vision to life, and we’ve seen firsthand where most projects get tripped up. Here’s how to avoid the biggest renovation mistakes and make sure your remodel stays on time, on budget, and stress-free.
1. Not Planning Far Enough Ahead
The Mistake: Waiting until the last minute to start the process..png?width=200&height=200&name=Untitled%20(55).png)
Why It’s a Problem: Many homeowners assume they can call a contractor in July and be cooking in their new kitchen by August. In reality, design decisions, permitting, product availability, and contractor schedules take time — sometimes several months.
How to Avoid It: Start planning 3–6 months before your ideal construction start date. The earlier you begin design conversations, the smoother the entire project will go.
2. Not Having a Clear Budget (With Buffer)
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The Mistake: Creating a budget based on hope rather than reality.
Why It’s a Problem: Renovations often come with hidden costs — permit fees, material upgrades, or necessary repairs uncovered during demo.
How to Avoid It: Be honest about your total spend (including a 10–15% contingency), and communicate that with your contractor. At Avery, we help you prioritize where to splurge and where to save to keep your vision and your wallet aligned.
3. Hiring the Cheapest Contractor
The Mistake: Going with the lowest bid.
Why It’s a Problem: A low quote might mean corners cut, unlicensed work, or surprise costs added later. You could end up paying more to fix their mistakes.
How to Avoid It: Look at experience, reputation, licensing, and communication — not just price. A solid contractor offers transparency, quality craftsmanship, and peace of mind.
4. Changing the Plan Too Often
The Mistake: Making major decisions after the build has started..png?width=200&height=200&name=Untitled%20design%20(54).png)
Why It’s a Problem: Changes to layout, finishes, or materials during construction cause delays and added costs.
How to Avoid It: Finalize as many selections as possible during the design phase. Our team works closely with clients to make confident decisions up front so you don’t second-guess halfway through.
5. Skipping the Design Phase
The Mistake: Thinking design is just about picking tile.
Why It’s a Problem: Without a strong design plan, your renovation can feel disjointed, inefficient, or miss opportunities for better use of space.
How to Avoid It: Don’t skip design! Even if you’re a visual thinker, working with a professional to create floorplans, elevations, and 3D renderings can save you money and regret.
6. Not Vetting Permits or HOA Rules
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The Mistake: Starting demo before getting approvals.
Why It’s a Problem: Unpermitted work can cause major delays, fines, or worse—force you to tear it out.
How to Avoid It: Choose a contractor who handles permitting on your behalf and is familiar with local municipalities and HOA processes.
7. Expecting Perfection Without Inconvenience
The Mistake: Underestimating the disruption.
Why It’s a Problem: Renovations are noisy, messy, and disruptive—even with the best crew.
How to Avoid It: Set realistic expectations and communicate often. We do our best to minimize mess, stick to timelines, and keep you updated every step of the way.
Let’s Get It Right the First Time
You shouldn’t have to learn these lessons the hard way. Whether you’re planning a small update or a full-home overhaul, we’re here to guide you through it — without the stress.
Download our FREE Homeowner's Renovation Checklist to make sure you have everything in order BEFORE the project begins! Get your copy HERE
📩 Reach out today for a complimentary estimate and start planning your dream remodel the smart way.
