11 Home Renovation Tips for a Smooth & Satisfying Project
May 08, 2025Home Improvement Mistakes Can Turn an Easy Project Into a Nightmare. Use These Home Renovation Tips to Save Yourself the Hassle.
Home remodeling is all about putting your personal touch on the place you spend the most time. And while family, friends, neighbors, and online influencers might try to tell you the “right” way to update your home, the truth is: There are no wrong choices when it comes to how you reflect your style!
But there are definitely some common home renovation mistakes that happen if you don’t plan your project properly. Whether you’re getting started on a bathroom remodel, upgrading to energy-efficient windows, or finally giving your kitchen the refresh you’ve been dreaming of, here are 11 home renovation tips so you can start your project on the right foot.
Remodeling Advice to Find the Best Contractor For You
The key to hiring a home improvement company is finding a business that matches your values and vision. Without going through these steps, you risk hiring an unvetted contractor that could leave you in a lurch. From design style to budget to personal rapport, take your time finding a contractor that meets your specific needs.
1. Research Different Types of Remodeling
There’s more than one way to remodel a home. Looking into your options during the research phase can help you save time and money. For instance, are you looking for a full gut renovation of your kitchen, or is cabinet refacing better for your needs and budget? The right contractor will educate you on all your options so you can make an informed decision.
2. Get a Second (and Third) Opinion
The Better Business Bureau recommends interviewing at least three contractors before making a decision. Home improvement is a big investment, and having information to compare side-by-side can help you determine the best choice for you and your project. Be sure to each the same four questions so you can compare apples-to-apples:
- How long have you been in business?
- What does your warranty cover?
- Are you BBB accredited?
- Do you price projects as a quote or an estimate?
LEARN MORE: 4 Essential Questions to Ask Any Remodeler
3. Vet Your Contractor Carefully
Look for a home improvement company that’s licensed, insured, and BBB-accredited. Bonus points for longevity and great reviews! BBB accreditation means the company has to follow certain rules about trustworthy business practices. Other reputation markers to look for are positive testimonials and Google reviews, industry accolades, and community involvement.
LEARN MORE: Trust Badges & What they Mean for Remodeling
4. Meet with Potential Contractors in Person
It’s easy to call up a home improvement company and get initial questions answered over the phone, but don’t stop there. An in-person appointment, preferably in the comfort of your home, will let you confirm that the company and their representatives are people you’ll enjoy working with and trust to have in your home.
These meetings also give contractors a chance to see the space in person and really understand the type of work you need done.
LEARN MORE: What to Expect During a Design Consultation
Home Renovation Tips for Budgeting Your Project
The cost of a remodeling project isn’t just about how much you’ll spend on materials and installation. The full value of home improvement includes the warranty, your return on investment, and the availability of financing. Keep these tips in mind so you don’t go into your project blind:
5. Start with a Vision – and a Realistic Budget
Know what you want from your project, whether it’s improved function, increased resale value, or a fresh new style, and set a clear budget to match. Most remodeling companies will need to come to your home to provide a full assessment and accurate estimate for your scope of work.
Before that begins, research the average costs of different remodeling projects so you can tell if the quote you’re given is in line with industry standards. Here are a few resources to start with:
6. Keep Return on Investment in Mind
Updating your home how you want it should always be your top priority, but keep return on investment in mind too. Not every upgrade adds value. To maximize your investment, consider focusing on projects that deliver the best ROI, like window replacement, cabinet refacing, and mid-range bathroom remodeling. Remember: The more custom your project is, the lower your ROI.
LEARN MORE: 7 Projects that Maximize Your Remodeling ROI
7. Look Into Financing Options Before You Begin
Some remodeling companies – including Improveit – offer financing to make your project more affordable and convenient. Working with your remodeler’s lender partners makes it easy to break up your remodeling investment into bite-sized monthly payments that fit into your everyday budget. If you choose to work with a contractor that doesn’t offer financing, you’ll need to do the legwork of securing a loan with your own bank, or save up to pay out of pocket.
LEARN MORE: 4 Ways to Pay for Home Renovations
8. Don’t Underestimate the Value of a Warranty
Remember: the cost of a home improvement project is more than just what your estimate says on the bottom line. It also includes future repair or replacement down the road. A project that’s backed by a strong warranty can help you save thousands more on maintenance costs. For instance, Improveit offers free annual inspections and a life time warranty on parts and labor for every project we install. That means if your window breaks down the road, we’ll come out to repair or replace it at no cost. You can even transfer an Improveit warranty when you sell your home, boosting your ROI even more!
Home Renovation Tips to Improve Project Satisfaction
Once your plan is in place, it’s time to focus on products and features that will stand the test of time and add make sure you love the results. Once you’ve selected a contractor that you’re excited to work with, they’ll help you go down the path of making smart product and design decisions.
9. Choose Long-Lasting, Low-Maintenance Products
Looks matter, but sometimes performance matters more. Materials that are durable and easy to clean will make your life easier in the long run. Look for low-maintenance materials that wipe clean with our scrubbing, won’t fade or discolor over time, and are designed to withstand your busy life.
10. Plan for Energy Efficiency
For some products like windows and HVAC systems, it’s easy to shop on price and get the project done as inexpensively as possible. Don’t forget that investing a little more at the beginning can help improve your satisfaction long-term. For instance, higher-quality windows will help eliminate drafts and improve your home’s energy efficiency. This means you’ll stay more comfortable as the seasons change, and your wallet will thank you when your energy bills go down!
LEARN MORE: The Best Ways to Lower Air Conditioning Costs
11. Think About the Future
Most people only go through a remodeling process a few times in their lives. With that in mind, make sure your project includes functionality and accessibility features that can grow with your family. For instance, you may not feel like you need a bench or grab bars in your shower today, but they could come in handy as your needs change in the future. In the kitchen, adding pull-out shelving or a dedicated cabinet for trash and recycling could be the perfect touch to simplify your space and cut down on clutter.
Find More Home Renovation Tips on Our Blog - or In Person!
Remodeling doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with home improvement tips that send you down the right path, and you’ll be improving your home with confidence before you know it!
Whether you’re just starting to plan your next project, or are deep in the research and budgeting phase, the Improveit team is ready to answer your questions, offer advice, and serve as your trusted advisor from start to finish. We’ll help you explore your options, understand your financing, and enjoy results that are built to last.
Visit our blog, meet us at an upcoming event, or use the form below to get started today!
