How to Remodel Right: 3 Out of 4 Homeowners Have Renovation Regrets

Here’s a surprising stat: 3 out of 4 people have Googled ‘how to boil an egg’ at least once. That means you (most likely).

More surprising than that is the stat in the title of this article. Well, maybe it’s not surprising to you, but it is to us! We want to make it clear that this particular fact isn’t representative of HEX clients. It comes from the Clever Real Estate Home Renovation Survey conducted in August of 2024. They asked a series of questions to 979 homeowners who had undergone some level of home renovation within the past five years. We were shocked to learn that 74% of the respondents admitted to having some regret about their renovations. To put that in perspective, you’re more likely to flip a coin and get ‘heads’ four times in a row than to be satisfied with your remodel.

So, what's the deal?! Why are so many homeowners living with renovation regret? Is there any way to avoid it? With decades of experience renovating countless homes and businesses around Sacramento and the Bay Area, we feel pretty qualified to offer some answers.

The Biggest Renovation Regrets and How to Avoid Them

1. Bad Budgeting

The same survey found that 24% of those with regrets spent more than they originally budgeted. It’s easy to see how overspending can cause regret.

The solution is to develop a clear, itemized budget upfront. We can help you find areas in your budget to make space without sacrificing quality. When it comes to budget, it’s super important that you’re working with a contractor you can trust to have your best interests in mind. That’s why we’re transparent with costs upfront and always encourage a buffer for any unexpected expenses that might occur. Unrealistic expectations are often the root of regret.

2. Timeline Troubles

22% of the regretful homeowners said that the length of the project was their biggest issue. Getting an inaccurate estimate for a project duration can add so much unnecessary stress, inconvenience, and even cost.

Again, the solution here is to work with a trustworthy contractor that’s honest with their estimates. You can always get multiple estimates from different contractors to compare their timelines. Word to the wise: the shortest estimate isn’t always the best option. A dishonest contractor will have no problem giving you a shorter estimate simply to close the deal. To avoid regrets, always add a buffer to the contractor’s time estimate — just like with the budget!

3. Poor Planning

This will cause problems with the budget, timeline, and so many other things. A home renovation is a big deal and involves a lot of moving parts, so poor planning can very quickly lead to massive regrets.

DIY remodelers will have the hardest time creating foolproof plans because they often lack the experience and expertise required. At the same time, there are plenty of contractors that don’t plan well for their projects. Hiring an experienced, detail-oriented team to manage your project will go a long way in leaving you satisfied with your renovation. A team that communicates clearly and offers transparency will give you peace of mind that everything’s in good hands. 

Sacramento’s Trusted Renovation Experts

All of this can sound very offputting, but we want you to be as prepared as possible to make your renovation decisions. While regrets abound in this industry, it’s important to recognize that renovating the right way has everything to do with the contractor you hire. The survey found that only 54% of all contractor renovations were completed on time. When compared to HEX’s 98% on-time completion rate, you can see how high our standard is for customer satisfaction and accurate estimates. Our team specializes in premium home renovations with a craftsman touch that we apply to every facet of our operations.

When you partner with HEX, you’ll be working with a licensed, experienced contractor with a strong reputation and portfolio. Our process is simple and our team is seasoned. We can help you design, budget, plan, and execute your entire renovation, from bathrooms to kitchens, and decks to ADUs. Whether you need custom 3D modeling to see your vision come to life, or interior design direction from a licensed professional, HEX is your trusted resource for all things remodeling.

Reach out to see how we can help you avoid renovation regret, or schedule a free estimate to meet us in person. We’re ready to renovate with you — the right way.