If you've decided to remodel your Leawood or Prairie Village home, it's one of the best decisions you can make for your home. However, to ensure it remains a good decision, you need to avoid a few costly remodeling mistakes. If you've never remodeled before – and even if you have – it can be challenging to know what constitutes a mistake concerning your specific project.
Fortunately, that's where we come in. As one of the top home remodeling companies operating in Leawood and Prairie Village, we can share our knowledge on the most common remodeling mistakes to avoid.
Armed with this information and our team at Dusty Rhodes Homes on your side, you shouldn't run into too many serious issues while completing your Johnson County remodeling project.
What Are the Most Common Remodeling Mistakes Homeowners Make in Prairie Village and Leawood Homes?
Before you can even begin looking into how to plan a kitchen remodel or a Prairie Village bathroom remodel, you have to know more about the big remodeling no-nos. Below, our team has shared what we believe are some of the biggest mistakes that are best avoided to ensure successful luxury home remodeling in Kansas City.
1. Skipping the Planning Phase
If there is one thing you shouldn't do, it is skip the planning phase when committing to Prairie Village or Leawood remodeling. Often, we encounter clients who come to regret their remodels – until we step in – because they did not take the time to create a clear roadmap of their budget, vision, and timeline. So, before you begin your remodel, make sure you know its scope and design to avoid delays, miscommunications, and costly changes.
2. Underestimating the Budget
Home remodeling in Kansas City doesn't have to be hard, but it becomes incredibly difficult if you underestimate your budget. That's why working with a design-build firm like Dusty Rhodes Homes is a worthwhile consideration. We can help you develop a sound budget that accounts for the expected and unexpected by building in a 10 to 15 percent contingency fee.
3. Choosing the Cheapest Contractor
Do you want to be in the predicament where you've chosen a remodeler and they've taken a completely different direction on your remodeling vision? Or what about being in a situation where costs are piling up, but you're not seeing any tangible results? Likely not, and we don't blame you.
That's why it's so important to choose the right remodel contractor in Leawood or Prairie Village. Going with the lowest bid will ultimately cost you more in the long run, as you'll start to see inconsistent work, permit issues, and shortcuts that don't pan out. On the other hand, a professional contractor will give you peace of mind since they'll have the experience and skill to keep your project on track and in line with your wants and needs.
4. Going Cheap on Materials
If you're considering kitchen remodeling in Prairie Village or any other type of home renovation, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is skimping on materials. We know that budget materials can look fine on the surface, and they might continue to do so for a few years, but eventually, usually sooner rather than later, they begin to deteriorate.
In a market like Leawood and Prairie Village, choosing durable, high-quality materials for your countertops, flooring, cabinetry, and fixtures will serve you better. These are high-end markets, so if you ever want to sell in the future, outfitting your home with worthwhile materials will pay off.
5. Focusing Only on Aesthetics
A beautiful remodel is great, but if you overlook wiring, plumbing, or insulation upgrades, you're missing half the picture. We hate to say it and potentially ruin the mood, but don't skip the unglamorous upgrades that make your home safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting. We promise you'll thank us for this advice down the line.
6. Poor Lighting and Decor Choices
A remodel isn't complete without proper lighting and finishes. Harsh fixtures or neglected kitchen wall decor can make even the most beautiful space feel unfinished.
That's why we always recommend considering layered lighting and taking the extra time needed to pick out the finishing touches for your home, like the color of your walls, the light switch enclosures, and the wall decor. Taking the time to do this will help tie everything together. If you think you'll struggle with this, we can help you make the right interior design choices as well.
7. Overlooking Resale Considerations
Customizing your home is part of the joy of remodeling, but it's smart to keep resale in mind. Overly niche finishes, or poor layout decisions can make your home more challenging to sell in the future. You need to balance personality with timeless appeal, especially in luxury home remodeling Kansas City markets.
Speak with Dusty Rhodes Homes Today About Your Remodeling Needs
If you're considering a renovation in Prairie Village, Leawood, or anywhere in the Kansas City Metro, Dusty Rhodes Homes is here to help. As a trusted local builder, we specialize in high-quality remodeling, thoughtful design planning, and full-service project management.
Regardless of whether you're tackling a Prairie Village bathroom remodel, updating a kitchen, or exploring basement remodeling in Leawood, our team will help you every step of the journey. So, if you're ready to explore your options and avoid these mistakes, you can contact our team here. We're looking forward to meeting you!