AVOIDING PITFALLS IN HOME REMODELING: A CINCINNATI INTERIOR DESIGNER’S GUIDE
After over 20 years in the design industry, I’ve come to realize one simple truth: things will go wrong. But with the right preparation, experience, and mindset, those “wrong turns” can be managed, or even avoided. Whether you’re planning a home remodeling project in Cincinnati or working with a custom home builder, here's how to stay ahead and make sure your project goes as smoothly as possible. I've also learned that you can't rely on just one of the three key players in a remodel (Designer, Contractor, Builder) — you need all three to ensure the project runs smoothly.
Key Tip: Wrapping new doors during painting eliminates dust and accidental damages
What Can Go Wrong?
In my experience, here are the top four things that can derail a home remodel or new build without the expertise of a professional:
Timelines Stretching Beyond Expectations: One of the most common hurdles in home renovations is timelines. Prepare yourself for delays—sometimes up to six months of preparation before construction even begins. Design revisions, ordering materials, and waiting on lead times can all push your timeline out. Be ready for the unexpected!
Budget Overages: No matter how carefully you budget, it’s always a good idea to add an extra 20–25% to your overall budget to cover unforeseen expenses. Those little “while you’re here, can you…?” requests can add up quickly and are not free. These changes, though seemingly small, often lead to unexpected costs and delays.
Damaged or Delayed Deliveries: Items often arrive damaged—think cracked tiles or scratched cabinetry. Reordering takes time, which can further delay your project. That's why it’s crucial to have extra buffer time built into your schedule to avoid costly delays.
Contractor Scheduling Issues: A minor one-day delay can lead to a two-week setback. Contractors juggle multiple projects, and once they move on to the next, it can be difficult to get them back quickly. That's where trusted Cincinnati builders and contractors make all the difference. I work with contractors I know and trust to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Delivery day, Install day, and Styling day happens quickly and damages do happen. This is why I’m on-site to ensure it goes smoothly and determine quick fixes when accidents happen.
How a Cincinnati Interior Designer Can Help
This is where having a professional by your side—like Design with Missy (that’s me!)—can turn chaos into calm. Here's how I guide you through every step of your luxury interior design journey:
Quick Problem-Solving: When things go awry—like your custom sofa fabric being out of stock, or your tile arriving broken—I’m here to make quick decisions and work with Cincinnati builders and trade vendors to find solutions fast.
Detailed Specifications: From grout color to chandelier height, every detail matters. I ensure that everything is documented, so you don’t have to worry about costly mistakes or confusion.
3D Renderings for Home Design: Before construction even begins, you’ll see exactly how your space will look. 3D renderings help you visualize how each design element will fit together, ensuring the final result matches your expectations.
Coordinating with Contractors: I act as the bridge between you and your Cincinnati custom home builders, making sure your vision is executed to perfection.
How to Avoid Common Remodeling Pitfalls
Working with both a trusted custom home builder and an interior designer creates smoother communication, a higher-quality finished product, and fewer surprises. Here are some tips to help you avoid common mistakes:
Plan Every Detail—No Detail is Too Small! From grout color to paint finishes, specifying every element upfront prevents mistakes and delays.
Vet Your Contractors: Not all contractors are created equal. I can connect you with reliable professionals who deliver high-quality work. The lowest-priced contractor often means lower quality, which will end up costing you more in the long run. Be sure to use professional remodelers in Cincinnati and read reviews. Ask for references as well!
Take Photos Before Drywall Goes Up: These photos will save you headaches down the line. Knowing the exact location of plumbing, wiring, and wall blocking behind drywall can be a lifesaver.
Don’t Make Changes Midway! Mid-project changes can easily lead to disaster. Stick to the plan to avoid adding unnecessary time and cost. Having a well-thought-out plan and schedule is key here.
Lets make your vision a reality! I offer a variety of home remodeling services in the Cincinnati Tri State area. Connect with me here!
Invest Wisely
Focus your budget on elements that are hard to replace, like cabinets, flooring, and large furniture. Save on items that are easier to update later, such as paint, faucets, and wallpaper. When working with a full-service home remodeling expert like myself, there are “layers” of what needs to happen first and importance.
When building or remodeling your Cincinnati home, here’s the general order of importance for where to spend your investment:
Foundation
Roof
Insulation
Plumbing
Electrical
HVAC
Flooring
Drywall
Cabinets/Trim
Furniture
Countertops
Tile
Lighting
Faucets & Sinks
Wallpaper & Paint
Accessories
Specification Sheets such as this one helps general contractors and professional remodelers understand what they need before going on site
Patience + Communication = A Successful Project
Patience and clear communication are the cornerstones of a successful home remodel or new build. Expect weekly updates, stay flexible, and maintain open communication with your team. Regular updates on contractor schedules, order statuses, and spec sheets will help keep you informed and reduce stress.
With careful planning and a dedicated Cincinnati interior designer, your dream space is closer than you think. I’ll help you navigate every twist and turn, ensuring that your home turns out exactly as you envision.
Ready to Create a Stunning Cincinnati Home?
Click the link below for expert guidance on your next home remodeling or new design-build project in Cincinnati. My services include kitchen and bath design, custom home interiors, renderings, and styling. All projects begin with a complimentary discovery call.