The 5 Biggest Mistakes Homeowners Make When Renovating Their Kitchen or Bathroom
Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most impactful spaces in any home—and two of the most complex to renovate. At Northeastern Homestead Designs, we specialize in helping homeowners plan and execute thoughtful renovations that enhance both form and function. But after years in the industry, we’ve seen the same costly mistakes come up time and again.
Whether you’re dreaming of a custom kitchen or reimagining your bathroom layout, here are the five biggest missteps we help clients avoid from day one:
Skipping the Pre-Construction Planning Phase
You wouldn’t build a house without blueprints—your renovation shouldn’t be any different. One of the most common mistakes is rushing to demolition or hiring contractors before the details are finalized. This leads to budget overruns, timeline delays, and last-minute decision fatigue.
Our approach: We help you plan with a clear scope of work, finalized selections, and a project timeline—so when it’s time to start, everyone is aligned.
Choosing Cabinetry Based on Looks Alone
Cabinets are a central design element, but they’re also about daily function. Homeowners often love a cabinet style or color on Pinterest without considering the layout, storage needs, or construction quality.
Our advice is to focus on functional first. We help you understand the differences between custom and semi-custom options, storage solutions, and how your cabinet choices impact the flow of your kitchen or bath.
Not Considering How the Space Will Be Used Day-to-Day
That waterfall island might look stunning—but will it accommodate your family’s routine? The same goes for bathroom vanities, tub choices, and even lighting. It’s easy to overlook how a space must function once the excitement of finishes and fixtures kicks in.
What we do differently: We start with how you live. Our planning process always includes real-life use, traffic flow, storage zones, and ease of cleaning.
Underestimating the Timeline (Especially for Cabinets!)
One delay many homeowners don’t anticipate? Cabinet lead times. Custom cabinetry can take weeks or longer, depending on the season. Without proper planning, this can stall an entire project mid-way.
We stay ahead: We guide you to finalize selections early and manage ordering schedules to keep your timeline on track—no unexpected gaps or rushed choices.
Trying to DIY the Project Management
Managing trades, coordinating deliveries, answering contractor questions, and keeping everyone accountable—it’s a full-time job. Homeowners who attempt to oversee a renovation themselves often find it overwhelming and exhausting.
We are your project partner: From the moment you sign on, Northeastern Homestead Designs and Northeastern Property and Development handle the management of your project to ensure all runs smoothly.
Your Dream Kitchen or Bath Starts with the Right Plan
A successful renovation starts long before the first tile is laid or the first cabinet is installed. If you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom this year, let’s make sure you start strong—with expert guidance, smart planning, and a clear path forward.