The Most Expensive Mistakes To Avoid When Remodeling Your Des Moines Area Home

Five Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

Before you dive into any home project, it’s important to safeguard your investment. Let’s walk through the top five common pitfalls in home remodeling projects.

1. Not Planning Your Budget Carefully

One of the easiest ways to feel overwhelmed during a remodel is by not having a solid budget. At Zenith, we make budgeting simple with upfront pricing averages that often start 20% below market value.

Once we finalize the details of your new space, you’ll receive a clear price range before signing the remodeling agreement. Why a range? When remodeling, it's best practice to set aside 20% of the budget for unexpected surprises—and we’ve built that right in for you.

The lower end reflects historical pricing, while the upper end adds a 20% buffer to cover any unforeseen issues, giving you peace of mind throughout the project.

2. Overlooking Energy Efficiency

Prioritizing energy efficiency in your remodel can bring immediate savings and long-term value. These upgrades also increase your home’s value and benefit the environment. Some of the best options include:

• High-Efficiency Appliances: Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers can cut energy use by up to 30% without sacrificing performance. These advanced appliances do more with less, helping you save on utility bills while keeping your home running smoothly.
  
  
• Smart Lighting: Swapping traditional lighting for smart LED bulbs can lower electricity costs while giving you greater control over your home’s ambiance. With programmable settings and automation, you can customize lighting schedules to optimize energy use and enhance convenience.
  
  
• Energy-Efficient Windows: Installing energy-efficient windows makes a noticeable difference year-round—keeping the heat in during winter and the cool air locked in during summer. Better insulation means fewer drafts, greater comfort, and lower heating and cooling bills.
  
  
• Solar Panels: For homeowners looking to take it a step further, installing solar panels is a long-term investment that can drastically reduce energy costs. While the upfront expense may be higher, solar energy systems can generate significant savings over time—often paying for themselves within 10-15 years.
  
  

3. Rushing the Design Phase

Excitement can sometimes lead to rushing through the design process, but that’s where things can get costly. Changing plans mid-project causes delays and adds to your overall spending.

At Zenith Design Build, we take the time to provide you with two design options, allowing you to fully explore what works best for you before we get to work. 

4. Ignoring Hidden Structural Issues

You’ve picked out your dream materials, and everything seems to be on track—until you discover a hidden structural issue. Ignoring problems like foundational cracks or old plumbing is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners can make because it can cause more expensive issues down the line.

5. Choosing the Wrong Contractor

Choosing the right contractor is one of the most important steps in any renovation. Proper vetting can help you avoid permits, timelines, and quality issues.

As an Inc. 5000 company with an integrated design + build process, you get peace of mind knowing that experts are taking care of every detail.

Here's a look at our team's core values and the reasons why we're the right remodeling business for you:

• Customer Focused: We put our customers first, ensuring every project ends with "raving fans."
  
  
• Continuous Improvement: We learn and grow through books, podcasts, and videos.
  
  
• Radical Transparency: We keep everything crystal clear—from our process to our pricing.
  
  
• Empathy: We understand remodeling can be an intense process, and we're here to support our customers every step of the way.
  
  
• Extreme Ownership: We take full responsibility for our roles and the success of every project.
  
  
• Positive Mindset: We keep things light, fun, and optimistic no matter what comes our way.

5 Ways to Know Your Contractor Values Your Budget

When it comes to home remodeling, finding a contractor who respects your budget is essential. The right company will deliver quality work and ensure your investment is protected every step of the way.

Here are five key signs that show your remodeler is committed to delivering value and transparency, ensuring your project stays on track without breaking the bank.

1. Offers Transparent Pricing from the Start

A contractor who values your budget will always be upfront about pricing. Our price analysis document shows a precise cost breakdown of every part of the project. With us, you won't encounter hidden fees or surprise charges; we help you avoid unexpected financial stress so you can plan your budget confidently.

If you'd like to learn about our pricing for our:

• Kitchen remodels
• Bathroom remodels
• Basement remodels
• Home additions

Take a look at our cost guide.