The Unexpected Things That Can Happen During Your Remodel
Let’s get real for a minute. If you’ve ever thought about remodeling your home, you’ve probably also heard at least one horror story. The kind that involves dust everywhere, budgets creeping up, and a project that somehow lasted twice as long as promised. But here’s the good news: the unexpected is a normal part of remodeling—and it doesn’t have to derail the whole experience. With our team’s creative problem-solving approach, clear communication, and a little flexibility, those “oh no” moments usually turn into smart fixes that make your home better in the long run.
And while we won’t pretend remodeling is ever completely disruption-free, we will tell you this: most of those horror stories come down to being unprepared for the unexpected.
Because here’s the truth—every remodel has a few surprises. The key is knowing what might come up, why it’s normal, and how a good team helps you navigate it without losing your mind. So let’s talk about a few things that can happen along the way—and why they don’t have to be deal-breakers.
The Unexpected (Because Every House Has a Secret)
No matter how well a home is built or maintained, opening up walls can uncover a few surprises. Old wiring, plumbing issues, or hidden water damage are more common than most people expect.
While these moments can feel frustrating, they’re actually a good thing in the long run. Finding and fixing these issues now means you’re avoiding much bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road. Think of it as your home finally telling you the truth—so it can be made right.
Possible Delays (Life Happens)
Construction schedules are based on best-case scenarios, and we don’t live in a best-case world. Weather delays, shipping issues, or changes to the scope of work can all stretch a timeline a bit.
When that happens, it helps to zoom out and remember the end goal: a home you’ll love and enjoy for years to come. Rushing a project to save time often means sacrificing quality—and that’s never a trade worth making.
Change Orders (When You Change Your Mind—and That’s Okay)
Sometimes you start a remodel convinced you want one thing… and then realize something else fits your life better. Maybe that soaking tub suddenly feels essential, or you decide you want extra outlets or upgraded finishes.
These changes—called change orders (also known as PCRs) —can adjust both the budget and timeline, and that’s completely normal. Change isn’t a bad thing. It just means your space is evolving to better match how you actually live.
Budget Concerns (Yes, We All Think About It)
Let’s be honest—budget is always on your mind during a remodel. The best way to keep stress in check is communication. Our team will keep track of all individual expenses, PCRs and project cost changes for you, keeping you in the know because we understand how change orders affect the overall cost.
We also recommend having an “extras fund” of about 10% of your total budget. It gives you flexibility if something unexpected comes up—or if you decide to upgrade something you hadn’t planned on.
A Dusty, Noisy House (Temporary, We Promise)
You probably won’t be hosting dinner parties mid-remodel, and that’s okay. Construction comes with some dust and noise, but our team will take steps to protect your home—using plastic barriers, working around your schedule when possible, and keeping things as contained as they can.
The Highs and Lows (They’re All Part of It)
One day you’ll be thrilled watching old flooring come out or cabinets go in. The next day, you might wonder if the project will ever be finished.
That emotional rollercoaster is completely normal. Progress doesn’t always look pretty in the middle—but it does come together. And when it’s done, you’re left with a space that truly works for you and your family.
In the End, It’s Worth It
Remodeling isn’t about perfection—it’s about improvement. A few bumps along the way don’t mean something’s gone wrong; they mean real work is happening.
With the right expectations, a little flexibility, and a team that treats you like a neighbor (not just a project), even the unexpected moments are manageable. And when it’s all said and done, you’ll have a home that feels better, functions better, and fits your life better.