When you’re in the process of planning your home remodel, you’re probably thinking more about enjoying the end result than what could go wrong. Unfortunately, thousands of homeowners each year discover that a lot can go wrong during the remodel process – much of it due to shoddy contractors. In fact, renovation nightmares are so common that there are TV shows dedicated to them and websites full of reports from disgruntled customers.
Below is a series of renovation nightmares, culled from around the web, and suggestions on how to avoid them.
Trust Me! I’m a Professional
The first story comes from Southern California. In 1999 Jodie Costello hired a contractor to do a master bedroom addition on her home. The contractor was well known in the San Diego area, and even had radio ads promising quality workmanship, master builders, and the highest level of customer service and guaranteed customer satisfaction.
The contract that she signed was weighted heavily toward the contractor. Among many things, it specified that she must pay up to 50 percent up front, as well as several times during the project.
The “master builders” that were hired for the job had no idea how to measure properly, the plumber was unable to read the plans because they were so poorly written, there was a carbon monoxide leak and water damage, and a laundry list of other mishaps. A remodel that should have taken six months dragged on for two years and ended up costing a fortune because of the way the contract was written.
Solution: Never sign a contract before doing two things:
· Having a lawyer review the contract with you, and
· Researching your contractor by checking customer reviews, public records, and other resources.
Basic research would have shown that the contractor had been cited several times by the State Contractor’s Board for shoddy workmanship. Professional review of the contract would have shown that it was illegal for him to request an up-front payment of more than ten percent of the job or $1,000, whichever is less.
Thorough research, including contractor interviews, can also tell you if the contractor has all of his licenses, if required, as well as if he is bonded or has contractors insurance.
Jodie Costello came out of the experience determined to prevent others from making the same mistakes. She started a website called Contractors from Hell where she shares her story, and gives advice for working with contractors.
Lien on Me
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Rick and Kathy had to make major repairs to their home in Jersey City. After hiring a contractor, the work proceeded as scheduled and they were able to move back into their home by January 2013.
A few weeks after they had moved in, they discovered that one of the subcontractors had put a lien on their home. Apparently, although they had paid the contractor, the contractor had not paid all of his people. To make matters worse, the original contractor refused to return their calls and basically fell off the face of the Earth. Now, in addition to the money they have spent for the repairs, they also have to hire a lawyer to fight the lien.
Solution: Even when it’s an emergency situation, you still need to do your research.
· Check the public records for any suits filed against the contractor, as well as liens filed against him or that he has filed against others.
· Request a lien waver from your general contractor and his subcontractors.
· Pay each subcontractor directly, instead of leaving it up to the general contractor.
Sources: Images: 1: Patrick Ahearn Architects. 2: Martha O’Hara Interiors. 3 & 4: MuseInteriors. 5&6: Siemasko + Verbridge.
Thank you for shopping through Home Bunch. I would be happy to assist you if you have any questions or are looking for something in particular. Feel free to contact me and always make sure to check dimensions before ordering. Happy shopping!
Serena & Lily: Enjoy 20% OFF Everything with code INSPO
Wayfair: Up to 75% OFF – Huge Sales on Decor, Furniture, Rugs & Outdoor Furniture!!!
Joss & Main: Up to 65% Off on Outdoor Furniture & Decor!
Pottery Barn: 20% Off Furniture, 25% Off Everything Else + Free Shipping. Use Code: LUCKY
One Kings Lane: High Quality Design Decor for Less – Limited time only: 20% Off Furniture with Code OKLFURNISH
West Elm: 20% Off your entire Purchase + Free Shipping: Use Code: EARNEDIT
Anthropologie: Take an extra 40% off all sale items! See Joanna Gaines Exclusive line here!
Urban Outfitters: Hip & Affordable Home Decor.
Horchow: The Big Sale: 25% Off Furniture & 30% Off Sitewide!
Nordstrom: Up to 40% OFF – Free Shipping!
Arhaus: Save up to 30% plus Buy More Save More!
2019 New Year Home Tour.
Classic Colonial Home Design.
Interior Design Ideas: Colorful Interiors.
New England Home.
Family-friendly Home Design.
Georgian-Style Manor with Traditional Interiors.
Transitional Home Design.
Grey Kitchen Paint Colors.The weather is perfect here and I might get out of the house and go for a walk. I love feeling the ocean’s breeze (we live a block from the bay) and it’s always nice to walk while hearing the waves. Going for walks always make me think about life and feel a little closer to God.
In fact, even with everything we go through in life, we must try to focus on the positive things that are happening right now with us.
The way we see our lives can definitely change our definition about happiness, and gratitude surely can bring you closer to it.
Now, go enjoy your day! We’ll talk again tomorrow.
“Dear God,
If I am wrong, right me. If I am lost, guide me. If I start to give-up, keep me going.
Lead me in Light and Love”.
Have a wonderful day, my friends and we’ll talk again tomorrow.”
with Love,
Luciane from HomeBunch.com
Come Follow me on 
Come Follow me on 
Get Home Bunch Posts Via Email 
Contact Luciane 
“For your shopping convenience, this post might contain links to retailers where you can purchase the products (or similar) featured. I make a small commission if you use these links to make your purchase so thank you for your support!”
Subscribe to get Home Bunch Posts Via Email
I just have to say, your blog is my favorite. When I see it in my emails, it’s the first I open. Thank you for all of your hard work – your taste is divine. Claire
Whoa! Those poor people endured real nightmares! This is a great post, Luciane. It’s a reminder to do some research/sleuthing before embarking on even the smallest of projects.
Sounds like a “HGTV” series!! franki
beautiful living room colour. Do you know the name of the paint?