A Smart Homeowner’s Guide - Major Home Remodeling Do’s and Don’ts
Making big changes to your home is not just about the “after” photos. It starts with the thought of remodeling and thinking about what doesn’t work anymore. Maybe your kitchen feels too cramped, or your living room feels outdated with the upgraded family use. All these desires for change don’t deny your love for your house; it just signifies that it might be time for some updates that can make it more fit for your family. So, you start thinking, maybe it's time to spice things up.
Wait, the idea sounds simple… but the execution is another story. Remodeling a space is filled with hefty decisions, timelines, mess, and a budget that does not stretch as far as you hoped. To give you a heads-up on what actually helps and what tends to go wrong, this guide exists. Plus, if your property is in Salt Lake City or nearby in Utah, these tips will be even more useful since local rules, weather, and construction styles can all affect how your project plays out.
Let’s walk through what you should do to keep your remodeling project on track and what you should not do.
What You Should Do
1. Be Clear About What You Want
Take a moment and be clear and precise before hiring anyone or swinging a hammer. Ask yourself:
What are you really trying to change?
Is your space too tight?
Is your space too dark?
Not working for your family anymore?
Write down what matters most to you. A better storage space to give everything the right spot, or a bathroom that doesn't feel like it’s stuck in the 90s. The more you know and are clear about what and where you want changes, the easier it will be to explain to your contractor.
2. Know How Much You Can Spend
Money can disappear fast once remodeling begins. You start with a number in your head, and before you know it, you've added new tiles, a bigger shower, and custom shelves.
Set a budget, then add a little more just in case. Surprises happen. Pipes leak. Walls hide things no one expected. If you’re ready for that, it won’t feel like such a big deal when it comes up.
3. Work With Local Experts
There are contractors out there who might say yes to everything, even if they don’t fully get how things work in your area. That’s why it's better to go with remodeling contractors in Salt Lake City — folks who actually know how to deal with local rules, permits, and even weather changes that affect the build.
Plus, a local team often has better contacts and quicker turnaround with suppliers. Less waiting. Fewer surprises.
Think About the Future Too
Sure, you’re remodeling for now — but what about later?
Will your family grow?
Planning to stay in the house as you age?
Thinking about selling down the road?
Good remodeling keeps those things in mind. That walk-in shower might help later. That extra outlet in the corner might make future tech easier. You don’t have to overdo it, just keep one eye on what life might look like in five or ten years.
5. Don’t Skip the Details
Everyone focuses on big stuff — countertops, flooring, and wall colors. But the small things? Those are the ones that’ll drive you nuts later if you forget them.
Where does the light switch go?
Did you plan for enough outlets in the kitchen?
Is there space to open your fridge without bumping into something?
Walk through each space in your head — how you enter, what you do, where you need things to be. It’ll help more than you think.
6. Keep Talking (Seriously)
Communication doesn’t sound exciting, but it can save your project. Talk to your contractor. Ask questions. Share your thoughts. If something feels off — even a little — bring it up.
Good remodeling isn’t just about good materials. It’s about teamwork, and that only happens when everyone’s on the same page.
Now Let’s Talk About What Not to Do
1. Don’t Start Without a Solid Plan
No drawings? No schedule? No idea who’s doing what? Then you’re not ready yet.
Even if you’re just remodeling one room, you need to know the steps. Rushing into demo day without plans can lead to delays, stress, and unexpected costs. Take the time to sort things out — floor plans, designs, permits, all of it. It’s a pain upfront, but it keeps you from losing your mind halfway through.
2. Don’t Expect It to Be Easy
You’ll have dust in weird places. Noise when you least want it. Tools everywhere. And yeah, the bathroom might be out of use for a few days. Remodeling is a process. It’s exciting, yes — but also messy and sometimes frustrating. If you expect it to be smooth the whole way, you’re setting yourself up to be disappointed. That said, a good contractor can make it way more manageable.
3. Don’t Try to Do the Big Stuff Yourself
Some people are handy. Maybe you’ve fixed a faucet or painted a room. That’s great. But home remodeling involves a lot more, plumbing, electrical, and even walls that might be holding your house up.
Trying to do that stuff yourself to save money can backfire fast. Not only can it go wrong, but it can also cause safety issues or legal trouble if you don’t follow the code. Do the painting or small upgrades if you want. But leave the tricky stuff to the pros of home remodeling in Utah.
4. Don’t Pick Looks Over Function
Sure, you want it to look good. Who does not want to? But think beyond trends, something good-looking plus functional. That open shelving trend might not work if you hate dusting. The floorings should hold up to pets and muddy shoes, besides looking fancy. It is wise to choose stuff that fits your life, not just your Pinterest board. Because no one wants to spend all that money and end up with a space that’s hard to live in.
Wrapping It Up
Big home remodels can be a mix of excitement and stress. There is the fun of picking new finishes with the headache of figuring out where the family will eat while the kitchen’s torn apart. A stress to deal with, which actually settles with the good team. Working with people or home remodeling contractors in Salt Lake City who understand the full picture (the rules, the process, and the emotions) makes a big difference.
MB&D has helped homeowners across Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah to turn their rough ideas into real, lived-in spaces that feel like home. We do not just build for now, we build for what’s next, too.
Got questions? Or maybe a few sketches and a Pinterest board you’ve been hiding? Let’s chat and see what’s possible with your raw ideas.
