If you ever feel uncertain about making renovation decisions and worry about potential regrets, Reddit can be a great place to seek guidance, hear cautionary tales of remorse, and discover alternative solutions that might suit your plans more effectively.
Below are eight home renovation projects that left homeowners feeling remorseful prior to embarking on your upcoming remodeling endeavor.
Marble Kitchen Countertops
Installing new kitchen countertops can be a costly endeavor that puts a strain on your budget.
kitchen renovation budget
, particularly when choosing high-end materials, however, price is not the sole concern. Certain materials simply do not meet the requirements.
messy kitchen environment
, resulting in discoloration, deterioration, and early wear.
In
one thread
Reddit user No-Cryptographer-741 recounts their unsettling experience with marble kitchen countertops: “Initially, they looked stunning for several months, but then they began to stain,” they explained. “Oil splatter from the stove doesn’t clean up readily. The surface also chips over time. Lemon juice diminishes their luster significantly. I deeply regret this choice. Now, after just five years, they appear quite worn down.”
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Minor Bathroom Updates
Making
minor adjustments to the restroom
It can be a swift and simple method to enhance the appearance and ambiance of the space, yet you might eventually lament skipping out on a complete renovation. Reddit user meta_bonnie
shared
their own experience.
They mentioned, ‘I should have taken the additional time while everything was still laid out.’ It’s become too cumbersome to start over now.’
While a
full bathroom remodel project
This option might be pricier and take longer compared to just getting a facelift. You could consider investing additional funds to guarantee satisfaction with the outcome rather than lamenting that you passed up the chance to achieve your ideal bathroom design but opted for something less ambitious instead.
Pea Gravel Patio
Certain remodeling initiatives may seem impressive when viewed in magazines or shared online right after being finished, however issues tend to surface before too much time passes.
Reddit user limitless_
expresses remorse for having installed a
pea gravel patio
, expressing regret, “there are so many tiny rocks scattered around; they simply should not be here.”
This type of patio project is one that DIYers may undertake to improve the appearance of the yard, but unfortunately, rain, wind, snow, wildlife, and just about anything that comes into contact with the pea gravel can risk spreading the tiny stones to the surrounding grass, walk, and yard.
Square-Shaped Sinks
A lot of remorse over renovations stems from picking elements and substances that initially appear attractive, yet might bring along specific issues you didn’t think about until it was far too late.
Reddit user
TrinkieTrinkie522cat
regrets installing a
square kitchen sink
, as “dirt sticks to the edges,” requiring them to “clean with a toothbrush.”
Before choosing a new type of sink that you’ve never had before, make sure to look into the advantages and disadvantages.
White Bathroom Grout
Grout is utilized to fill spaces between tiles or stones; however, it is predominantly observed on bathroom floors and walls.
Selecting the right color for the grout is crucial not only for the visual appeal of the space but can also determine whether your remodeling project turns out as a triumph or a remorse.
White grout tends to get dirty and change color with time, particularly if your water contains rust or minerals,
Reddit user pootypus said
It’s quite a chore to clean every grout line with bleach just to make it lighter. Fortunately, this issue was in our first house. From now on, all grout will be either gray or black indefinitely.
Therefore, if you’re planning a bathroom renovation, think about opting for a more
neutral grout color
that won’t collect stains.
Light Colored Carpet
Carpets naturally tend to gather dirt, dust, hair, and particles, which makes them considerably harder to clean and upkeep. However, choosing light-colored carpets means you will notice each speck of dirt that settles within the fibers. Additionally, this choice invites visibility of gradual staining over time.
Reddit user JadeGrapes
experienced the displeasure of having installed light/cream carpet on the entrance stairs.
They mentioned Minnesota had snow and slush,” she explained. “It quickly turned into dirty brown stuff, but only right in the center where pedestrians tread.
If you decide to install carpet, choose a color that won’t turn into a canvas for dirt and stains.
Installing Cheap Light Fixtures
A frequent challenge for do-it-yourself enthusiasts with limited funds is their inclination towards choosing the cheapest options for renovations. While this approach isn’t necessarily flawed, specific electrical components—such as lighting fixtures—can lead to complications further along the process.
A Reddit user who had their username removed later faced this exact issue.
“They opted for cheaper light fixtures initially. Now, they’re gradually swapping them out, effectively doubling their expenses,” they remarked, offering valuable advice for fellow do-it-yourself enthusiasts looking to save money.
Always keep in mind that less expensive items aren’t always the better option, particularly when you desire your renovation to endure over time.
Dark Wood Floors
Liking the allure of a darker hue for your home flooring isn’t problematic, yet you should consider the potential hazards and downsides associated with installing such floors.
Reddit user
erin_mouse88
had
dark wood floors
Installed during a recent renovation, they quickly realized these new features highlighted all the dust, scratches, dents, and scuffs, making the spaces appear much gloomier.
Collaborating with a seasoned interior designer or obtaining samples from the shop prior to beginning the remodeling process can greatly assist in identifying which materials are appropriate for your residence and which ones you should steer clear of.
Read the initial article on
The Spruce
