We have all heard stories of kitchen remodels doubling in price. In Massachusetts and Rhode Island, this usually happens because contracts are written for “best-case scenarios.” But in our 50-to-100-year-old homes, best-case rarely happens.
To keep your project safe, we explicitly avoid these 3 Costly Mistakes:
- Ignoring “Old House” Realities: Many quotes assume your walls are perfect. We don’t guess. We check your 1920s plumbing and electrical panel before quoting. This avoids the dreaded “change order” call right after demolition.
- Starting Without Selections: If you pick your vanity after framing begins, the pipes might already be in the wrong spot. Moving them costs thousands. We insist on selecting materials upfront so the layout is perfect from day one.
- Trusting Vague “Allowances”: A low-ball budget for “tile” often won’t cover the stone you actually want. We avoid generic allowances that force you to pay the difference later. We prefer Fixed Price contracts so you know the real number.
For example, a client with a 1940s Colonial wanted a master suite. Because we avoided Mistake #1 and explored early, we found a cracked cast iron stack before the contract was signed. We adjusted the budget immediately, swapping to a different tile to cover the plumbing repair.
The result? A beautiful bathroom and zero surprise bills. Reach out and we will help you make a plan.
