Debunking 8 Common Home Improvement Myths

Who doesn’t love sitting down to watch an episode of This Old House? However, with the popularity of home improvement shows, there are a lot of misconceptions about the industry. Today we’re going to tackle eight common home improvement myths so you can go into your next project with realistic expectations.

Common Home Improvement Myths (And Why They’re Wrong)

#1. You Can Do All Projects Yourself

With a DIY spirit, what can’t you do? Well… a lot. When you tackle a DIY remodel beyond your abilities, you risk damaging your home and causing more harm than good. For projects involving roofing, electrical, or structural work, we recommend the expertise of a professional.

While doing it yourself seems like an effective way to save money, DIY remodeling requires more time and effort from you. Inexperience leads to mistakes, and those costs add up. However, smaller projects are perfect for the DIYer! Just know your limits and don’t be afraid to outsource when needed.

Avoid costly errors and lots of frustration by calling on the professionals. Contractors exist for a reason, and our team has over 50 years of combined experience to make sure the work is done safely and will last for years to come.

#2. Home Remodeling Happens Quickly

Another common home improvement myth is that remodeling is fast and easy. This misconception is fueled by reality shows where, in the span of an hour, you can see a house completely transform into something new. Unfortunately, the real world moves a little slower than that.

Most kitchen and bathroom remodels take 3–12 weeks to finish. So when you’re planning your next home improvement upgrade, keep this timeline in mind so you’re not caught off guard.

#3. All Home Improvements Add Value

If you expect to earn every dollar back on your remodeling project, you may be disappointed when it’s time to sell your house. Not all remodels are created equally, and some add more value than others. For example, on the East Coast, adding a pool is actually seen as a negative to many homebuyers.

The best home improvements that add value are kitchen and bathroom remodels and building an addition. Upgrading these high-traffic areas or increasing the square footage of your home is a great way to boost property value. But even so, you may not earn a profit. The estimated return on investment for a minor kitchen remodel is 71.2%.

At the end of the day, you want your home to represent you. Focus on creating a space that’s comfortable for your lifestyle, knowing that you might not be able to fully recoup your costs when it’s time to sell.

#4. You Don’t Need A Permit

While it’s true that small upgrades like new floors or painting don’t require permits, many other home remodeling projects do. Anything that involves new plumbing, electric, or tearing down walls will need approval. Permits help ensure everyone’s safety and that your construction meets all building codes.

If you don’t get proper approval, it could seriously hinder construction. You may get fined, be forced to stop or redo renovations, or have to adjust your homeowner’s insurance. It could also impact your ability to sell your house.

Whether you need a permit depends on where you live and your government’s regulations. The scope of work will impact how long it takes for permit approval and what steps are involved. Officials may need to inspect your plans and your finished work before signing off.

If you’re worried about understanding the details of the permit process, we’re here to help! At KSW, we work with local townships to ensure your project meets code requirements and municipality regulations. From drafting architectural plans to scheduling inspections, we’ll make sure you’re covered.

#5. Jump On Current Design Trends

When planning a remodel, it’s easy to get swept up in the common home improvement myth that designing based on what’s popular is the way to go. We get it—you want your home to be modern and incorporate the latest trends. However, if you’re not careful, you may find your home looks outdated in just a few months.

A timeless design will help your space appeal to more people when it’s time to sell. Trends go in and out of style, and you don’t want your home’s value to be reliant on these ever-changing opinions. Ensure you love your house now and down the road by not focusing on design fads.

If you do want to incorporate trends, do it in ways that are small and easy to change. We love seeing families add their personality with accessories, wall decor, light fixtures, rugs, and furniture.

#6. Repairing Is Always Cheaper Than Replacing

Nothing is meant to last forever, even with the best maintenance. Sometimes, you just need to start fresh. Repair vs replacement can be a tough choice, but if repairing something isn’t going to fix the underlying problem, then replacement may be a smarter option. The costs of repairs will quickly add up, so you may end up saving money by investing in something new from the start.

For example, if you plan to stay in your home for several more years, you may need to completely replace an old and damaged roof. Paying for repeated repairs (and dealing with the hassle each time) may not be worth it in the long run.

#7. Home Remodeling Requires Big Budgets

Another popular misconception is that successful remodeling and additions need serious budgets to back them up. But that’s not true! We can work with budgets big and small to upgrade your home and find a solution that works for you.

What’s more important than your budget is having a plan and sticking to it. This will keep you on track, both with spending and time management.

#8. All Contractors Are The Same

On the surface, it may seem like all contractors are the same. But today we are debunking this common home improvement myth. When choosing a full-service contractor for your next home remodeling project, there are several things to consider:

• Quality of work
• Customer service
• Years in business
• Reputation in the community

At KSW Construction LLC, we do things differently. We’re a family-owned business that’s been serving the Central Pennsylvania area for over 12 years. We offer both interior and exterior services for residential and commercial properties. But it’s not just about us. Every year, we give back to the community by providing a new roof to a family in need, free of charge.

At our core, we’re experts in all-things construction. We offer you direct communication, fair prices, and quality craftsmanship on every job. We don’t cut corners, and we are proud of the strong relationships we build with our customers, who return to work with us again and again. Not all contractors can say the same.