7 Common Remodeling Problems and How Our Team Avoids Them

Derek Obringer • August 15, 2024

Remodeling your home is a major undertaking that can dramatically enhance your living space, increase your property’s value, and provide a sense of personal accomplishment. However, along with the excitement comes the potential for stress and unexpected challenges. Many homeowners encounter problems that, if not handled properly, can derail the project, blow the budget, and turn a dream remodel into a nightmare.

At Obringer's Painting and Remodeling, we understand the intricacies of home remodeling projects. With years of experience under our belts, we've seen it all, and we've developed proven strategies to prevent these common issues from impacting your renovation. In this blog, we'll discuss seven of the most common remodeling problems and explain how our team can help you avoid them, ensuring that your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

Budget Overruns: Keeping Your Finances on Track

One of the most significant concerns for homeowners embarking on a remodeling project is the risk of going over budget. This issue often arises due to a combination of factors, including underestimating initial costs, unexpected expenses, or changes in the project’s scope. For example, you might discover that your flooring needs more work than anticipated or that the fixtures you initially chose are no longer available, leading to more expensive replacements.

How Obringer's Can Help: At Obringer's Painting and Remodeling, we believe that accurate planning is the foundation of a successful remodel. Our team takes the time to provide detailed estimates, taking into account every aspect of the project—from materials and labor to potential contingencies. By doing so, we help you set a realistic budget and stick to it. We also maintain transparency throughout the project, keeping you informed of any changes and their potential impact on your budget, so there are no surprises along the way.

Delays in the Project Timeline: Staying on Schedule

Another common issue that plagues remodeling projects is delays. These can be caused by a variety of factors, such as supply chain disruptions, unforeseen structural problems, or scheduling conflicts with contractors. For homeowners, delays can be particularly frustrating, extending the time you spend living in a construction zone and potentially increasing costs.

How Obringer's Can Help: Our team at Obringer’s Painting and Remodeling is committed to meticulous project management. We understand the importance of keeping your project on schedule, so we coordinate all aspects of the remodel, from ordering materials to scheduling subcontractors, with precision. We also plan for potential disruptions, such as back-ordered materials or inclement weather, by building flexibility into our timelines. This proactive approach allows us to adapt quickly to changes and keep your project moving forward.

Structural Issues: Addressing Problems Before They Escalate

When remodeling an older home or making significant changes to your property, you may encounter structural issues that weren’t apparent at the outset. Problems like foundation cracks, outdated electrical systems, or water damage can not only derail your project but also pose safety risks if not addressed properly.

How Obringer's Can Help: At Obringer’s, our team includes experienced professionals who are trained to identify and address structural issues early in the process. We conduct thorough inspections before starting any work to ensure that any potential problems are identified and resolved before they can affect your project. This proactive approach not only keeps your remodel on track but also ensures the safety and longevity of your home’s new features.

Unforeseen Complications Behind Walls: Preparing for the Unexpected

One of the most challenging aspects of remodeling is dealing with unforeseen issues that are only discovered once the work has begun. Common examples include finding mold behind walls, encountering outdated plumbing, or discovering that insulation needs to be replaced. These problems can lead to additional work, increased costs, and delays if not managed properly.

How Obringer's Can Help: At Obringer’s, we prepare for the unexpected by incorporating a contingency plan into every project. We understand that surprises can happen, especially in older homes, and we’re ready to handle them efficiently. Our team is equipped to manage these complications without derailing the overall timeline or budget. By maintaining open communication and presenting solutions as soon as issues arise, we help ensure that your remodel stays on track, even when faced with unexpected challenges.

Poor Communication with Contractors: Ensuring Clarity and Cooperation

Effective communication is crucial in any remodeling project. Miscommunication between homeowners and contractors can lead to misunderstandings, mistakes, and delays, which can ultimately compromise the quality of the work and your satisfaction with the finished product.

How Obringer's Can Help: At Obringer’s Painting and Remodeling, we prioritize clear and consistent communication. From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, we make it a point to keep you informed at every stage of the project. Our team provides regular updates, promptly addresses any concerns or questions you might have, and ensures that your vision is being realized. This level of transparency and responsiveness helps prevent issues before they arise and fosters a collaborative, stress-free experience.

Design Changes Mid-Project: Managing Adjustments with Minimal Disruption

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to reconsider design elements once the project is underway. Whether it’s a new idea for the kitchen layout or a change in paint color, these mid-project adjustments can lead to delays and additional costs if not handled carefully.

How Obringer's Can Help: While we work closely with you during the planning phase to finalize design decisions before construction begins, we understand that sometimes changes are necessary. At Obringer’s, we manage these adjustments efficiently to minimize their impact on the overall project. Our team is skilled at adapting to changes and implementing them in a way that keeps the project on track. We also provide guidance on how to make these changes without compromising the budget or timeline, ensuring that your remodel meets your evolving needs and expectations.

Substandard Workmanship: Delivering Quality You Can Trust

One of the greatest fears homeowners have when hiring a remodeling contractor is the risk of substandard workmanship. Poor-quality work can lead to a host of issues, from aesthetic flaws to safety hazards, and can ultimately diminish the value of your remodel.

How Obringer's Can Help: Quality is at the heart of everything we do at Obringer’s Painting and Remodeling. Our team comprises highly skilled, licensed professionals who have a proven track record of excellence. We take pride in our craftsmanship and are committed to delivering results that not only meet but exceed your expectations. From the selection of materials to the final touches, we ensure that every aspect of your remodel is completed to the highest standards, providing you with a finished product that you’ll be proud of for years to come.

Trust Obringer’s for a Smooth, Stress-Free Remodel

Remodeling your home should be a rewarding experience, not a stressful one. By choosing Obringer’s Painting and Remodeling, you’re not just hiring a contractor—you’re gaining a partner who is dedicated to making your vision a reality with as little hassle as possible. Whether it’s preventing budget overruns, avoiding delays, or ensuring top-notch workmanship, our team is here to guide you through every step of the remodeling process. Contact us today to start planning your dream remodel with confidence, knowing that you’re in the hands of experts who care about your home as much as you do.

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Author: Derek Obringer

Owner & Founder of Obringer's Painting and Remodeling, Derek Obringer brings attention to detail, together with experience, and superior customer service into each and every home that his company does work.

Painting And Remodeling Blog

General Contractors vs. Kitchen Remodeling Contractors: Which One Do You Need?

By Derek Obringer • March 27, 2025

General Contractors vs. Kitchen Remodelers: Key Differences When planning your kitchen renovation, choosing the right professional is crucial. Should you hire a general contractor or a kitchen remodeling contractor ? While both handle renovations, their expertise and scope of work differ significantly. General Contractors General contractors oversee large-scale remodeling projects, such as whole-home renovations or additions. They handle structural changes, electrical and plumbing work, and permit approvals. Because they manage multiple subcontractors and coordinate various trades, hiring a general contractor is typically more expensive. They are best suited for projects that go beyond just the kitchen. Kitchen Remodeling Contractors Kitchen remodelers specialize in kitchen-specific renovations, focusing on layout, design, and materials. They often work directly on the kitchen, rather than overseeing multiple subcontractors. Because their expertise is limited to one area of the home, they provide more cost-effective solutions for homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchens without altering other spaces. Which One Do You Need? If your project involves multiple rooms or structural changes, a general contractor is the best choice. However, if your renovation is kitchen-focused and you want a more budget-friendly approach, a kitchen remodeling contractor is the way to go. Understanding these differences can help you make the right decision for your home renovation needs. Key Differences: General Contractors vs. Kitchen Remodelers When planning a home renovation, it's essential to understand the key differences between general contractors and kitchen remodelers to ensure you hire the right professional for the job. While both play crucial roles in home improvement, their scope of work, expertise, cost, and project management styles vary significantly. 1. Scope of Work The primary difference between a general contractor and a kitchen remodeler is the scope of work they handle: General Contractors: General contractors oversee broad renovation projects that may involve multiple rooms, entire home remodels, or structural changes. Their responsibilities often include: Managing large-scale renovations, including home expansions and floor plan modifications. Overseeing structural changes such as removing walls or adding new rooms. Coordinating various subcontractors, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, to complete the project efficiently. Kitchen Remodelers: Kitchen remodelers, on the other hand, specialize exclusively in kitchen renovations. Their work is focused on: Optimizing kitchen layout design for better functionality and efficiency. Installing cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes, and appliances. Choosing the best materials, finishes, and storage solutions for an aesthetically pleasing and practical kitchen. If your project involves multiple rooms or structural modifications, a general contractor is necessary. However, if your focus is solely on updating or redesigning the kitchen, a kitchen remodeler is the better choice. 2. Expertise & Specialization The level of expertise required for a renovation depends on the type and complexity of the project. General Contractors: These professionals have broad knowledge across multiple trades, including: Structural modifications (e.g., knocking down walls or adding load-bearing beams). Electrical and plumbing work to support home expansions. Permitting and building code compliance for large-scale projects. Kitchen Remodelers: In contrast, kitchen remodelers focus specifically on kitchen design, materials, and functionality, which includes: Understanding the latest kitchen trends and space-saving solutions. Customizing cabinets, countertops, and islands for improved workflow. Ensuring optimal appliance placement to enhance efficiency. If your renovation requires significant structural changes, a general contractor is the right choice. However, if you want a kitchen tailored to your lifestyle and design preferences, a kitchen remodeler's specialized knowledge is more beneficial. 3. Cost Considerations Cost is a major factor when choosing between a general contractor and a kitchen remodeler. General Contractor: In most cases, they will charge a percentage of the total project cost, often ranging between 10% and 25%. Their services are more expensive due to the larger scale of work and involvement of multiple trades. Costs may include permits, labor for structural changes, and extensive material selections. Kitchen Remodeling Company: Offer a more budget-friendly option for homeowners focusing solely on the kitchen. Since they specialize in one area, their labor and material costs are often more predictable and controlled. Homeowners can choose from different levels of renovation, from minor upgrades to high-end, custom kitchen designs. If you're planning a whole-home remodel or structural work, a general contractor's higher costs are justified. However, if you need a cost-effective kitchen transformation, a kitchen remodeler is the smarter financial choice. 4. Project & Subcontractor Management Managing a renovation project requires careful coordination, and the approach differs between general contractors and kitchen remodelers. General Contractor: Act as project manager, hiring and overseeing subcontractors for various tasks such as flooring, plumbing, and HVAC installation. Ensure all trades work in sync to meet project deadlines. Handle any unexpected construction challenges, such as hidden electrical issues or outdated plumbing. Kitchen Remodeling Company: Typically, they work with a smaller, more specialized team of designers and craftsmen. Provide a hands-on approach by focusing on specific kitchen elements, ensuring quality control throughout the project. May still work with subcontractors (e.g., electricians or plumbers) but on a much smaller scale than general contractors. If your renovation involves multiple professionals across different areas, a general contractor is necessary. However, if you prefer a more direct and focused approach for your kitchen, a kitchen remodeler provides the expertise needed. Both general contractors and kitchen remodelers bring valuable skills to the table, but their expertise is suited for different types of projects.