There are many decisions people make when upgrading their homes to new styles. Some of these choices lead to results that genuinely improve the quality of home life. Others result in mistakes that homeowners must live with or undo at considerable expense.

The difference between satisfied and regretful clients lies in the decisions people make throughout the remodeling process. Here is a list of seven choices that generally lead to favorable outcomes, and seven that often lead to regret.

Smart choices

Take your time

Get online and read customer reviews and home-remodeling forums. Remember that the upgrade may last for years; you want to get it right from the start.

Call the experts

It’s always preferable to rely on people trained in the specific upgrade you need. They know how to go about certain things that may not seem obvious to you in the first place. You will never regret this decision.

Insist on quality

Materials matter. You will want to select high-quality materials suitable for your specific home. You should insist on materials that no only look good but are also durable.

Consider the costs

As you choose service providers and materials, keep an eye on your budget. Remember that not all high-quality goods and services are expensive. There are solutions out there that will meet your goals without breaking the bank.

Be creative

In this world of show-offs, you need some sense of style. Take a look at a variety of designs that have worked for others -- and consider a customized design that could suit your unique home.

Consider the unexpected

In case of damages, what are the costs of repair? How can the risk of damage be mitigated or avoided altogether?  The moment you answer these questions, you will be on the right track.

Compatibility

As you select the design, think of how compatible the upgrade is with other parts of the house.

Worrisome choices

Copying blindly

So, you went to a friend’s house, saw his kitchen, and decided to replicate it in your home. The problem with this approach is that there are real and important differences between homes, families, and budgets. What works for one household may not work in another.

‘Just get it done’

This attitude is costly. Some clients will disengage from the process once the service providers begin work. The process generally goes more smoothly when the homeowner is involved in decision-making from beginning to end.

Rigidity

Be flexible with your upgrade decisions. There are certain things that can work and those that are impossible to implement. Stay receptive to options you haven’t considered.

‘Too expensive’

You can always opt for the cheapest materials on the market. Remember, though, that rock-bottom prices may be indicative of rock-bottom quality.
Incompatibility. As you make your upgrade plans, don’t forget the rest of the house and its décor. No upgrade exists in a vacuum; context matters.

DIY

A do-it-yourself approach may work for some projects, but not all. The time required to learn new skills, do the work, and undo mistakes often outweighs any DIY savings. A professional helping hand is almost always worth the money.

Media guides

Remodeling plans lifted from TV or online may not be realistic for your home. You will need to verify prices and the quality of advertised designs.