A successful home renovation doesn’t start with swinging a hammer—it starts with a solid plan. Yet, time and time again, homeowners in Sault Ste. Marie dive into renovations full of energy and optimism, only to run into stress, delays, and budget overruns.
Why? Because they skip key steps in the planning process.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your kitchen, bathroom, basement, or even your whole house, avoid these common renovation planning mistakes—and save yourself from future headaches.
❌ Mistake #1: Underestimating Costs
It’s easy to dream about a Pinterest-worthy kitchen. But real-life renovations come with real-life price tags—and many homeowners set their budget based only on the cost of materials, forgetting the labour, permits, disposal, delivery fees, taxes, and unexpected surprises.
Smart Tip:
Add a 10–20% contingency fund to your initial budget for surprises. In older homes across the Soo, outdated wiring, plumbing issues, or moisture damage are extremely common and can add thousands if unplanned.
❌ Mistake #2: Not Getting Permits
This one happens more often than you’d think—especially for “minor” changes like removing a wall, installing a bathroom, or converting a basement.
In Sault Ste. Marie, the Building Department requires permits for:
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Structural changes
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Plumbing or electrical updates
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Secondary suite conversions
- Major alterations to layout
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Skipping permits can result in:
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Fines
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Redoing the work
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Issues when selling your home
- Voided insurance claims
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Smart Tip:
If in doubt, ask a professional or contact the city before you start. We can handle all permitting and inspections for you.
❌ Mistake #3: Hiring the Wrong Contractor
Not all contractors are equal. The cheapest quote isn’t always the best choice—and unfortunately, we’ve seen too many projects in the Soo that needed to be redone because of unqualified, uninsured, or unreliable tradespeople.
Red flags include:
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No references
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No written contract
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Vague timelines or cost breakdowns
- Asking for full payment upfront
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Smart Tip:
Choose a contractor with strong local experience, proper insurance, a clear project plan, and a reputation you can verify. We’ve worked on dozens of homes in SSM and are happy to provide references.
❌ Mistake #4: Making Major Changes Mid-Project
Changing your mind about materials, layout, or finishes once the renovation is underway can lead to costly delays and rework. It may also require new permits or inspections, further complicating the project.
Smart Tip:
Lock in all design decisions during the planning phase. We help clients visualize their renovation using sketches, mood boards, and material samples—so they can feel confident before we build.
❌ Mistake #5: Ignoring Resale Value
You might love bold colours, quirky layouts, or unusual fixtures—but if you plan to sell within 5–10 years, make design choices with future buyers in mind. Some personal preferences may actually lower your home’s value.
Smart Tip:
Focus on improvements with broad appeal: neutral tones, timeless finishes, and energy-efficient upgrades. If you want to personalize your space, do so through paint, art, or furniture—things that are easy to update.
🧠Planning Makes Perfect
At the end of the day, the best renovations aren’t necessarily the most expensive—they’re the ones that are well planned, clearly scoped, and executed by pros who care. Planning gives you control over the process, and helps you stay on budget, on time, and on track.
✅ Need help getting your renovation off to the right start? We specialize in guiding Sault homeowners through every step—from budgeting to permitting to final walk-throughs.
➤ Call today and let’s plan a renovation you’ll love—without the pitfalls.