The Truth About Renovation Mistakes — Mike Holmes Breaks It Down

You know what drives me nuts? Homeowners getting burned by cheap renovations. I’ve spent my entire career fixing jobs that were done fast, done wrong, and done cheap. The truth is cheap jobs always end up costing more in the long run. That’s why I always talk about renovation mistakes and how to avoid them.

I get it. Renovations are expensive. When someone comes in with a quote that’s thousands less than the others, it’s tempting. But if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

 

Renovation Mistakes – Why A Low Price Is Risky

---

 

A low price often means one of these things: 

• Corners are being cut, 
• Materials are subpar, 
• Permits are not being pulled
• The contractor doesn’t know what they’re doing
• The contractor will only do cash jobs with no paper trail

I’ve seen it firsthand—improper waterproofing, bad wiring, no permits, and zero regard for building codes. It might look good on the surface, but the real problem is what’s hiding behind the walls. That’s my world. And those problems don’t stay hidden for long.

Here is an example from Holmes on Homes. A homeowner wrote to me that certain rooms in their house were freezing in winter and boiling in summer. The airflow just wasn’t working. Of course I was going to investigate why this is happening. The HVAC ductwork had been installed with multiple sharp 90-degree turns, crushed sections, and long, inefficient runs that made no sense. In some areas, ducts were kinked so badly that air could barely pass through. We had to rip out large portions of the duct system and redesign it properly

Where Cheap Contractors Cut Corners

---

 

When a renovation comes in cheap, here’s where you’re likely paying the price later:

1. Materials
   Low-quality materials wear out faster, fail sooner, and don’t protect your home. Whether it’s roofing, insulation, or flooring. Cheap products just don’t last.
2. Labour
   Good trades aren’t cheap—and cheap trades aren’t always good. Skilled professionals take the time to do things right. They insist on permits. That costs money.
3. Prep Work
   This is the stuff you don’t see—but it’s everything. Proper prep, like leveling floors, sealing foundations, or installing proper ventilation, is often skipped to save time. A common mistake I see in bathroom renovations is no waterproof membrane in showers and tiles installed directly on drywall. That’s a big no-no, and you need a good contractor to tell you that.

      4. Permits and Inspections
          If your contractor tells you that you don’t need permits, that’s a red flag. Permits exist to protect you and your home. I’ve seen contractors removing load-bearing walls            without support beams. I’ve also seen undersized or improperly installed beams with no engineering plans. That’s a disaster waiting to happen.

The Real Cost of “Saving Money” And A Cheap Quote Is A Renovation Mistakes

---

Here’s the part nobody wants to hear: cheap renovations usually mean you’ll pay twice.

I’ve walked into homes where a homeowner tried to save $10,000—only to spend $50,000 fixing the damage later. Water damage, mold, structural issues… these aren’t small problems.

And sometimes, it’s not just about money—it’s about safety.

Bad electrical work? Fire hazard.
Poor structural changes? Collapse risk.
Improper ventilation? Health issues.

That’s not a renovation—that’s a liability. How many basements have I ripped apart to find  quick, cheap fixes? Homeowners call me because their basements have flooding every couple of years. What I find is the contractor has focused on interior fixes instead of addressing exterior drainage. I am seeing no proper weeping tile or sump system. I’ve seen cracks sealed without fixing foundation issues. Do it properly the first time.

 

RELATED: The Beginning of Holmes on Homes: My Life as a Renovation TV Personality

 

How To Hire A Contractor – Avoid This Biggest Renovation Mistakes

---

You don’t need to go with the most expensive quote—but you do need to go with the right one. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Get multiple quotes and compare scope—not just price
• Check credentials, references, and past work
• Ask detailed questions about materials and process
• Make sure permits are pulled and inspections are done
• Get everything in writing—no handshake deals

A good contractor will be transparent, knowledgeable, and willing to explain the work.

---

 

I’ve said it for years: make it right.

Cheap renovations aren’t a shortcut—they’re a setback. If you want to protect your investment, your safety, and your sanity, don’t chase the lowest price. Chase quality.

Because doing it twice is always more expensive.

 

---

 

READ NEXT: 

A $200 Repair Job Becomes A $20,000 problem

The Hidden Dangers of Water Quality in Plumbing

 

Related Articles