With Halloween this week, it’s the season for carving pumpkins, telling scary stories, and going door-to-door with the kids collecting candy and making memories — all while dressed in costumes.
But amid all the fun, some spooky stories hit a little too close to home for homeowners. These tales often start with someone falling for a common remodeling myth, leading to frightening outcomes: blown budgets, endless projects, or poor craftsmanship.
Luckily, after 53 years of remodeling experience, we’ve learned how to help homeowners avoid the “tricks” and enjoy the “treat” of a successful remodeling journey. Together, we can enjoy Halloween without becoming the main character in a spooky remodeling story.
Trick #1: “DIY Will Save Me Money”
Trick: Many homeowners think doing it themselves saves money. In the age of online tutorials, it’s easier than ever to believe that a few YouTube videos can guide anyone through the complex steps of a remodeling project.
Reality: Every remodel is unique — and each presents its own set of unforeseen challenges. For the novice handyman, these often lead to mistakes, delays, and rework that can cost more than the original budget. The biggest unforeseen expense is the time lost — from the start of demolition until the final punch-list item is completed.
Treat: Working with an experienced remodeler minimizes the unknowns of a home improvement project. A reputable contractor will guide you through the design process, complete the project with quality craftsmanship, anticipate the project's ups and downs, and keep you from unnecessary stress. Plus, your weekends will stay yours to enjoy.
Trick #2: “You Don’t Need a Permit for Small Projects”
Trick: Some homeowners assume minor remodels don’t require permits. It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission, right?
Reality: Even “small” updates can affect structure, plumbing, or electrical systems — and skipping permits can lead to legal or resale nightmares. Cutting corners early on might seem convenient, but it can cost much more later.
Treat: Although obtaining permits requires time and effort, it is crucial to comply with all remodeling regulations. Stebnitz Builders manages all permitting and guarantees every project passes code inspections, providing our clients with peace of mind and lasting protection.
Trick #3: “I Can Figure Out the Design as I Go”
Trick: Some homeowners equate flexibility with freedom — thinking they can start construction and make design decisions along the way.
Reality: Without a clear plan, projects suffer from scope creep, mismatched finishes, and inflated budgets. Design indecision can also delay schedules, especially when materials have long lead times. A firm budget and timeline aren’t possible if the design isn’t finalized before work begins.
Treat: Our process starts by understanding your goals, budget, and timeline to ensure a good fit for our design-build approach. Then, our remodeling consultants and selections coordinators guide you through every detail — creating a complete plan our production team can execute seamlessly.
Trick #4: “Remodeling Always Goes Over Budget”
Trick: Horror stories make it seem like budget blowouts are inevitable — and that contractors are never upfront about costs.
Reality: With transparency, detailed estimates, and proactive communication, projects can stay on track and on budget.
Treat: Stebnitz Builders begins every conversation with clear budget expectations. We provide ballpark ranges early in the process, so clients understand what’s possible before diving into design. That clarity allows for honest, stress-free conversations and projects that meet expectations without surprises.
Keep the Treats, Skip the Tricks
Halloween is full of tricks and treats — and knowing the difference can save you from remodeling nightmares. Whether it’s finding yourself saying “DI-Why?”, getting lost in a maze of red tape, creating a Frankenstein’s monster of mismatched designs, or hearing ghost stories of budgets busted, don’t fall for these remodeling myths this season.
Ready to turn your remodeling nightmares into dream results? Stebnitz Builders is here to make your next project more treat than trick.