I’ve seen a few renovation projects go wrong, and most of the time it wasn’t because of bad materials. One project in Chicago, Illinois made that very clear.
The homeowners had decent materials lined up. Cabinets were fine, flooring was good quality, and the budget wasn’t tight. The issue started with communication.
Early renovation photo — materials delivered or space being cleared.
The contractor didn’t explain timelines clearly. Days passed with little progress, and small decisions were made without checking in first. Nothing terrible at first, but those small things added up.
Another problem was cutting corners on prep work. Things like leveling and measurements were rushed, which later caused delays when parts didn’t fit properly.
Mid-renovation photo showing adjustments or rework.
Once a different contractor stepped in, the pace changed completely. Clear communication, realistic timelines, and simple updates made the rest of the renovation smoother, even though the materials stayed the same.
The final result looked good, but the experience showed one thing clearly: the right contractor makes a bigger difference than fancy materials.
Finished space after renovation.
If you’re renovating in Chicago, ask questions early. A contractor who explains things clearly can save you time, money, and stress.
Curious to hear how others choose their contractors.