Many homeowners relax when walls are up and structure is done. Then finishing stage arrives: paints, lights, switches, handles, fittings, cabinets — and the money starts disappearing fast. Finishing feels small but it’s the most budget-draining stage.
Contractors know this and sometimes deliberately give low initial quotations without including finishes. Later you start hearing, “This one is separate,” “This one is not part of the first estimate.” To avoid shock, list finishes from the beginning: door handles, sockets, light types, paint quality, tile skirting, ceiling design. Small items add up quickly.
When choosing finishes, balance beauty with maintenance. High-gloss tiles show every stain. Pure white paint near children becomes a cleaning routine. Shiny fixtures with cheap coating peel. Pick things you can actually live with daily, not just admire on delivery day.
The real renovation win is not just completing the project — it’s still loving it after months of real-life use.