I was standing in a half finished duplex in Portland, Oregon, when it clicked. The renovation itself was fine. Good materials. Solid work. The problem was the order of decisions.
The owner had already picked finishes before fixing airflow and moisture issues. Beautiful wood, premium paint, modern fixtures. Then the humidity problems showed up. Small at first. Then unavoidable.
Renovation works best when the invisible choices come before the visible ones. Ventilation before paint. Drainage before flooring. Structure before style.
Most people rush to what they can see because it feels like progress. Real progress is usually hidden and unglamorous.
If you are planning any renovation, slow down at the start. The early decisions decide everything that comes after.