8 Home Renovations Homeowners Ended Up Regretting (and You Might Want to Skip Too)

If you’re ever in doubt about whether you may regret a reno decision, Reddit is an excellent resource to reach out for advice, harrowing stories of regret, and to find out options that may work better than what you had originally planned.

Here are eight home renovations homeowners ended up regretting before deciding how to handle your next home reno project.

Marble Kitchen Countertops

Installing new kitchen countertops can be an expensive process that strains your kitchen renovation budget, especially if you opt for premium materials, but the cost isn’t the only issue. Some materials are just not suited for the messy kitchen environment, leading to staining, damage, and premature wear.

In one thread, Reddit user No-Cryptographer-741 shares their marble kitchen countertop horror story: “Although they were beautiful the first few months, they started staining,” they said. “The oil splatters from the stove don’t wash out easily. It chips. Citrus spills take the shine out. Big regret. They look so weathered now. They’re only five years old.”

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Minor Bathroom Updates

Making small changes to the bathroom can be a quick and easy way to improve the look and feel of the room, but you may end up regretting not going for a full remodel. Reddit user meta_bonnie shared their own experience.

“I should have spent the extra while everything was out,” they said. Now it’s too much of a pain to redo.”

While a full bathroom remodel project is more costly and time-consuming than a simple face lift, you may want to spend the extra cash to ensure you are happy with the result instead of regretting that you had an opportunity to get the dream bathroom you really wanted, but settled for less.

Pea Gravel Patio

Some renovation projects look great when you see them in a magazine or posted online immediately after the job has been completed, but it doesn’t take long for problems to appear. Reddit user limitless_ shares their regret at installing a pea gravel patio, stating with evident remorse, “so many little stones everywhere that they shouldn’t be.”

This type of patio project is one that DIYers may undertake to improve the appearance of the yard, but unfortunately, rain, wind, snow, wildlife, and just about anything that comes into contact with the pea gravel can risk spreading the tiny stones to the surrounding grass, walk, and yard.

Square-Shaped Sinks

Many renovation regrets come from choosing features and materials that seem appealing at first glance, but may come with unique problems you never considered until it was already too late.

Reddit user TrinkieTrinkie522cat regrets installing a square kitchen sink, because “the dirt clings to the corners,” forcing them to “use a toothbrush to clean.”

Before deciding on a new style of sink that you have never owned before, research the pros and cons.

White Bathroom Grout

Grout is used to fill the gaps between tiles or stones, though it’s most commonly seen on the bathroom floor and walls.

Choosing an appropriate color for the grout isn’t just important for the aesthetic appearance of the room, but it can also mean the difference between a renovation success and a renovation regret.

“White grout gets grimy and discolored over time, especially if you have rust or minerals in your water,” Reddit user pootypus said. “It’s a huge hassle to scrub each grout line with bleach to lighten it back up. Luckily, that was in our starter home. All grout from here on out is gray or black until the end of time.”

So if you have a bathroom reno planned, consider choosing a more neutral grout color that won’t collect stains.

Light Colored Carpet

Carpet already has a tendency to collect dirt, dust, hair, and debris, making it significantly more difficult to clean and maintain, but when you opt for light colored carpeting you are essentially asking to see every single bit of dirt that gets into the fiber, not to mention the stains that gradually accumulate over the years.

Reddit user JadeGrapes had the unfortunate regret of installing light/cream carpet on the entryway steps.

“Minnesota has snow & slush,” they said. “It was instantly dirt brown, but just in the middle where people walk.”

If you’re determined to install carpet, go with a color that won’t become a tapestry of dirt and grime.

Installing Cheap Light Fixtures

A common problem for DIYers on a tight budget is that they tend to want to invest in the most affordable solutions for the renovation. This isn’t always a bad idea, but when it comes to certain electrical features, like your light fixtures, you may run into issues down the line.

A Reddit user whose name has since been deleted encountered this very problem.

“I cheaped out on my light fixtures. I’m now slowly replacing them, which means I’m spending the money twice,” they said, providing wise insight for any other DIYers who may be trying to cut corners on costs.

Always be aware that cheaper products are not necessarily the best choice, especially if you want the reno to last.

Dark Wood Floors

There’s nothing wrong with liking the appeal of a darker color for your home flooring, but you also need to be aware of the risks and drawbacks that come with this type of floor installation.

Reddit user erin_mouse88 had dark wood floors installed during a recent renovation, but soon noticed that “they show so much dust and every scratch, scuff, and dent, and make the rooms feel so much darker.”

Working with an experienced interior designer or even getting samples from the store before starting the renovation can really help determine what materials are well-suited for your home and what materials you should avoid.