Whether you’re remodeling to sell, updating a long-loved home, or prepping for something bigger—almost every homeowner learns the same lesson once they’re in it:
Expect delays. Expect added costs. Always.
Even if the contractor is great. Even if the work is “light.” Even if you think, this will only take a few weeks.
At Human Element, we’ve guided so many clients through this process—some smooth, some messy. And after years of walking through site visits, punch lists, and unexpected hiccups, the patterns are clear.
Here’s what most people wish they knew before getting started—and how to stay ahead of the common pitfalls.
1. Never Pay in Full Up Front
This one is non-negotiable. A deposit is standard to secure the job, but the rest should be tied to progress. Final payment should never happen until the job is completely done—clean, photo-ready, and confirmed.
We’ve seen clients pay too much too early, thinking it would speed up the timeline. It doesn’t. It just removes your leverage. Structure the payments around real milestones.
2. Mid-Project Changes Shift Everything
Light fixture not what you pictured? Want to switch out the tile now that you’ve seen it installed? It happens. Just know that even minor tweaks often cause ripples—contractors may need to reorder materials, reschedule trades, or rework timelines.
Always get changes in writing with updated pricing and a revised timeline.
We once had a client in Sunset Park doing simple cosmetic prep before listing. A week before photos, they added “just a few” extra electrical changes. It pushed the staging install by four days, which delayed photography and—almost—the launch. We caught it in time, but it was close.
3. Don’t Assume Anything Is Included
You’d be surprised how many contracts leave out final cleaning, trash removal, or material sourcing. Don’t assume your contractor is handling these details—ask.
Before you start:
• Who’s buying the materials?
• Who’s responsible for permits?
• Is cleanup included, or do you need to hire separately?
Spelling this out early saves everyone frustration later.
4. “Almost Done” Isn’t Done
Don’t hand over that final payment until you’ve walked the space (or reviewed detailed photos). Look for punch-list items, cleanliness, debris, and anything half-finished.
Your definition of “done” and theirs might not match—and that last check ensures everyone is aligned.
5. Ask What Happens If They’re Late
This might be the most commonly missed step. What are the consequences of delays? Are you charged for extra labor? Do other trades get pushed?
If your project is tied to selling, this becomes critical. Every day of delay can affect staging schedules, photographer availability, and even your ideal window to list. We’ve had clients lose their launch weekend because contractors weren’t finished in time—and by the time the home was ready, buyer momentum had shifted.
The Bottom Line:
Even the best remodels come with surprises. That doesn’t mean something’s wrong—it just means you need to build in margin.
You’re not doing it wrong. This is the process.
Just make sure the expectations, timeline, and payment structure protect you along the way.
Final Thought:
If you’re about to take on a prep project—whether for selling, renting, or simply making your home work better for you—we’re happy to help walk through the plan before you commit. A second set of eyes never hurts.
Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned from being in the thick of it with our clients over the years—it’s that thoughtful planning is everything.
