A Veteran Builder’s Guide to Doing It Right the First Time

Remodeling your home can be one of the best decisions you make—as long as you don’t fall into the traps that cost homeowners time, money, and peace of mind every year.

After nearly 20 years in the field, I’ve seen all the mistakes: from blown budgets to jobs that stalled halfway through. Most of the time, these problems weren’t bad luck—they were bad planning, bad hiring, or both.

If you’re planning a remodel in Southeast New Hampshire or Southern Maine, here are the top five renovation mistakes to avoid—and how to get your project done the right way.

1. Starting Without a Clear Plan

Too many folks dive into a renovation with nothing more than a Pinterest board and a handshake estimate. That’s not a plan—it’s a recipe for delays, change orders, and frustration.

Avoid it by:

• Having a written scope of work

• Making key selections (fixtures, finishes, layouts) before demo

• Setting realistic goals for time and budget

At Veterans Builders, we lay it all out before we pick up a hammer. No surprises. No vague “we’ll figure it out later” talk.

2. Hiring Based on the Lowest Bid

Cheap isn’t always smart. We’ve been called in more than once to finish or fix a project that was botched by a “budget contractor” who overpromised and underdelivered.

Watch for red flags like:

• No license or insurance

• Vague contracts

• No references or online presence

• Big promises with unrealistic timelines

Hiring right the first time might cost more up front—but it saves you in the long run. Ask for proof of experience and demand clarity on everything.

3. Underestimating the Timeline

HGTV might make a full home reno look like a weekend job, but real life doesn’t work that way. Material delays, inspections, weather, and existing home issues can all affect the timeline.

Avoid it by:

• Asking for a realistic schedule in writing

• Understanding what factors might cause delays

• Being prepared to adapt if surprises come up

(especially in older homes)

We build with a military mindset—tight timelines, clear milestones, and no ghosting.

4. Changing the Scope Mid-Project

Nothing slows a project (or increases the bill) faster than a client making big changes after work starts. It’s your home—you can do what you want. But every change affects cost, schedule, and coordination.

Avoid it by:

• Taking your time in the planning phase

• Trusting your original goals

• Asking questions before signing off on the plan

We encourage questions up front so you feel confident from day one—and aren’t stuck adding work (and cost) later.

5. Skipping the Permits

This is a big one. Whether it’s a deck, an addition, or a major remodel, skipping permits is a bad idea. If the town finds out, you could face fines, project shutdowns, and big problems when it’s time to sell.

Avoid it by:

• Confirming with your builder what work needs permits

• Making sure inspections are scheduled and passed

• Never cutting corners to “save time”

At Veterans Builders, we handle all permits and code compliance. That’s our job—and we don’t leave it up to chance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I tell if a contractor is legit?

Look for licensing, insurance, a real business address, and a clear track record. Talk to past clients and check reviews. Ask how many jobs they’re currently managing.

Q: Can I save money by buying my own materials?

Sometimes, yes—but it can slow the job down. Let’s talk about what makes sense and who’s responsible for what.

Q: Is it normal to get multiple quotes?

Yes, and you should. But compare apples to apples—scope, materials, timelines, and experience. Cheapest isn’t always best.

Want a Remodel Without Regrets?

If you want to avoid the mistakes that cost homeowners thousands—start with a builder who plans like a pro and builds like a veteran. That’s what we do at Veterans Builders.

Visit our Contact Page to schedule your free consultation:

👉 veteransbuildersllc.com/contact-us