Home remodeling should be exciting, it’s a chance to transform your space into something that better fits your lifestyle. But after more than six decades of home remodeling in Sioux Falls and across South Dakota, our family has seen how a few common mistakes can turn that excitement into frustration, delays, and budget overruns. The good news? Most of these pitfalls are completely avoidable when you know what to watch for, and when you partner with experienced home builders who can guide you through the process from start to finish.
Skipping the Planning Phase of a Home Remodel
It’s tempting to dive straight into demolition when you’re eager to see results, but rushing through the planning phase is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. Without a clear plan, you’re likely to make expensive mid-project changes, overlook important details, or end up with a finished space that doesn’t quite work the way you envisioned.
Take time upfront to think through exactly how you’ll use the space. Where will furniture go? How does traffic flow through the room? What storage do you need? A few extra weeks of planning can save you months of regret.
Since 1962, Hjellming Construction has helped families throughout the Sioux Falls area think through these details before the first hammer swings. Working with experienced custom home designers during this phase is invaluable—we can spot potential issues before they become problems and help you make decisions that enhance both function and aesthetics.
Setting an Unrealistic Remodeling Budget
We get it—you’ve been dreaming about your kitchen remodel for years, and you want it to be perfect. But failing to establish a realistic budget from the start is a recipe for financial stress.
Here’s a mistake we see often: homeowners get quotes from contractors but don’t account for the “extras” like permits, temporary housing or cooking arrangements, unexpected structural issues, or those gorgeous light fixtures they fall in love with halfway through the project.
A good rule of thumb is to add 10-20% to your estimated budget for contingencies. Quality remodeling work is an investment, and while you shouldn’t overpay, choosing a contractor solely based on the lowest bid often leads to cut corners and subpar results. We’ve built our reputation on transparent pricing and honest communication about what projects truly cost.
Choosing Style Over Function in Your Remodel
That dramatic open shelving might look stunning on Pinterest, but will it work with your actual lifestyle? In Sioux Falls homes, where practicality matters, prioritizing style over function rarely ends well.
Think honestly about how you live. If you have kids, pets, or love to cook, your remodel needs to accommodate the beautiful chaos of real life. Those white countertops might not hold up. That delicate tile could crack under heavy use.
The best home remodeling projects in Sioux Falls balance aesthetics with durability and functionality. Choose materials and designs that you’ll love living with for years, not just looking at in magazines. You can browse our remodeling portfolio to see how we’ve helped families create beautiful spaces that actually work for their daily lives.
Ignoring the Bigger Picture
Remodeling one room without considering how it relates to the rest of your home can create awkward transitions and design disconnect. Your gorgeous new bathroom shouldn’t feel like it belongs in a completely different house.
Pay attention to architectural style, flooring transitions, and overall flow. If you’re planning multiple projects, think about the long-term vision for your home rather than tackling rooms in isolation. Sometimes it makes sense to phase projects over time while maintaining a cohesive design plan.
Our team works with homeowners to ensure every remodeling project—whether it’s a single bathroom or a whole-home renovation—fits seamlessly with the existing structure and sets the stage for future improvements. This big-picture thinking is something we’ve refined over 60-plus years in business.
Underestimating the Timeline
“How long does a remodel take?” is usually followed by homeowners hearing a timeline that seems impossibly long. But there’s a reason experienced contractors build in buffer time: unexpected issues happen, materials get delayed, and some tasks simply can’t be rushed.
In South Dakota, weather can also impact timelines, especially for projects involving exterior work or additions. A realistic timeline accounts for inspection schedules, material lead times, and the occasional surprise hiding behind your walls.
Trying to pressure your contractor into an unrealistic schedule usually backfires. Quality craftsmanship takes time, and rushing leads to mistakes that are costly to fix later. Throughout our decades serving Sioux Falls and surrounding communities, we’ve learned that setting honest expectations from the start leads to much happier clients. Communication is important to us.
Attempting Too Many DIY Projects
We admire the DIY spirit, but knowing when to call in professionals is crucial. Sure, you might save money painting walls yourself, but attempting complex electrical work, plumbing, or structural changes without proper expertise can be dangerous and often costs more to fix than hiring a professional would have cost in the first place.
South Dakota building codes exist for good reasons, and permits are required for most significant remodeling work. Working with a licensed home remodeling company in Sioux Falls ensures your project meets all code requirements and passes inspections the first time.
As a family-run business, we understand the desire to be hands-on with your home. We’re happy to discuss which aspects of your project you might tackle yourself and where professional expertise is non-negotiable. Check our FAQ page for more guidance on the remodeling process.
Forgetting About Permits and Inspections
Speaking of permits, trying to skip them is a mistake that can haunt you for years. Unpermitted work can complicate insurance claims, create liability issues, and become a nightmare when you try to sell your home.
Yes, permits add time and cost to your project, but they also ensure work is done safely and correctly. Reputable Sioux Falls remodeling contractors handle the permitting process for you and know exactly what’s required for different types of projects. We’ve been navigating local building codes and inspection requirements for over 60 years—it’s second nature to us.
Choosing Trendy Over Timeless
Trends come and go faster than you can say “farmhouse shiplap.” While it’s fine to incorporate current styles you love, building your entire remodel around the hottest trend can make your home feel dated in just a few years.
Instead, create a foundation with classic, timeless elements and add personality through easily changeable items like paint colors, light fixtures, and decor. This approach ensures your remodeled space will still feel fresh a decade from now.
Throughout the Sioux Falls area, we’ve remodeled homes built across many different eras. The projects that age best are those that respect the home’s original character while updating functionality with quality materials that stand the test of time.
Not Planning for Storage
You can never have too much storage—yet somehow, homeowners consistently underestimate their storage needs during remodels. Before you knock down that closet to expand a room, make sure you have a plan for where all those items will go.
Think creatively about storage solutions. Built-in cabinets, under-stair storage, and well-designed closet systems can maximize space without sacrificing square footage in living areas. Our custom home designers excel at finding hidden storage opportunities that homeowners often overlook.
Check out this stunning, and functional, toy storage in a child’s room in this Old Yankton Road home remodel.
Poor Communication With Your Contractor
Even the best Sioux Falls home remodeling contractors can’t read minds. If you don’t communicate clearly about your expectations, concerns, or changes you’d like to make, you’re setting everyone up for disappointment.
Establish clear communication channels from the start. How often will you receive updates? What’s the process for approving changes? How should you handle questions or concerns? Regular check-ins prevent small misunderstandings from becoming big problems.
At Hjellming Construction, open communication is a cornerstone of how we work. From the first conversation through project completion, we keep homeowners informed and involved. It’s part of what’s made us successful for three generations.
Neglecting Resale Value
Even if you plan to stay in your home forever, it’s wise to consider how your remodeling choices might affect resale value. Over-personalizing or making changes that drastically differ from neighborhood norms can make your home harder to sell later.
This doesn’t mean you can’t personalize your space, but balance your unique preferences with improvements that have broad appeal. In the Sioux Falls market, quality kitchens, updated bathrooms, and finished basements typically offer the best return on investment.
Having served homeowners across South Dakota’s 100-mile radius around Sioux Falls for decades, we understand local market preferences and can help you make choices that satisfy both your personal taste and long-term value.
Living Through the Chaos Unprepared
Finally, don’t underestimate the disruption a remodel brings to daily life. Homeowners who haven’t prepared for the dust, noise, and loss of access to key rooms often find the experience much more stressful than anticipated.
Set up temporary spaces for essential activities, establish clear boundaries with contractors about working hours and access, and maybe plan a weekend getaway during the messiest phase. Having realistic expectations about the disruption makes the whole process more manageable.
We always walk clients through what to expect during construction and offer practical advice for minimizing disruption to their daily routines. It’s just one way our family-focused approach makes the remodeling experience smoother.
Your Remodel, Done Right
Avoiding these common mistakes starts with choosing an experienced home remodeling company in Sioux Falls that’s seen it all and knows how to navigate challenges before they derail your project. At Hjellming Construction, our 60-plus years and three generations of experience mean we’ve learned these lessons so you don’t have to.
From our location just east of the I-29 Tea exit at 27081 Mueller Place, we serve families throughout Sioux Falls and the surrounding 100-mile radius in South Dakota. If you’re planning a home renovation, we’d love to sit down and create a plan that avoids these pitfalls and delivers the beautiful, functional space you’ve been imagining.
Browse our remodeling portfolio to see examples of our work, check out our FAQ page for answers to common questions, or contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let’s talk about your dreams and visions for your home! Our team will work with you to ensure your dreams become reality.