We flipped the script and asked dozens of contractors—our own included—what they wish homeowners did differently. From common client pet peeves to practical advice that saves time and money, we gathered tips to help renovations run smoother and finish faster. We also share a smart dining-table update that improved flow in our open-plan space, plus the splurge we just made for the beach house backyard.
You can download this episode from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, and Spotify — or listen to it using the player below. Use this page to find any links, notes, and photos we mentioned. Note: If you’re reading in a feed reader, click through to the post to see the player.
What’s New
- We’ve ordered a classy above-ground spa for the beach house backyard because regulations prohibit an in-ground plunge pool. We chose the jacuzzi-style model that looked and felt most like a plunge without excavation (see the Jacuzzi J-LX).
- After recording, we reconnected with Sean the contractor and may be able to have the spa delivered as soon as the end of this week—fingers crossed.
- Sherry sketched a rough backyard plan in HomeOutside. The layout responds to setback restrictions (for example, a side setback keeps the shed away from the neighbor’s property, but we’ve used that space for a path that gives us the maximum patio area).
What Your Contractor Wishes You Knew
Contractors shared a handful of repeat requests and practical tips that can make any home renovation project less stressful and more efficient. Here are the highlights:
- Communicate clearly and early. Share your priorities, budget range, and timeline up front so contractors can scope work accurately and provide realistic estimates.
- Respect the schedule and the site. Delays happen, but ready access to the work area and timely decisions on selections (finishes, fixtures, paint colors) keep crews productive and reduce costly downtime.
- Set a realistic budget with a contingency. Unforeseen conditions often surface during demo; allocating a contingency helps projects stay on track when adjustments are necessary.
- Get permits when required and understand local rules. Proper permitting protects you, the contractor, and the long-term value of the project.
- Be decisive but flexible. Quick decisions prevent stops in production, but a willingness to adapt when problems arise keeps momentum moving.
- Trust professionals’ expertise. Contractors want to deliver high-quality results; listening to their recommendations often prevents rework and unexpected costs.
- Pay fairly and on time. A dependable payment schedule builds trust and helps maintain steady progress.
We heard these points again and again during interviews and emails, and they align closely with the Things Contractors Wish Homeowners Knew checklist that Alma Homes provided. If you’re planning a renovation, that PDF is a helpful companion to these tips.
Design and Decor Finds
We also talked about a small furniture change that made a big difference in our dining and circulation space: swapping four tall dining chairs for two long, low-profile benches. The benches create better visual flow in the open-plan area between our kitchen and living room, increase flexible seating options, and subtly expand the hangout space since people can sit facing either direction.
Below the photo we listed the pieces we were loving at the time—rugs, the dining bench, chairs, a chandelier, stools, and art—so you can get a sense of the look and feel we were after.
We also mentioned a book we’re into right now: I’ll Be Gone In The Dark. It shares a similar true-crime tone to a podcast we recommended in an earlier episode.
If you want to revisit items we’ve mentioned in past episodes, we keep a master list of everything we’ve been digging across previous shows.
Finally, thanks to Annie Selke’s BED101 for sponsoring this episode. They’re running a giveaway exclusive to our podcast listeners—one lucky winner will receive a full luxury bedding set. Enter at AnnieSelke.com/Giveaway for a chance to win.
Thanks for listening and for following along—whether you’re planning a renovation, tinkering on home improvements, or just looking for design ideas, we hope these contractor-backed tips help your next project go more smoothly.
*This post contains affiliate links*