Remodeling Pitfalls You Can Avoid: A Homeowner’s Guide

Remodeling your home is exciting. You’ve been dreaming about a new kitchen, bathroom, or maybe even a whole-home update—and you’re finally ready to make it happen. But here’s the truth: not all remodeling experiences are created equal.

We’ve heard plenty of stories from homeowners who faced frustrating delays, surprise costs, or disappointing results. The good news? With the right preparation and the right team, most remodeling pitfalls are completely avoidable.

At Everstead Design Build, we believe your remodel should be smooth, transparent, and even enjoyable. Here are the most common pitfalls we see—and how you can steer clear of them.

1. Choosing the Lowest Bid Without Asking Questions

It’s tempting to go with the cheapest number on the table, but often that “deal” leaves out critical details. Incomplete quotes can mean hidden costs that show up later—and by then, you’re stuck.

Avoid it: Look for a contractor who provides a detailed, transparent estimate. Ask what’s included, what isn’t, and how they handle change orders.

2. Not Defining Your Budget (and Priorities) Up Front

Without a clear budget, it’s easy to get carried away with upgrades or face sticker shock when the final invoice arrives.

Avoid it: Decide early what you’re comfortable investing and which items are “must-haves” versus “nice-to-haves.” A good remodeler will help you maximize your budget without cutting corners.

3. Overlooking Function for Style

That trendy backsplash might look great on Instagram, but if your layout doesn’t work for daily life, you’ll regret it. A beautiful remodel still needs to function for your family.

Avoid it: Focus on workflow, storage, and lighting. Think about how you actually use the space before making design decisions.

4. Ignoring the Timeline

Homeowners often underestimate how long a remodel takes. If your contractor promises a 6-week kitchen remodel, but the average timeline is closer to 10–12 weeks, you could be setting yourself up for frustration.

Avoid it: Ask your contractor for a realistic timeline—including lead times for cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Build in a buffer so you’re not panicked if there are minor delays.

5. Poor Communication

One of the top homeowner complaints about remodels is not knowing what’s happening or when. Miscommunication leads to confusion, delays, and stress.

Avoid it: Choose a team with a clear communication system. At Everstead, we give clients access to a job portal where progress is updated daily—so you’re never left wondering.

6. Not Planning for the “During” Phase

Living through a remodel can be tough if you’re not prepared. Losing access to your kitchen or bathroom for weeks is a reality that many homeowners underestimate.

Avoid it: Work with your contractor to set up a temporary kitchen or bathroom. Plan ahead for meals, laundry, and routines during construction.

The Bottom Line

Remodeling doesn’t have to be stressful. By setting clear expectations, choosing the right team, and planning ahead, you can avoid the most common pitfalls and actually enjoy the process of transforming your home.

At Everstead Design Build, we guide homeowners through every step of the journey with honesty, transparency, and care—because your dream home shouldn’t come with nightmare surprises.

👉 Ready to remodel with confidence? Schedule your free consultation with Everstead today.

5 Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen in the Fall in Greater St. Louis

When most people think about remodeling, they picture spring or summer projects. But here’s the truth: fall is one of the best times of year to remodel your kitchen in the Midwest.

At Everstead Design Build, we’ve found that starting projects in the fall gives homeowners unique advantages you don’t get at other times of the year. Here’s why:

1. Get Holiday-Ready

Fall remodeling puts you on track to enjoy your new kitchen for the most important gatherings of the year. Imagine preparing Thanksgiving dinner on brand-new quartz countertops, hosting Christmas Eve in an open-concept space where family and friends can gather around the island, or baking holiday cookies with your kids in a kitchen that finally feels like yours.

By starting in September or October, you give yourself enough time to complete the remodel before the holiday season. And even if your project runs close to December, the excitement of unveiling a fresh, functional kitchen for your guests is worth it.

2. Contractor Availability

Spring and summer are peak remodeling seasons, which means schedules can be packed, and lead times stretch longer. In the fall, things often slow down—giving you better access to crews, subcontractors, and even materials.

This can translate to:

• Faster project start times

• Shorter wait on custom cabinetry and specialty orders

• More personalized attention from your project manager

In other words, your remodel gets a little extra breathing room—without the scheduling bottlenecks that come with high-demand seasons.

3. Seasonal Comfort During Construction

Remodeling a kitchen always comes with a bit of disruption—you may lose access to your main cooking space for several weeks. Fall weather in St. Louis makes it easier to manage this temporary inconvenience.

In the summer, 95-degree heat makes outdoor grilling less enjoyable. In winter, snow and freezing temps make eating outside unrealistic. But in the fall? It’s the sweet spot. You can:

• Set up a temporary kitchen in the garage or on the patio

• Grill dinner outside comfortably

• Use slow cookers, air fryers, or toaster ovens indoors without overheating your home

This makes life during construction more manageable—and a lot less stressful.

4. Lock in Current-Year Pricing

Every January, material and labor prices typically go up. Cabinet manufacturers raise costs, appliance brands adjust pricing, and trades often update their rates. By starting your remodel in the fall, you get ahead of these increases.

That means:

• You secure today’s pricing on cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances

• You avoid paying more for the same project a few months later

• You make your budget stretch further—especially on high-ticket items like cabinetry and stone countertops

It’s a smart way to protect your investment while still getting the remodel you want.

5. Start the New Year Fresh

A fall remodel positions you to step into the new year with momentum. Instead of staring at a kitchen that frustrates you, you’ll be starting 2026 with a space that inspires you.

Whether your goals include healthier cooking, more family dinners, or simply enjoying the beauty of your home, a remodeled kitchen makes daily life easier and more enjoyable. It’s also a boost to your home’s value, giving you confidence that your investment will pay off long-term.

The Bottom Line

While spring and summer may seem like the “traditional” times to remodel, fall offers some of the best opportunities for homeowners in Greater St. Louis. From contractor availability to holiday readiness, the timing just makes sense.

At Everstead Design Build, we can help you plan a fall remodel that keeps your home running smoothly while transforming your kitchen into the space you’ve been dreaming about.

👉 Thinking about remodeling this fall? Let’s talk. Schedule Your Free Consultation

What to Expect During a Kitchen Remodel

Planning your dream kitchen? Here’s what really happens—step by step.

A kitchen remodel is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your home—but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what to expect. At Everstead Design + Build, we believe a successful remodel starts with clarity. That’s why we walk every client through our proven 8-step process—so there are no surprises, just progress.

Whether you're just starting to gather ideas or you're ready to dive in, here’s what you can expect when remodeling your kitchen with us:

1. We Start by Listening

Your story is our blueprint. We’ll meet with you in your home to understand what’s working, what’s not, and what your ideal kitchen looks and feels like. We'll talk style, function, family flow, and investment range.

2. Precise Planning

Our team returns to take detailed measurements of your existing kitchen—walls, cabinetry, electrical, plumbing, and more. This ensures we’re designing within the realities of your home and not just on paper.

3. Dream to Design

With your goals in mind, we develop your design concept and create a transparent scope of work. You’ll see layout options, inspiration boards, and a detailed estimate—so you know exactly what’s possible.

Every Detail Defined

Once the concept is approved, we finalize cabinetry layouts, elevations, and materials. You’ll get a full design packet—clear, cohesive, and customized to you.

Curated Selections

No showroom overwhelm here. We guide you through selecting finishes like countertops, tile, lighting, and hardware—ensuring everything works together beautifully and within your budget.

Let the Work Begin

Our in-house teams (including SwiftCoat Cabinets & Painting) handle construction with precision and care. We manage scheduling, communicate consistently, and keep your home clean and safe throughout.

7. Final Refinement

After installation, we walk the space with you and complete any final touch-ups or tweaks. Every detail gets a second look—because quality is in the finish.

8. The Big Reveal

It’s time to step into your new kitchen. But our relationship doesn’t end here—we’ll follow up to make sure everything feels just right.

So, Is Now the Right Time?

If your kitchen no longer fits your lifestyle, feels dated, or lacks function, it might be time to explore what’s possible. And if you’re nervous about where to begin, we’ve got you covered—from first sketch to final brushstroke.

👉 Explore Our Kitchen Remodeling Services
👉 Book a Free Consultation

Creating a Spa-Like Bathroom at Home

Calm. Comfortable. Custom to You.

Your bathroom isn’t just where you start and end your day—it’s one of the most personal spaces in your home. And when designed well, it can feel like your own private retreat. At Everstead Design + Build, we believe every bathroom should blend functionality with comfort, beauty with simplicity.

If you're dreaming of a bathroom that feels more like a spa than a checklist of fixtures, here’s what to consider—and how we bring that vision to life.

Start with Mood, Not Materials

Before we talk tile and faucets, we focus on how you want to feel in the space.
Do you want it to feel clean and modern? Warm and grounded? Minimal and serene?
The design direction should support that emotional tone—and everything else flows from there.

Thoughtful Layout = Everyday Luxury

A spa-like bathroom isn’t just about beautiful finishes—it’s about flow.
We rework cramped layouts, remove bulky tubs, or reposition vanities to make the space more functional and intuitive.
Whether it’s opening up the shower or adding a double vanity, the layout should support your daily routine—not fight against it.

Materials that Invite Calm

We lean on materials that feel soft to the eye and the touch:

• Large-format stone-look tile

• Matte black or warm brass fixtures

• Natural wood vanities

• Organic textures like plaster, linen, or handmade tile

We also help clients choose a calming color palette—neutrals, earth tones, soft whites—that won’t feel dated a year from now.

Lighting That Soothes

Spa bathrooms are layered in light. We use a mix of:

• Soft overhead lighting

• Wall sconces for flanking mirrors

• Accent or under-cabinet lighting for nighttime ease

The right lighting makes even a small bathroom feel elevated—and functional at any hour.

Details That Make the Difference

From towel warmers to floating vanities to curated art, it’s the little things that take a bathroom from “nice” to unforgettable.
We help you add those personal, high-end touches that make the space truly yours.

What It’s Like to Remodel Your Bathroom with Everstead

Every project follows our signature 8-step process—from our first conversation to the final walkthrough. We handle everything in-house, including cabinetry and finish work through our SwiftCoat team, so you get a cohesive result without the contractor runaround.

Whether you’re updating your primary bath or transforming a guest space, we’ll guide you every step of the way—with care, clarity, and craftsmanship.

👉 Explore Our Bathroom Remodeling Services
👉 Book a Free Consultation

Is a Whole-Home Remodel Right for You?

How to Know When It’s Time to Reimagine Your Space

Sometimes, it’s not just one room that feels off—it’s the whole flow of the house. If your space no longer fits your lifestyle, looks dated, or lacks cohesion, a whole-home remodel could be the solution. At Everstead Design + Build, we specialize in full-scale renovations that honor your home's character while giving it a thoughtful, modern upgrade.

Here’s how to know if a whole-home remodel is the right move for you—and what to expect when you choose to do it with Everstead.

Signs It Might Be Time for a Whole-Home Renovation

• Your layout is disconnected or no longer fits your routine

• You love your location, but not your home’s design

• You’re juggling too many “small fixes” that don’t solve the bigger problem

• You want your space to feel cohesive, elevated, and custom

• You’re already thinking about remodeling multiple rooms—so why not bring it all together?

What Does a Whole-Home Remodel Include?

Every project is different, but most full-home renovations touch several key areas:

• Kitchen reconfigurations and cabinetry

• Bathroom upgrades or full gut remodels

• Flooring and lighting updates throughout

• Wall removals or structural rework

• Paint, trim, and finish upgrades

• Space planning or layout redesign

• Custom cabinetry and built-ins through our in-house SwiftCoat team

In some cases, we even add square footage to support growing families, home offices, or aging-in-place needs.

Why It’s Better to Remodel Everything at Once

While it may sound counterintuitive, tackling a full-home remodel all at once can actually save time, money, and stress in the long run.

Here’s why:

• You avoid mismatched finishes or out-of-sequence upgrades

• You save on labor costs by combining trades into one timeline

• You end up with a cohesive look and feel that flows from room to room

• You make better design decisions with the full picture in mind

Why Homeowners Choose Everstead for Whole-Home Renovations

We get it—remodeling your entire home is a big deal. That’s why we bring structure and clarity to every step. With our 8-step process and fully in-house craftsmanship, we guide you from vision to completion with consistent communication, custom solutions, and pride in every detail.

From your initial walkthrough to the final reveal, you’ll know exactly what’s happening—and why.

👉 Explore Whole-Home Remodeling & Additions
👉 Book a Free Consultation

Why St. Louis Homeowners Choose Everstead

Craftsmanship You Can See. A Process You Can Trust.

There are plenty of remodeling companies out there—but very few who approach your home like we do. At Everstead Design + Build, we’re not just in the business of renovations. We’re in the business of building lasting trust through timeless design, clear communication, and in-house craftsmanship that never cuts corners.

Here’s what makes Everstead the go-to design-build partner for St. Louis homeowners.

1. In-House Craftsmanship from Start to Finish

We don’t rely on a patchwork of subcontractors to carry your project across the finish line. Our in-house teams—including our SwiftCoat Cabinetry & Painting division—handle the details that matter most. This means:

• More control over quality

• Better communication

• A smoother, faster process from start to finish

When the same team designs, builds, and finishes your space, the results speak for themselves.

2. A Proven, 8-Step Remodeling Process

We’ve refined our process to guide you with confidence, not confusion. From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, you’ll always know what to expect—and who to call.

It’s remodeling, made clear.

👉 See Our Full Process

3. Design That Reflects You—Not Just the Trends

At Everstead, we don’t design for Pinterest. We design for people. That means asking better questions at the start—about how you live, what’s not working, and what matters most. Every layout, finish, and fixture is chosen with purpose so that your home doesn’t just look beautiful—it works beautifully, too.

4. Integrity You Can Feel

We treat your home like it’s our own. We show up on time. We communicate clearly. And we follow through—on every detail. That’s not a tagline—it’s the way we work, and it’s why our clients come back again and again.

5. Local Roots. Legacy-Level Quality.

Based in St. Louis, we’re proud to serve homeowners across the area who care about quality and value honest relationships. We’re not trying to be the biggest firm in town—just the most trusted.

Considering a Remodel?

Let’s talk. Whether you’re dreaming of a new kitchen, an updated bath, or a full-home transformation, we’d be honored to be part of the process.

👉 Why Choose Everstead
👉 Book a Free Consultation