Common Remodeling Snowballs
Updated: Aug 14
So, you have probably heard that a remodel project can often "snowball", meaning that the scope of work grows as you get into construction, and thus the schedule and budget also grow. Here is a list of interior remodel items that often trigger the desire or necessity to add additional remodel items to your project.

When replacing flooring you will probably need to replace baseboard, which often leads to replacing door and maybe window frames, and then repainting trim and maybe walls.
When removing cabinetry, you may find that your existing flooring does not extend under your cabinets.
When replacing counter tops, you will likely also want to replace your backsplash.
If replacing your backsplash, you may want to move your outlets to better locations or off your backsplash all together and use under cabinet outlets instead.
Moving a light fixture usually mean cutting out more drywall than you are anticipating, and thus results in drywall and paint work.
In an older home, when you open the wall to move some plumbing or electrical you often find that the walls were never insulated thus adding insulation to your project.
Older cabinetry may not be sized correctly for your new appliances, which can lead to replacing cabinetry.
Changing the layout of the room or cabinetry can often lead to changing the location of heat vents in the floor or on the wall.
Changing the layout of the room or cabinetry will likely necessitate moving outlets to new locations.
Removing a mirror that is glued to the wall may cause paint and drywall damage.
You may find that new appliances don’t fit in the opening within your existing cabinets.
When adding a glass shower enclosure, towel bars, or grab bars you will need to open the wall to add blocking (blocking is extra wood attached to the 2x4s in your walls).
When you start upgrading the materials and fixtures in your home it often makes your textured walls look dated. You may end up wanting to skim coat your walls for a more smooth-wall effect.
When remodeling, your hollow core doors can suddenly feel low quality in comparison to all the nice new materials that you have just added.
When you start upgrading other items in your home, old light switch and outlet plates might end up looking dated and dirty.
When replacing the light fixtures and plumbing fixtures with a new finish you may end up wanting to coordinate that finish on your door knobs and door hinges.
P.S. If you found this information helpful, I think that you will appreciate our Design Brief Mini-Course. You can find out more about the course here: