When it comes to home renovation, cutting costs can often come back to haunt homeowners. With DIY culture and the temptation to hire the cheapest contractor on the rise, Brent Kuczynski, owner of BK Construction, warns homeowners to be cautious. “You can go cheap, but you’re going to regret it,” he says. As the leader of a growing construction company, Brent has seen firsthand how cutting corners can lead to bigger problems down the road.

In a candid conversation with Reno ROI, Brent shared his insights on why homeowners need to invest wisely in renovations, emphasizing the long-term value of quality work and materials.

The Cost of Cutting Corners

For many homeowners, the temptation to save money by hiring lower-cost contractors or managing their own renovation projects can be hard to resist. However, Brent explains that while this approach might seem like a good idea upfront, it often leads to more headaches—and expenses—down the line.

“Homeowners often underestimate what’s involved in these projects. They want to save money, but they don’t realize the complexity,” Brent explains. He’s encountered clients who tried to manage their own renovations by hiring cheaper labor, only to face issues with inconsistent work, delays, and unexpected complications.

“A lot of people try to GC (general contract) the job themselves, hiring a bunch of different subs and hoping it all comes together. The reality is, they’re taking on a lot more risk and hassle than they realize,” Brent says. “When you hire a general contractor, you’re paying for peace of mind. You’re paying for someone to manage the process and make sure it’s done right.”

Quality Materials and Their Impact

Beyond managing labor, one of the biggest mistakes Brent sees homeowners make is skimping on materials. This is particularly common when renovating high-value areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Brent emphasizes that homeowners need to think about their home as an investment. “If you’ve got a $500,000 home, why would you put cheap materials in it? You have to invest in quality if you want to maintain or increase the value of your property.”

Brent explains that using inferior materials may seem like a cost-saving measure, but it often reduces the lifespan and appeal of the renovation. “People don’t realize that by going cheap, they’re sacrificing durability and long-term value,” he says. “If you’re going to do it, do it right the first time. It will pay off when it’s time to sell.”

Understanding the Value of Professional Help

One of the major challenges in the construction industry, according to Brent, is helping homeowners understand the value of hiring professionals. In an era where DIY projects are popular, many clients assume they can save money by taking on parts of the renovation themselves. However, Brent explains that professional help not only ensures a higher-quality result, but it also reduces the risk of costly mistakes.

“I tell them upfront—I’m not going to be your cheapest quote, but I’ll be the one who gets the job done right.”

“Sure, you can hire someone off of Facebook or find a cheaper contractor, but if they don’t know what they’re doing or they don’t have the right experience, you’ll end up paying for it later,” he says. Brent often finds himself educating clients on the hidden costs of DIY or budget renovations. “I tell them upfront—I’m not going to be your cheapest quote, but I’ll be the one who gets the job done right.”

Why Renovations Are Booming in Today’s Market

A lot of people are sitting on great mortgage rates from a few years ago. Instead of moving and paying double the interest, they’re putting money into modernizing their current home,

Brent has noticed a significant shift in the housing market over the past few years. With rising interest rates and fewer homes available, more homeowners are choosing to renovate rather than move. “A lot of people are sitting on great mortgage rates from a few years ago. Instead of moving and paying double the interest, they’re putting money into modernizing their current home,” Brent says.

Home values have doubled in the last five years, so people are willing to invest more in remodeling. It’s a practical solution for those who want to stay put but improve their living space.

This trend is especially noticeable in areas like West Michigan, where Brent operates. He explains that many of his clients have homes with significant equity, making renovation a smart financial decision. “Home values have doubled in the last five years, so people are willing to invest more in remodeling. It’s a practical solution for those who want to stay put but improve their living space.”

Kitchens and Bathrooms: The Most Popular Projects

When it comes to renovations, kitchens and bathrooms remain at the top of the list for most homeowners. According to Brent, these areas are where people spend the most time, and they have the highest impact on a home’s resale value. “The kitchen is the heart of the home,” Brent says. “If you’re going to renovate one area, make it the kitchen. That’s where you’ll see the biggest return.”

Open-concept kitchens, modern designs, and high-quality materials are the most requested upgrades, Brent notes. “Everyone wants to open up their space and create something more modern and functional. It’s about making the home feel more personal and tailored to the way they live.”

The same goes for bathrooms, where clients frequently ask for updated fixtures, tile showers, and new vanities. “People want modern bathrooms that feel like a retreat. It’s about making the space more luxurious,” Brent explains.

Making Smart Investments in Your Home

Brent’s message to homeowners is clear: renovations are an investment, and you get what you pay for. Cutting costs might save you money in the short term, but it often results in bigger expenses down the road. “At the end of the day, it’s about quality,” Brent says. “If you’re willing to invest in your home and use the right materials, you’re going to get a much better return on your investment.”

His advice to anyone considering a renovation is to do their research, hire the right professionals, and be prepared to spend a little more for the best results. “Good work isn’t cheap, and cheap work isn’t good,” Brent adds. “If you want a quality renovation, you need to invest in quality work and materials.”

Conclusion

For homeowners looking to renovate, Brent Kuczynski’s insights are invaluable. As the owner of BK Construction, he’s seen firsthand the difference that quality work and materials make in the long-term value of a home. His advice? Don’t cut corners. Invest in your home wisely, and you’ll see the returns—not only in resale value but in the satisfaction of living in a home that’s built to last.

Photos courtesy of BK Construction

As homeowners and real estate investors seek to maximize the return on their renovation investments, one expert’s advice cuts through the noise: start by fixing what’s broken. We spoke with Mark Krier, owner of 616 Homes and an experienced real estate investor in Grand Rapids, MI, to get his insights on how to approach home renovations for the best return on investment (ROI).

With over eight years in the industry, Krier’s background in financial markets gives him a unique perspective. “I can’t help but look at everything from a financial standpoint,” he says. His approach to renovations follows a simple yet effective principle: fix what’s broken first, and don’t over-improve.

Fix What’s Broken First

Krier’s advice to homeowners is straightforward: before considering any major upgrades, make sure everything is functioning properly. “The biggest detractor of value in a home is when things aren’t working,” Krier explains. Whether it’s a broken faucet, outdated electrical work, or mold in a bedroom, these issues can turn buyers away immediately.

“Even if it’s not in an important room, like a laundry room, if something’s broken, that’s the first thing you should fix,” he says. Krier also extends this advice to anything in a home that feels outdated or worn out, referring to it as “figuratively broken.” For example, he suggests that a carpet from the 1970s, though not literally broken, may still need replacing as it would be an eyesore for most buyers.

The Dangers of Over-Improving

While many homeowners believe that high-end upgrades, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom, will yield the best ROI, Krier warns against over-improving. “Kitchens and bathrooms are huge drivers of value, but they need to be in line with the rest of the house,” he says. “If you’ve got an average-quality house overall, but you put in a really high-end kitchen, you’re probably not going to get your money back on that.”

The key, according to Krier, is to keep renovations balanced. If one room, like the kitchen, stands out too much in comparison to the rest of the home, it may actually detract from the home’s overall appeal. “It’s about bringing everything up to the same standard,” he advises. “If you have one room that feels way behind the others in terms of quality or condition, start with that room.”

Kitchens and Bathrooms: Great ROI, With a Catch

It’s no secret that kitchens and bathrooms are focal points for buyers, but Krier points out that there’s a fine line between renovating for value and overdoing it. “Conventional wisdom says kitchens and bathrooms are the biggest attractions for buyers, and that’s true,” Krier confirms. However, he reiterates the importance of context, explaining that these upgrades should align with the rest of the home’s quality.

“If the rest of the house isn’t on par with that fancy kitchen you just installed, it’s going to feel out of place,” Krier says. The result? You may not see the positive ROI you were hoping for.

Understanding What’s Outdated

A recurring theme in Krier’s renovation philosophy is the importance of understanding what’s considered outdated based on the price point of the home. Homes under $750,000, especially in areas like Grand Rapids, can often get away with being a bit older, provided everything is functional and clean. “A house from the ’90s at that price point might not feel out of date to buyers because they’re often first-time homebuyers looking for function more than design,” Krier explains.

However, once homes climb above $750,000, buyers start expecting a higher level of quality. “If you’re in the $750K-plus range, even homes from the early 2000s can feel dated,” Krier points out.

When it comes to high-end homes, small details, like outdated trim or bold design choices, can have a significant impact. “Things like orange-toned wood trim or bold design trends from 15-20 years ago can stick out and make a home feel dated quickly,” Krier says. “It’s best to keep designs neutral and timeless, which tend to age better.”

Bringing a Home Up to Standard

For homes that are structurally sound but feel outdated, Krier advises focusing on aesthetic upgrades, such as replacing old flooring or repainting. However, he cautions that these updates can be costly, and homeowners should be realistic about their expectations.

“Bringing a home up to standard can easily cost $200,000 to $300,000, depending on the size and scope of the renovations,” he explains. Yet, even with this investment, homeowners should not expect a dollar-for-dollar return. “You’re lucky if you get a one-to-one return on a full-scale aesthetic update,” Krier says. “Fixing what’s broken is usually a safer bet for seeing a positive return.”

The Safe Bet: Fix, Don’t Overhaul

When asked about the safest way to approach renovations from an investment perspective, Krier’s response is clear: stick to fixing what’s broken. “If you allocate $10,000 to fix things that are broken or outdated, you’re probably going to see at least a one-to-one return, if not more,” he says.

On the other hand, extensive renovations, such as fully remodeling a kitchen or bathroom when there’s nothing wrong with the existing one, may not yield the same results. “If it’s not broken and you’re just updating for aesthetics, you can’t be as confident that you’ll get your money back,” Krier explains.

Conclusion

For homeowners and investors looking to maximize their renovation ROI, Mark Krier’s advice is refreshingly simple: start with the essentials. Fix what’s broken, bring the home up to a consistent standard, and avoid the temptation to over-improve. By keeping these principles in mind, homeowners can ensure they’re making smart, financially sound decisions with their renovations.