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
