Renovation Red Flags: How to Spot Signs of Poor Workmanship in Your Home

When you buy a home, you inherit its history—including any past renovations. Unfortunately, not every remodel is done right. Poor workmanship can cause headaches down the road, from minor annoyances to serious structural or safety problems.

At EHR Contracting, we often get called in to fix shortcuts taken by less careful contractors. Knowing what to look for helps homeowners catch small problems before they become big expenses—and ensures your investment is protected for years to come.

Here are the top renovation red flags you should never ignore.

1. Crooked or Uneven Tile

Tile work should be one of the easiest signs of quality craftsmanship. Check for:

• Uneven grout lines

• Lippage (when one tile edge sits higher than its neighbor)

• Cracked or loose tiles

Sloppy tile installation can lead to water leaks, mold, and an unattractive finish.

Fix: Small sections may be repaired, but widespread tile issues often require removal and professional reinstallation.

2. Poor Drywall Finishing

Bad drywall is easy to spot once you know what to look for:

• Visible seams or uneven texture

• Nails or screws popping through the paint

• Cracking where walls meet ceilings

These flaws can make even a fresh renovation look unfinished and can get worse over time.

Fix: Minor repairs may be handled with patching and repainting. Major seams or cracking usually need re-taping and mudding by an experienced pro.

3. Doors and Windows That Stick or Don’t Close Properly

Do your doors swing shut on their own or rub against the frame? Are your windows hard to open or won’t lock smoothly? These signs can point to:

• Poor installation

• Settling issues

• Out-of-square framing

Ignoring sticky doors or windows can lead to energy loss, drafts, and security risks.

Fix: Some issues can be adjusted, but larger framing problems may require reframing or replacement.

4. Sloppy Electrical or Plumbing Work

Electrical and plumbing mistakes can be dangerous or cause expensive damage. Warning signs include:

• Exposed wiring

• Flickering lights or frequent breaker trips

• Slow drains or leaky pipes under sinks

• Missing shut-off valves

DIY electrical and plumbing work often ignores local codes—leaving you at risk.

Fix: Always hire a licensed contractor to inspect and correct unsafe wiring or plumbing. It’s worth the peace of mind.

5. Gaps and Cracks in Trim or Flooring

Trim, baseboards, and flooring should have tight seams and clean lines. Watch for:

• Gaps between baseboards and walls

• Uneven flooring transitions

• Popping boards or lifting edges

These gaps can let in moisture or pests and ruin your home’s polished look.

Fix: Small gaps can be filled with caulk or trim replacement. Bad flooring installs may need sections lifted and redone.

6. No Permits or Inspection Records

One of the biggest red flags? Finding out your home’s renovation was done without proper permits or inspections. Unpermitted work might hide:

• Structural shortcuts

• Unsafe wiring or plumbing

• Code violations that hurt resale value

Fix: EHR Contracting can help identify if unpermitted work exists and guide you through the process of bringing it up to code.

7. Cosmetic Cover-Ups

Be wary of quick fixes that hide deeper problems, like:

• Fresh paint hiding water stains or cracks

• Carpet laid over damaged floors

• New tile over old tile without proper prep

A cover-up often costs more to fix later than addressing the real issue upfront.

Fix: If something feels too “new” or off, get a pro’s opinion. We can inspect behind the surface and fix it the right way.

Why Spotting Bad Workmanship Matters

Left unchecked, sloppy renovations can lead to:

• Bigger repair costs later

• Lower resale value

• Safety risks for your family

A professional assessment can help you decide what to repair now and what can wait.

How EHR Contracting Helps

EHR Contracting specializes in fixing other contractors’ shortcuts. We help homeowners:

• Inspect problem areas and explain what’s wrong

• Create a plan to correct poor work and bring it up to code

• Handle everything with craftsmanship that lasts

Your home is too important to trust to shortcuts.

Don’t let bad workmanship from the past ruin your home’s future. If you suspect sloppy renovations in your home, EHR Contracting is here to help make it right—so you can relax and enjoy your space with confidence.

Ready to fix those renovation red flags? Contact EHR Contracting today for an expert evaluation and honest advice on making your home safe, beautiful, and worry-free.