When a Remodel Goes Wrong: Fixing a Bad Renovation in Valparaiso, IN
- Hendren Custom Home
- Aug 11, 2025
- 4 min read
There’s nothing more exciting than planning a home renovation… until it unexpectedly turns into one of the most stressful and disappointing experiences of your life. The dream of a beautiful new kitchen or bathroom can become a nightmare of shoddy work, missed deadlines, and a contractor who has stopped answering your calls.
At Hendren Custom Homes, we specialize in stepping in after that dream falls apart. We call it a "Rescue Renovation," and if you're living in the aftermath of a project gone wrong in the Valparaiso area, know that you're not alone and there is a path forward.
Key Takeaways
You're Not Alone: The Better Business Bureau receives tens of thousands of complaints against home improvement contractors annually, making this one of the most frequently complained-about industries.
What is a Rescue Renovation? It's a project where a new, professional builder like Henden Custom Homes is hired to diagnose, undo, and correctly redo the work of a previous contractor.
The Root Cause: Most failed renovations stem from hiring unlicensed or uninsured contractors, poor communication, and a focus on cheap materials over quality craftsmanship.
It's Fixable: A botched job doesn't have to be permanent. A professional rescue plan can restore not only your home but also your peace of mind.
What is a Rescue Renovation?
A Rescue Renovation (or Recovery Remodel) is what happens when you hire a new, professional builder to correct the mistakes of a previous project. It could be a DIY attempt that went sideways or, more commonly, a job done by a contractor who cut corners, used cheap materials, or simply didn't have the skills to deliver a quality result.
Hendren Custom Homes often gets the call when homeowners are left with a mess they can't ignore.
"The water wouldn't properly drain—it would just sit there in the track. He said that it was normal. I ended up being so annoyed that I never wanted to use the shower."
- A Hendren Custom Homes Client
Sometimes, the situation is even worse.
"The guy literally vanished with our deposit. We had a half-tiled bathroom and exposed drywall for months."
How Do Home Renovations Go Wrong?
A beautiful renovation is a complex process with many moving parts. A project can quickly derail when a contractor lacks the experience, integrity, or resources to manage it properly.
What are the biggest red flags of a bad contractor?
Most failed projects can be traced back to a few key warning signs. The contractor was likely:
Unlicensed or Uninsured: This is the #1 red flag. It means there is no accountability, and you, the homeowner, are liable for any accidents or damage that may occur.
A Poor Communicator: They failed to provide a clear plan, were challenging to reach, and avoided answering direct questions.
Focused on "Cheap and Fast": They pushed for low-quality materials and rushed the job, skipping critical prep work.
Ignoring Permits and Inspections: They avoided pulling necessary permits to evade oversight and accountability for their work.
Why does my new tile already have cracks?
This is one of the most common issues Hendren Customs Homes is called in to fix after a bad renovation in Valparaiso, IN. Cracks in new grout or tile are almost always a sign of improper installation. The previous contractor likely skipped crucial prep work, used the wrong type of adhesive, or failed to create a stable, level subfloor, causing movement that leads to cracking.
"Nothing was square. Every door rubbed. The backsplash grout was already cracking. I wanted to cry every time I walked in the room."
- A Hendren Custom Homes Client
How Do You Fix a Bad Renovation?
Fixing a botched job requires more than just patching over the visible mistakes. A true Rescue Renovation involves a systematic process to ensure the final result is beautiful, durable, and safe.
What is the process for a rescue renovation?
When we take over a failed project, we don't just put a bandage on it. We fix the foundation, both literally and figuratively.
It Starts with a Full Assessment: Hendren Custom Homes performs a detailed inspection to understand what was done, what was skipped, and what's hiding behind the walls. We identify the root cause of the problems.
You Get a Transparent Plan: We provide a clear, detailed roadmap of what needs to be fixed and how we'll do it. You receive a timeline and a firm estimate, so there are no surprises.
We Deliver Flawless Execution: Our team of seasoned professionals uses premium materials and high-level craftsmanship to rebuild the space correctly, from structure to finish.
You Have a Predictable Experience: We show up. We communicate. We follow through. Our goal is to eliminate the stress and uncertainty you've already been through.
How can I avoid getting taken advantage of by a contractor again?
Trust is paramount. To protect yourself in the future, always:
Verify Their License: Use the official Indiana Professional Licensing Agency portal to confirm they are a licensed contractor.
Get Everything in Writing: Only with a contractor who provides a detailed contract that outlines the full scope of work, materials, timeline, and payment schedule. If they don’t provide it, ask for one before agreeing to hire them.
Check References: Don't just trust online reviews. Ask for the phone numbers of recent clients and call them.
Never Pay in Full Upfront: A reputable contractor will have a clear payment schedule tied to project milestones.
"Mike didn’t just fix the last guy’s mess—he restored our trust in the whole process."
- A Hendren Custom Homes Client
The Bottom Line: From Chaos of a Botched Job to Confidence with Hendren Custom Homes
Living in the middle of a failed renovation is incredibly stressful. But a botched job doesn't have to be the end of the story.
At Hendren Custom Homes, we bring a sense of calm to the chaos. We don't just fix a bad renovation in Valparaiso, IN, we rebuild your confidence in the process, creating a beautiful, lasting space you can finally love.
If you're ready to turn your renovation nightmare back into a dream, contact us today. We’re here to help.
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