9 things home builders secretly regret installing

Even pros don’t always get it right. Over the years, home builders have admitted that certain choices seemed good at the time but turned into headaches later. From outdated trends to high-maintenance materials, these are the features many builders wish they hadn’t put in.

Carpet in Bathrooms

This was once common in the ’70s and ’80s, but builders quickly realized it was a mistake. Moisture seeps in, causing mold, odors, and ruined flooring. Many builders now regret ever approving this trend, knowing how quickly it led to expensive repairs.

Popcorn Ceilings

Builders liked popcorn ceilings because they were cheap and hid imperfections. But they aged poorly, trapped dust, and often contained asbestos. Most builders now admit they regret using them since homeowners eventually demanded costly removals.

Glass Block Windows

They were trendy for bathrooms and basements, but glass blocks limit natural light and are hard to replace if damaged. Builders now see them as clunky and outdated, even though they were once considered modern.

Hollow-Core Doors

Lightweight and cheap, hollow-core doors were used in bulk. But builders later realized they feel flimsy, don’t block sound, and chip easily. Many regret installing them instead of solid wood or composite doors that last longer.

Laminate Countertops with Wood Trim

Builders once used laminate with oak or wood edging to save money, but it didn’t hold up. The edges chipped, warped, and instantly dated a kitchen. Today, most admit this was a shortcut that backfired.

Built-In Jacuzzi Tubs

These large tubs looked impressive in master bathrooms, but builders quickly realized homeowners rarely used them. They took up space, were hard to clean, and often leaked. Most builders now regret pushing them so hard in new builds.

Aluminum Wiring

Used in the 1960s and 1970s as a cheaper alternative to copper, aluminum wiring later proved dangerous. It expands and contracts, leading to loose connections and fire hazards. Builders now see this as one of their biggest mistakes.

Sunken Living Rooms

Split-level or sunken living rooms were considered stylish for a while. But builders regret how impractical they became, with safety hazards and wasted space. They’ve since fallen out of favor for flat, open layouts.

Pressed Wood Siding

Builders installed pressed wood siding to save money, but it soaked up water, warped, and rotted quickly. Many homeowners faced expensive replacements, and builders today admit it wasn’t worth the cost savings.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.