Top 5 Home Renovation Regrets From a Home Expert

A smart toilet and rooftop solar are on my list of ones that got away.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A home improvement expert reflects on the lessons he learned from his own home renovation project, including regrets about not installing rooftop solar, choosing a high-maintenance wood deck over a low-maintenance composite, and underestimating the size of the range hood needed in the kitchen.

Why it matters

The expert's insights provide valuable lessons for homeowners considering their own renovation projects, highlighting common pitfalls to avoid and opportunities to maximize the long-term value and functionality of a home.

The details

The expert, Dan DiClerico, is the Home Improvement & Outdoor Director at Good Housekeeping. He recently completed a gut renovation of his 1882 Brooklyn brownstone, and while he loves the end result, he acknowledges several missteps he made along the way. These include not installing rooftop solar due to budget constraints, choosing a high-maintenance wood deck over a low-maintenance composite, opting for a standard toilet instead of a smart one with bidet functionality, underestimating the size of the range hood needed in the kitchen, and not addressing a persistent leak when he had the chance during the renovation.

  • The renovation project was completed about five years ago.
  • The federal tax credit for rooftop solar expired at the end of 2025.

The players

Dan DiClerico

The Home Improvement & Outdoor Director at Good Housekeeping, with over 20 years of industry experience writing product reviews and how-to articles on home ownership and renovations.

Good Housekeeping

A popular home and lifestyle magazine that provides advice and recommendations on home improvement, design, and other domestic topics.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's still my dream home, one I'm grateful for every day, especially now that it's filled with so many memories. But with the wisdom of hindsight, made sharp by living in the place these last five years, I know we didn't get everything right.”

— Dan DiClerico, Home Improvement & Outdoor Director

“Even without the generous tax credit, rooftop solar can still make sense, especially if you're in a state with soaring electricity rates. But the payback period will be about two years longer, according to EnergySage, an alternative energy marketplace that connects homeowners with pre-screened solar professionals.”

— Dan DiClerico, Home Improvement & Outdoor Director

What’s next

If the expert's budget allows, he plans to make good on the missteps by installing a rooftop solar system and upgrading to a smart toilet with bidet functionality.

The takeaway

The expert's home renovation journey serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners, highlighting the importance of careful planning, budgeting, and considering long-term maintenance and functionality when undertaking major home improvement projects.