The Kitchen Reno That Spiraled to $75,000

Sophie thought she was just getting new countertops. Maybe a fresh coat of paint and a few lights. Her budget? A smart, clear $25,000. But one contractor’s suggestions, plus a string of “unexpected” upgrades, turned her kitchen refresh into a financial nightmare. What started as small updates ballooned into a gut job. By the end, she’d taken out two loans just to stay afloat.

Mikki and Jess walk through every red flag Sophie missed and the pressure tactics that turned a reasonable project into a runaway train. From disappearing crews to contracts that never appeared, they break down what should have happened and how to keep control when the costs keep climbing in this listener-submitted horror story. 

Inside the Homeowner Horror Story:

• The “better layout” that triggered $20,000 in plumbing and electrical changes
• Why no one told her the truth about code upgrades until it was too late
• What to do when the budget starts slipping and the work is still unfinished
• The mistake that left strangers showing up without warning
• How to protect your money and timeline before signing anything

If your contractor keeps “suggesting” upgrades, this story is your sign to slow down, ask questions, and get everything in writing.

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