10 Things I'd NEVER Put In My Own House (it keeps getting worse)

Renovation Choices to Reconsider

Contractor Blake of Built By Becker argues that renovation decisions should prioritize function, then quality, then appearance—not trends or how something looks in photos. Here are features he would avoid or reconsider in his own home:

• Open, doorless showers: Heat and water can spread through the bathroom. Blake prefers a frameless glass shower with a door to keep both contained.
• Matte black everywhere: Black fixtures can show water spots, fingerprints, soap residue, and wear. He prefers mixing finishes, such as polished or brushed nickel and aged brass, and using black selectively.
• Cheap vinyl flooring in a luxury home: LVP can work for rentals or budget renovations, but Blake favors wide-plank engineered European oak for a high-end home because it can age well.
• Pot fillers installed just for looks: Installation can cost roughly $1,000–$1,500, and the pot still has to be carried back to the sink. He would put that money toward frequently used upgrades, such as better lighting, hardware, faucets, or cabinet pull-outs.
• Vessel or countertop sinks: They can be messy to clean around and may cause splashing. He prefers built-in or integrated stone sinks.
• The cheapest cabinets available: Low-quality hinges, drawer guides, finishes, and construction can wear out or fail. Blake recommends choosing a simpler design with better construction and reliable hardware.
• Oversized tubs that go unused: If bathing is not part of your routine, he would use the space and budget for a larger, more comfortable shower with features such as a hand shower, niches, lighting, and a bench.
• Too much smart-home technology: Smart controls can be useful for lighting, heating and ventilation, security, leak detection, and curtains. But appliances that require multiple apps, passwords, or frequent updates can make a home harder to operate.
• The same trend in every room: Repeating features such as grooved wood, arches, or expressive marble can make them lose their impact. Use striking details as accents rather than making them the theme of every room. Blake compares an overuse of arches to Olive Garden.
• Choosing something mainly because it is trendy: Before committing to an expensive renovation feature, ask whether you would still want it if you had not repeatedly seen it on TikTok or Pinterest—and whether it genuinely suits your everyday life.

Broader Advice

Spend renovation money on what improves daily living, and favor lasting function and quality over short-lived trends.

Note: The subtitles announce a “number one” item but do not identify it; they proceed from number two to the conclusion.