The vibrant energy of St. George, Utah makes it a place where dreams are built—literally. From the sprawling homes of Sunriver to the breathtaking hillside properties of Entrada, homeowners here are constantly inspired to enhance their living spaces. A well-executed home improvement project not only adds comfort and functionality but also significantly boosts property value in a market that continues to see robust growth.
However, the journey from vision to reality is often clouded by persistent myths and misconceptions. These false assumptions can lead to costly mistakes, unnecessary stress, and disappointing results. As the owner of Jim Savage Construction, with over four decades of experience as a general contractor in Hurricane, Utah, and serving the entire St. George and Washington County area, I’ve heard them all. My goal is to guide you past these common pitfalls, ensuring your project is a rewarding success.
Let's bust the most common home improvement myths specific to our unique Southern Utah market.
Myth #1: DIY Is Always Cheaper in St. George
The allure of a weekend DIY project is strong, especially with the abundance of online tutorials. You might think that for a kitchen remodel in St. George or a new patio, you can save thousands of dollars by doing the work yourself.
The Reality: The true cost of DIY often far exceeds the initial estimates. While you save on labor, you're not a professional and that comes with a price. Our hot, arid climate and specific building codes create unique challenges that can turn a seemingly simple project into a costly disaster. We’ve seen homeowners misjudge the structural requirements for a home addition, use materials ill-suited for the intense St. George sun, or botch a foundation for an outdoor kitchen.
Furthermore, DIY doesn’t account for the value of an experienced contractor’s network. At Jim Savage Construction, we have long-standing relationships with the most skilled local electricians, plumbers, and framers. We get competitive pricing on high-quality materials because we buy in volume. A DIY enthusiast, on the other hand, pays retail prices and often has to correct mistakes that require bringing in a professional anyway, doubling the cost. The smartest financial decision is often to hire a proven expert who gets the job done right the first time.
Myth #2: Permits Are a Bureaucratic Hassle and an Unnecessary Expense
It’s a common temptation: "It's just a small renovation, who's going to know?" This mindset, however, is one of the riskiest you can have in St. George.
The Reality: Permits are not a bureaucratic nuisance; they are a critical layer of protection for your investment and your family’s safety. The City of St. George Building Department and Washington County have specific regulations for everything from electrical work to structural changes. These rules ensure that your project is built to code, protecting against shoddy construction that could lead to electrical fires, structural failures, or plumbing disasters.
Beyond safety, unpermitted work can be a nightmare when you decide to sell your home. A buyer’s inspection can easily flag unpermitted additions or changes, which can lead to a significant drop in your home's value or cause the sale to fall through entirely. Your homeowners' insurance policy may also be voided if a claim is tied to unpermitted work. As a reputable St. George general contractor, we handle the entire permitting process for you, from initial application to final inspection. We see it as a non-negotiable step toward a successful, legally compliant, and valuable project.
Myth #3: Building a New Home is Always More Expensive than Buying Existing
With St. George's booming real estate market and a scarcity of high-quality, move-in-ready homes, this myth is more relevant than ever.
The Reality: While the upfront cost of a custom home build can be substantial, it often offers a better long-term value proposition than buying an existing home. Building new allows you to create a home that is perfectly tailored to your lifestyle, without having to compromise on layout, style, or energy efficiency. A new build from Jim Savage Construction comes with modern insulation, energy-efficient windows, and state-of-the-art HVAC systems designed for our Southern Utah climate, which translates to significant savings on utility bills for years to come.
When you buy an older home, you inherit its problems—outdated electrical systems, worn-out plumbing, and potential structural issues that could require costly repairs down the line. We believe that building a new home with a trusted custom home builder in St. George provides an unmatched level of peace of mind and long-term value that a pre-owned home simply cannot offer.
Myth #4: All Home Remodels Are a Nightmare of Delays and Stress
It’s easy to get discouraged by horror stories of endless construction, unexpected costs, and contractors who disappear for weeks at a time. This has led many St. George homeowners to put off much-needed projects.
The Reality: A home remodel can be a smooth and enjoyable process when you work with the right partner. The key is in the project management. A top-rated contractor doesn't just build; they meticulously plan, communicate, and execute. At Jim Savage Construction, our process is built on transparency. We provide a detailed, clear timeline from the start and hold regular meetings with you to discuss progress, answer questions, and make decisions.
We believe in proactive communication, not reactive problem-solving. Our decades of experience have taught us how to anticipate potential bottlenecks—such as supply chain issues or inspection delays—and we build those contingencies into our plans. Our dedicated team of trusted local subcontractors works together in a coordinated fashion, ensuring that your bathroom renovation or home addition stays on schedule and on budget, minimizing disruption to your daily life.
Myth #5: All Contractors and Home Builders are the Same
When you search for a general contractor in St. George, a long list of companies appears. It's tempting to simply choose the cheapest bid, but this is a mistake that can haunt you for years.
The Reality: There is a vast difference in quality, integrity, and professionalism among contractors. A top-rated firm like Jim Savage Construction differentiates itself through several key factors:
Local Reputation & Experience: We’ve been a part of the Washington County community for over four decades. Our reputation is not just a marketing slogan; it’s built on a history of successful projects and satisfied clients who are our neighbors.
Licensing & Insurance: We are fully licensed and insured, protecting you from liability in the event of an accident on your property. This is a non-negotiable for any legitimate contractor.
Quality of Workmanship: We don’t cut corners. We believe in using the highest quality materials and employing the most skilled artisans. Our work is built to last, from the structural integrity of a new concrete foundation to the detailed finish work of a kitchen remodel.
Financial Transparency: We provide a comprehensive, itemized bid, so you know exactly where your money is going. There are no hidden fees or surprise costs.
A cheap bid often means a contractor is using low-quality materials, hiring inexperienced labor, or planning to add on "unexpected" costs as the project progresses. Always vet your contractor, check their references, and look for a partner you can trust.
Myth #6: Outdoor Living Spaces Aren’t a Smart Investment Due to St. George’s Intense Sun
The desert heat is a factor in any St. George construction project, but it’s a mistake to think it prevents you from creating a spectacular and valuable outdoor living space.
The Reality: The St. George climate is precisely why a well-designed outdoor space is a fantastic investment. The key is to design with our climate in mind. At Jim Savage Construction, we specialize in building durable, beautiful outdoor living areas that stand up to the elements and provide year-round enjoyment.
We build custom outdoor kitchens with durable, heat-resistant materials and provide shade with thoughtfully designed pergolas or patio covers. For concrete work, we use specialized mixtures and sealing techniques to prevent cracking and fading. Our landscaping and water feature installations are designed to be water-wise and low-maintenance, perfect for Southern Utah's dry conditions. A professionally designed outdoor living space is not just a luxury; it’s a powerful tool for extending your home’s usable space and significantly increasing its market appeal.
Myth #7: The Cost Per Square Foot is the Only Thing that Matters
When you start your project, you'll hear a lot about cost per square foot. It's an easy metric to use, but it can be very misleading and doesn't tell the full story.
The Reality: The cost per square foot is a simplified, one-size-fits-all number that doesn't account for the variables that truly determine a project's cost. For example, a custom home build with a simple, open floor plan and standard finishes will have a much lower cost per square foot than a luxury home with complex architectural features, custom cabinetry, smart home technology, and high-end materials.
We’ve seen homes in St. George range from a builder-grade cost per square foot to a much higher price for a high-end, bespoke build. The difference isn't always in the quality of the builder, but in the choices you make. A great contractor like Jim Savage Construction helps you navigate these decisions, providing transparent pricing and expert guidance to ensure your selections align with your budget and your vision, not just a misleading square footage number.
Conclusion: Choose a Partner, Not Just a Contractor
Your home is your most significant investment, and any renovation or building project should be an exciting journey, not a stressful ordeal. By debunking these common myths, we hope to empower you with the knowledge to make smart, informed decisions. The key to a successful project in St. George is simple: choose a partner with integrity, a deep understanding of the local market, and a proven track record of quality.
At Jim Savage Construction, we are committed to being that partner. We handle every detail, from the complex permitting process to the meticulous final touches, so you can focus on enjoying the transformation of your home. Whether you’re dreaming of a new custom home, a revitalized kitchen, or a stunning outdoor living space, we are here to turn that vision into a beautiful reality.