10 Common Renovation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

So, you want to renovate? Exciting! Home upgrades open a whole new, wonderful world of customization options. Creating just the right space for your family, expanding for more breathing room, or upgrading for a more polished feel—anything is possible! Anything is possible…if you plan well. Renovations are big projects, large-scale undertakings that require expertise and care. Without proper caution, homeowners fall into these common renovation pitfalls, resulting in delays and poor-quality work. Stay on solid ground. Here are the ten most common renovation mistakes and how to avoid making them.

1. Skipping a Detailed Budget

Mistake: Failing to properly calculate the cost of a project ahead of time. Without a proper budget, many homeowners come up short on funds. This results in cut corners later on or even unfinished projects.

How to Avoid It:

• Get multiple quotes to avoid overpaying.

• Include everything in your budget, and expect that from your contractors! List out materials, labor costs, permits, and any other associated costs to be fully prepared before construction begins.

• Calculate for a 10-20% contingency fund. This will cover “surprise” costs, including but not limited to water damage, wiring, or related supply chain delays.

2. Not Hiring the Right Professionals

Mistake: Settling for the cheapest available option without checking credentials or prior work. This often results in poor quality work that will need to be redone later, at minimum, doubling the cost.

How to Avoid It:

• Be honest about your DIY skills. Do you really know how to do electrical work? Probably not, unless your day job is as an electrician.

• Research contractors thoroughly.

• When you’ve decided on one, get a written contract outlining the project scope, timeline, and payment terms.

3. Ignoring Permits and Regulations

Mistake: Skipping permits to save on time and money, and getting the result of the opposite. Unapproved renovations can result in hefty fines, legal action, or complications when selling the home.

How to Avoid It:

• Work with contractors who understand local regulations and can help secure permits.

• Before starting construction, research local building codes.

• For major structural changes, consult a professional to ensure compliance. 

4. Choosing Trends Over Timeless Design

Mistake: Following trends, which almost guarantees that the home will become outdated. It looks great now, but it will make it harder to sell your house down the road.

How to Avoid It:

• Keep trends out of permanent aspects. Trendy decor goes a long way towards keeping things modern without risking trapping a home in the past.

• Think for the future, for long-term functionality. Will this choice still be appealing in five or ten years?

5. Planning Space Poorly

Mistake: Bad planning creates awkward spaces with bad flow. An uncomfortable space will be unenjoyable to live in.

How to Avoid It:

• Think of how you use your space. Renovate in a way that makes that path easier, not harder.

• For structural changes, consider how you’ll place your furniture in the space for easy traffic flow. If it’s not easy, reconsider.

6. Buying Cheap Materials

Mistake: Picking cheap materials, signing the homeowner who chose them up for frequent repairs and replacements. 

How to Avoid It:

• Take into account value over time. Something with a higher upfront cost may cost you less money in the years to come.

• Read reviews and consider product warranties to confirm quality material.

7. Not Thinking About Resale Value

Mistake: Implementing unique home features that, when not carefully considered, can be a turn-off to buyers in the future. Permanent over-personalization should be avoided.

How to Avoid It:

• Choose neutral colors with wide appeal and high versatility for structural features.

• Opt for upgrades that add value to your home. Do research within your local market before investing in something daring.

8. Neglecting Lighting

Mistake: Choosing lighting without consideration, which makes a space feel cramped and unwelcoming.

How to Avoid It:

• Mix different levels of lighting to enhance appeal.

• Maximize natural light when possible with larger windows or skylights.

9. Changing Plans Midway

Mistake: Altering renovation plans once they’re already underway, leading to delays, increased cost, and overall frustration with the project from all parties. 

How to Avoid It:

• Plan each aspect thoroughly before construction begins. Finalize details with your contractor.

• Don’t make changes before assessing the cost and the impact on the timeline.

10. Forgetting About Insurance Coverage

Mistake: Failing to update home insurance. Don’t fall victim to unexpected costs

How to Avoid It:

• Contact your insurance provider before renovation begins.

• Update your policy after major renovations.

Home renovations improve the experience of living in your home. However, without taking the potential for missteps into account, projects can cost more than you’d ever expect. Thankfully, they are easy to avoid! By planning, hiring the right professionals, and thinking long-term, you can ensure a smooth renovation experience.