%title% %sep% %sitename% 15 Common Reno Mistakes to Avoid

What to know before you start

Every big home makeover is really just a long string of small choices. At any point during the work, a single renovation mistake or a surprise behind a wall can wreck your plans – and your bank account.

In this article, we’ll look at some common traps you should avoid. We’ve also included some solid tips from our interior design team to keep you on track.

Key Takeaways

Most problems arise mainly due to:

Poor planning
Choosing too many elements based on trends
Underestimating the budget
Lack of communication

Downplaying the timeline

All sorts of delays can pop up. You might find a mess when you open up a wall, materials might be out of stock, or a contractor’s last job might be running late. Even if you can't plan for every single hiccup, it’s pretty much a guarantee that some obstacle will appear.

A realistic and flexible schedule with a few days or a week of buffer time between the big stages of the project can save you a massive headache.

2. Taking on too much at once

When you split your focus between too many rooms at the same time, you’re way more likely to mess up a detail or regret a decor choice. It’s hard to deal with a ton of different suppliers all at once.

It’s better to focus on finishing one project at a time based on what you need most.

3. Doing the renovations in the wrong order

You’ve got to fix the "bones" of the space first. This includes things like the wiring, the structure, and the plumbing. If you do the cosmetic stuff first, you might end up damaging those new materials when you have to go back and fix a pipe. You don’t want to do the same job twice!

4. Picking the paint colour first

There are a million different paint shades out there. If your taste changes, it’s pretty easy to repaint. So, why build the whole room around a tin of paint?

We suggest picking your major elements first like the flooring, tiles, and counters since those catalogues are smaller. It is much easier to find a paint colour that matches your floor later on.

5. Making it up as you go

If you don’t have an overall plan, you might make a choice just because a product is in stock or because you liked it at the moment. This can really limit your options down the road.

Creating a moodboard with photos and samples can help you keep a common thread through the whole project, especially if you have to swap out a specific finish halfway through.

6. Going too hard on trends

What is currently popular will not always remain so. For elements you don't change often—like kitchen cupboards or hardwood floors – stick with timeless materials and neutral colours.

If you want to follow a trend, do it with accessories or accents. That makes it way easier for the room to evolve later.

7. Focusing on style over function

A room should look great, but it has to actually make your life better.

Every space should be set up so you can move through it easily. Your lights should match the activity in that spot. Having plenty of storage also helps keep the place from getting messy.

Once you’ve got the basics down, then you can go nuts with the inspiration.

8. Choosing materials without consideration for maintenance

To make an informed choice, it is wise to find out about the maintenance required for the options you are considering.

For example, some natural stones such as marble and granite require special care, including the application of a protective coating. Dust is more visible on dark floors, while wear marks can be more apparent on light-coloured surfaces.

Beyond immediate appearance, the best options are those that will be just as appealing in a few years' time.

9. Underestimating the costs

Everything starts with a real budget based on actual quotes and your choice of supplies. Your local Déco Surfaces and our reno estimate service can help you out with this.

You can then break that total amount down into stages to track how you’re doing. Catching an overspend early lets you make adjustments before things get out of hand, like by picking a different finish for the next step.

10. Not planning for extra expenses in the budget

It is best to add 15% to 20% on top of your total budget for surprises like finding something weird during demolition or having to swap a product.

If you have an old house or you don't know the history of the previous work, you might even want to put aside an even bigger safety net.

11. Stressing too much (or too little) about resale

Are you planning to move one day? Probably. In that case, you might want to focus on renovations that increase the value of the property – such as renovating the kitchen and bathroom – as well as interior design that most people will like.

But remember, your home should also be a unique spot that fits your daily life. Any future buyer will probably want to make changes for the same reason.

A good balance is to think about long-term value for big upgrades, but still make the place feel like yours.

12. Always choosing the cheapest option

If a price for a product or service is way lower than the rest of the market, there’s usually a reason why.

Is a cheap contractor using the same quality materials or workers who actually know what they’re doing? If you buy something on clearance, will they have more if you run out? If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is!

13. Overestimating your DIY skills

Doing the work yourself can be a point of pride and save you some cash – as long as you pick the right spots to help out. It all comes down to your experience, the risk of making a mistake, and how much time you have.

Think about the math: a pro team working all day can finish in a couple of weeks what might take you months of working nights and weekends. How much would a never-ending construction zone mess with your quality of life?

14. Not communicating sufficiently

If you hire professionals, decide how you’re going to stay in touch with them. Do you want a text with photos before a big step? A quick chat at the end of the day? A weekly report on the hours worked?

It is much easier to catch and fix a mistake early before it snowballs into a giant mess.

15. Not being clear about what you want

Sometimes the message gets lost in translation – especially if you don’t know the lingo for the job.

You can ask the person you’re talking with to explain your request back to you in their own words. That way, you know you’re both on the same page.

Surround yourself with the right people for well-planned renovations

At Déco Surfaces, we do way more than just floors. Get in touch with our team for some personal design advice, we’ll help you build a space that works for your life and your style.

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