16 Costly Mistakes Homeowners Make During Renovations

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Renovating a home is like cooking a feast for a party—there’s planning, preparation, but occasionally something may still burns in the oven. A lot of homeowners get into renovations with enthusiasm and the hopes that their picture perfect kitchen or spa like bathroom will come out of it. However, as any seasoned renovator will tell you, the path to the dream home is seldom smooth.

Renovation mistakes are expensive and they will drain your wallet and your patience whether they consist of biting off more than you can chew, or skipping the boring (but crucial) details. But fear not! Knowing the common pitfalls up front will save you tons of frustration—and maybe a couple gray hairs.

Skipping the Planning Phase

Skipping planning is the same as building a house on quicksand: you’re going to sink. The value of sitting down and plotting out every step from layout to materials is lost on many homeowners. A solid plan can ensure the budget doesn’t run too high and the timelines don’t drag forever. Would you build a puzzle without first checking the picture on the box?

Going Cheap on Materials

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Cutting corners with budget materials is tempting, but rarely does it work out. You might get away with cheap flooring for a year before you’re left with scratches, stains, and regret. While quality materials may cost more initially, they’ll last and stand through the kid’s tantrums.

Ignoring the Budget Reality

It’s easy to get caught up in the joy of a Pinterest-worthy renovation and forget about financial limits. A 2023 survey by Houzz found that more than 20% of homeowners have difficulty staying on their renovation budgets. Make a realistic budget and add a buffer for unexpected bills—because there will always be surprises.

Overlooking Permits

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If you skip necessary permits, you’ll get in hot water. Unpermitted renovations are illegal, and can end up being a nightmare when you want to sell your home later on. You can quite undo all of your hard work if you don’t take the time to check local requirements.

Neglecting to Vet Contractors

Contractor
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Picking a contractor based on who you find first is kind of like picking a random date off a dating app—it may work out but the odds are not in your favor. Refer always to references, reviews, and credentials. I can promise you that your uncle’s buddy who “did a little construction a time or two” is not the person you want doing your dream bathroom.

Focusing Only on Aesthetics

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You probably want a home that wows, but you don’t want to sacrifice function for form. That open shelving might not seem so great when you’re dusting your dishes every day. Before you commit, always think about how that design will fit into your day to day life.

The Risk of Forgetting About Energy Efficiency

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There are many homeowners who miss the opportunity to make their homes more energy efficient when they renovate. Insulation, energy efficient windows, and smart thermostats will save you a ton of money in the end. A little extra investment in efficiency could yield big savings down the road.

Underestimating the Timeline

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“Oh, no big deal, we’ll be done in a couple of weeks.” The famous last words of many homeowners. Renovations tend to take longer than anticipated, and that’s especially true when you find a 1970s electrical system behind your drywall. Just be prepared for delays to keep your stress down.

Ignoring Small Spaces

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It’s all too easy to focus on the big ticket items such as kitchens and living rooms, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore the smaller spaces, like mudrooms and closets. There’s a lot of functionality and resale value packed into these areas. And a nicely organized closet might just change your life—Marie Kondo would agree.

DIY Overconfidence

DIY is great for small projects but can be costly if you try to DIY a complex task without having the knowledge to do so. Electrical and plumbing work with no experience is a disaster waiting to happen, and perhaps a trip to the hospital. Know your limits and when the pros are needed.

Hidden Issues Are Not Accounted For

During pre renovation inspections, hidden problems tend to be unearthed—mold, outdated wiring, structural damage. Skipping a pre renovation inspection is a gamble that rarely pays off. Before you start swinging a hammer, it’s better to know what you’re up against.

Trends vs Timelessness

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Never mind those neon tiles or quirky fixtures, because some stuff will look trendy right now, but will you still love them in five years? For big ticket items, stick to classic designs, and use bold trends for accents you can easily (and cheaply) switch out later.

Ignoring Resale Value

Renovations should add value to your home, even if you aren’t planning on selling anytime soon. There’s such a thing as too much customization and weird changes that will turn off future buyers. Your home should be considered a long term investment – not a personal art project.

Forgetting About Lighting

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Far too often, lighting is an afterthought, but it’s a huge part of how a space looks and feels. While layered lighting warms up a room and creates ambiance, harsh overhead lights can ruin an otherwise stunning room. A NIH study has shown that lighting can improve mood, so you might want to capitalize on that during your renovation.

Rushing Decisions

Renovations are full of a thousand and one choices: tile patterns, paint colors, etc. It’s easy to rush these decisions and regret it later. Weigh options and imagine living with them daily — because you will.

Skipping Post Renovation Maintenance

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Know that despite being renovated, a home still needs care. The best thing you can do going forward is regular maintenance so the home is always fresh and working. You don’t skip oil changes for your car, so don’t skip maintenance on your new space.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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