5 of the Most Expensive Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

No one wants to make costly mistakes when renovating their home. Unfortunately, many people do just that.

Here are five of the most common and expensive renovation mistakes to avoid. By knowing what they are, you can sidestep these issues and keep your home renovation on track – and on budget!

Be wary of making costly mistakes when creating your beautiful family home

1 – Setting an unrealistic budget - or not having one!

When planning a home renovation, it's important not to lose sight of reality and overestimate your budget. It can be tempting to go all out with your interior design dreams, but unexpected expenses often arise that can quickly eat away at your funds. It's best to have a realistic understanding of what you can afford before you start.

Take everything into account; materials, labour costs, fixtures and fittings and any potential problems that might occur during construction. It may be helpful to speak to a professional contractor, or interior designer, who has experience with similar projects as they can offer an insight into approximate expenses. By approaching your renovation with a realistic understanding of your budget, you'll set yourself up for success and avoid any financial setbacks along the way.

Avoid blowing all the budget on the build. It’s important to leave enough in the pot for the interior design

 2 – Form and function

Designing the interior of your home is a unique opportunity to create a space that reflects your personality and style; however, it can be all too tempting to prioritise how your home looks, over how if functions. Focusing solely on appearances can result in uncomfortable or impractical living spaces. It's important to consider how the rooms will be used, and make sure that function is not compromised for the sake of style. This may mean sacrificing certain design elements in favour of more practical considerations. Minimalist styled shelving looks amazing but won’t be the most practical option if you don’t have any other storage. Plush carpets may look great, but how well will they stand up to daily wear and tear in a family home?

Choosing materials that are durable and easy to maintain doesn't mean sacrificing style - there are options out there that combine form and function. Just don't let the allure of a fashionable interior blind you from considering the practical implications of your choices. Before making any big decisions, take a step back and ask yourself ‘is this choice practically sound as well as visually pleasing?’

Family homes need lots of practical storage. Cupboards are great for hiding clutter.

3- Failing to plan

When it comes to interior design and home renovation projects, failing to plan is indeed planning to fail. Without a clear vision, and set goals, you may find yourself constantly making last-minute changes and/or going over budget. In contrast, having a well thought out plan allows you to prioritise your tasks and allocate resources efficiently. So before starting your renovation project, make sure to take some time for proper planning and preparation. Trust us, it will pay off in the end.

Make sure your renovation project is planned and organised properly

4 - Following trends

The interior design industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and styles emerging every day. While it can be tempting to follow the latest fad and fill your space with trendy pieces, it's important to consider how well your choices will stand the test of time. A fashionable wallpaper may make a statement now, but will you still love it in five years’ time?

Instead, we would say, focus on investing in classic, timeless pieces. You don’t have to spend a fortune in the process. Vintage finds are a great way to bring well priced, well-made, and interesting pieces into your home. So don't let the allure of fleeting trends blind you from making considered choices in your interior design decisions.

Vintage furniture is one of the best ways to bring character and personality into your home

5 – Designing for now, not the future

When planning for the future of your home, it's important to consider how your family's needs may change over time. An open plan living area may be perfect for young children, but as they grow older, they may appreciate having separate rooms for privacy and entertaining friends. While it's impossible to predict every potential change, investing in a bit of foresight now can go a long way towards future-proofing your home.

Smaller TV rooms are great for cosy film nights with family and friends

Don’t panic. We’re here for you…

We understand that not everyone is an expert in design. But you don’t need to be. We can work with you to create a home that’s a true reflection of your family.

 Whether you're starting from scratch or simply looking to refresh your existing space, we'll create a plan that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

 If you're ready to fall in love with your home and avoid the pitfalls of renovating, contact us to see how we could help. It could be the best decision you’ve ever made!

Find out more about our interior design services here.

“Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value. Exceptional Interior Designer”

“Engaging Alison to help us through a substantial remodel and renovation of our family home was the best decision we ever made! Over the course of 16 months, she transformed our home into a practical and beautiful space, and we are thrilled with the results!”

Rachel Bellman, Hertfordshire