“Six Mistakes To Avoid When Renovating”
Anyone who has survived a renovation will tell you that it is a super rewarding process that can be exciting and full of fun discoveries BUT it also comes with challenges.
From redecorating a single room to undertaking a full home renovation or build spending time planning is always the key to success.
Theses are my top tip six common mistakes to avoid….
1) Not Planning
Having spent 15 years working as a Project Manager I can say with 100% convinction that the projects I have been involved with that have been the most successful are the ones where time was spent planning the project BEFORE work commenced.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is diving into renovations without thorough planning. It's tempting to start tearing down walls but without a clear plan, you risk making costly mistakes and delays.
Without a clear and organised schedule of works to follow you risk ending up with no habitable areas, or a bottleneck of trades people. Phasing your work is essential for this reason.
Planning Top Tips:
Create a detailed renovation plan that includes your brief, budget, and timeline
Consult with professionals early in the process, they will have crucial knowledge you need to capture in your plan
Secure approvals & consents before starting any work
2) Ignoring Your Budget
Renovation costs can easily run away from you if you don’t stick to your budget. This can be incredibly stressful and could result in you not completing your project in your desired timeframe (please refer to almost every episode of Grand Designs for evidence of this).
It is easy to underestimate costs or allow for unexpected costs (this is your contiengency).
It is essential that you create a budget is required to understand how much is available now, how much will be added to the budget over time, and where you would allocate the budget.
Budget Top Tips:
Set a realistic budget that includes a contingency fund - we recommend a minimum of 10% of your overall project cost
Get multiple quotes from contractors (but be mindful that lots of contractors charge for quoting)
You must prioritise essential updates to services & structural changes over aesthetic changes.
Buy My Renovation Budget Tracker to help you keep on track
3) Poor Communication
Communicating effectively with your contractors and even your partner throughout your project is essential to avoid coming home to find the job complete but not how your pictured it!
Communication Top Tips:
Regularly visiting site and checking in with your contractors is essential as is selecting individuals who understands your vision that you can trust to deliver it accurately
Making your expectations clear (this is known as the scope). Before work begins you will need to have examples of the finishes you wish to implement so the contractor knows how to install them (it also allows them to quote appropriately & estimate time to install)
Keeping a written record of all communications. This can feel timeconsuming and boring but is essential as evidence if things go wrong
4) Not Measuring!
If only I had £1 for everytime a client has told me they’ve gotten measurements wrong! It is such an easy piece of advise to forget but please do remember the adage “measure twice, cut once!”
Measuring Top Tips:
Keep a copy of your measurements with you when you are out & about. That way when you find the perfect item you can check it fits before committing to buying it.
Use My Free Guide To Measuring A Room To Help
5) Failing to Make Timely Decisions
Decision fatigue in a renovation project hits all renovators at some point!
It is super important that you know not just what decisions you will need to make but also when.
When hiring your contractors you will need to have some idea of the finishes to prevent delays later in the project.
6) Following Trends
Knowing your personal style is important to ensure you end up with a home that you not only like but that also works for you and the others you live with.
Being aware of trends is important but make sure you interrogate your choices.
Trend Top Tips:
Ask yourself :
- Will I like it in 5 years?
-Would I have liked it 5 years ago?
I’d love to hear more about your renovation lessons, send them through to me via email hello@beckyharrisondesigns or on instagram @beckyharrisondesigns
I’d love to help YOU! Whether you are at the start of your renovation journey or in the midst of it, please do contact me if you need design help, project management or organisation services.
Happy Renovating!
Becky x