Even after completing hundreds of home renovations over the past 24 years, we still make mistakes from time to time. It is almost inevitable that something unexpected will come up, no matter how careful you are. That is just the nature of the industry. Even small issues can cause delays or extra costs, so every step should be taken to minimize them.
So what are the most common home renovation mistakes to avoid?
1. Starting Without a Clear Plan
Why it’s a problem: One of the biggest renovation mistakes is starting without a clear, detailed plan. This leads to delays, confusion, budget creep, and disappointment. Drawings, details, and material selections help tradespeople understand your vision. Planning inspections and choosing materials upfront keeps the project on track.
How to avoid it: Decide on layout, materials, timeline, and payment schedule before any work begins. Have your renovation company put everything in writing so there is no ambiguity.
2. Underestimating the Budget
Why it’s a problem: Underestimating your budget is a common renovation mistake. Projects often run 20 to 30 percent over the initial estimate. Choosing the lowest bid rarely works out. If a price seems too good to be true, it usually is—you’ll likely end up paying more.
How to avoid it: Be honest about what you can afford and communicate it to your designer upfront. Add a 10–20 percent buffer for unexpected costs. Ask your contractor what is not included in their price and how changes will be handled. With Sosna, you can receive a guaranteed price after design and pre-construction planning.
3. Choosing the Cheapest Contractor
Why it’s a problem: Picking the cheapest contractor is another renovation mistake. Low quotes can mean lower quality, rushed work, or corner-cutting. Some contractors even leave items out of the estimate to charge more later.
How to avoid it: Avoid the lowest bid. Check reviews, references, and past projects. A slightly higher price from a reputable contractor usually provides better value in the long run.
4. Ignoring Permits and Regulations
Why it’s a problem: Skipping permits may seem like a shortcut but it’s a serious renovation mistake. It can result in fines, unsafe work, and even having to redo parts of the project. Unpermitted work may also hurt your home’s resale value.
How to avoid it: Confirm required permits before starting. Your contractor may handle this, but double-check with your municipality’s Building Department. Following the rules saves costly mistakes later.
5. DIYing Complex Projects
Why it’s a problem: Taking on complex work yourself is a renovation mistake that can be costly. Electrical, plumbing, or structural projects require professional training. DIY attempts can be unsafe and lead to poor results or expensive fixes.
How to avoid it: DIY is fine for small tasks like painting or changing hardware. Anything involving permits, wiring, plumbing, or structural work should be done by licensed professionals.
6. Skipping the Design Phase
Why it’s a problem: Skipping the design phase is a common renovation mistake. Many homeowners later regret it because the space doesn’t function as they hoped. Design is not just for decoration. It saves money, time, and stress.
How to avoid it: Work with an experienced designer and confirm all details before construction begins. Proper planning ensures the final result matches your vision.
7. Failing to Plan for the Unexpected
Why it’s a problem: Another renovation mistake is not preparing for the unexpected. Older homes often hide issues like mold, asbestos, outdated wiring, water damage, or structural problems, which can delay the project and increase costs.
How to avoid it: Set aside a contingency budget of 15–25 percent. Conduct inspections and use tools like moisture detectors or infrared scanners during planning. Experienced tradespeople can uncover issues that general home inspectors might miss.
8. Using Low-Quality Materials
Why it’s a problem: Choosing low-quality materials is a renovation mistake that often costs more in the long run. Flooring can warp, paint can peel, and cabinets may fail, leading to repairs or replacements.
How to avoid it: Choose the best materials your budget allows. Investing in quality pays off in durability and performance, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
9. Neglecting Functionality
Why it’s a problem: A space that looks great but doesn’t work for your daily life is a renovation mistake. Poorly placed outlets, narrow walkways, or awkward cabinet layouts quickly become frustrating.
How to avoid it: Think about how you move, work, and store items. Use masking tape or cardboard to map layouts and have a designer review your plans to ensure proper function.
10. Forgetting Future Needs
Why it’s a problem: Failing to plan for the future is a renovation mistake. Your family may grow, your lifestyle or health may change, and renovations are expensive to redo.
How to avoid it: Consider long-term needs. Think about lighting, storage, accessibility, and space for future changes. Planning ahead ensures your renovation works for years to come.
Bonus Tip — Not Hiring a Project Manager
Why it’s a problem: As mentioned earlier, we have been renovating for years and still make mistakes. One of the biggest home renovation mistakes is trying to manage the project yourself. Even for experienced renovators, juggling multiple trades, timelines, and unexpected issues is not easy. Tradespeople are not angels. Often they do not show up when they say they will, they do not complete tasks on time, or they cut corners to make things easier for themselves. Sailing a ship without an experienced captain is a risky endeavor. You may still reach the final destination, but it can come at a high cost in time, money, and stress.
How to avoid it: An experienced project manager keeps the team organized and accountable. They are the only people who can ensure the work is done correctly by everyone involved. They resolve issues and fix mistakes before they become bigger problems. It costs a bit more, but it saves time, money, and mental health. Very often it saves marriages. Recent surveys reveal that between 12 and 19 percent of couples consider divorce after a major renovation.
Final Thoughts
Renovating your home becomes much easier when you avoid common mistakes and have the right team doing the work. A clear plan with defined goals makes a big difference.
Thinking about a project in Toronto or the GTA? Talk to Sosna to see if it is feasible and whether Sosna’s time-tested process can help. We’re not just kitchen remodelers. We take on many kinds of work, such as kitchen remodels, bathroom renovation services, basement renovation, condo renovation, and custom home additions. We also offer engineering and interior design services to ensure everything is as predictable and smooth as possible.
Contact Us Today to Get Started!
Avoid costly home renovation mistakes by contacting Sosna today to discuss your project and see how our experienced team can make your vision a reality.
