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The Top 5 Home Renovation Mistakes That Cost Brits Thousands (And How To Dodge Them)
By someone who’s seen the best and worst of UK renovations. Trust me, you want to get these right.
Introduction
There is something satisfying about improving your own space. Maybe it is finally updating a tired old bathroom, or opening up the kitchen so everyone actually wants to spend time there. Whatever the project, there is always a sense of excitement and possibility at the start.
But for every renovation that ends with a happy homeowner, I have seen plenty where the budget gets blown, deadlines drift, and stress levels climb higher than the scaffolding. As a Quantity Surveyor, I spend a lot of time helping people avoid the most expensive mistakes, sometimes after they have already happened.
If you are thinking about tackling your own renovation, here are five common traps I see time and again, plus a few ways to steer clear and keep your project on track.
1. Underestimating the Real Cost and Forgetting the Contingency
Most people start with a rough idea of what they want to spend. Maybe you have watched a few episodes of Grand Designs, scribbled some numbers on a notepad, and figured it all looks pretty doable. The reality is rarely that simple. Surprises pop up behind walls and under floors, whether it is old pipes, dodgy electrics, or damp that no one noticed before. I have seen those hidden extras push the final bill up by thousands.
My advice is to add at least ten to fifteen percent to your budget for the unexpected. If a quote comes in much lower than everyone else’s, pause and dig deeper before you get excited.
2. Jumping In Without Proper Planning
It is easy to want to get started right away, especially if you have been dreaming about this project for ages. But skipping the planning stage is one of the quickest ways to regret your choices later. Vague drawings, unclear specifications, and guessing about materials can lead to misunderstandings, disputes, and costly changes halfway through.
Take the time to plan things properly. Get detailed drawings, agree exactly what is included, and do not be afraid to ask questions, even the obvious ones. This is where you save money and headaches, not just time.
3. Picking the Wrong Contractor or Just Going for the Cheapest
The urge to save money upfront can be powerful, but hiring the wrong contractor almost always costs more in the end. I have been called in to help after a so called bargain builder disappeared, or after work was done so badly it had to be ripped out and redone. Watch out for anyone who will not give you references, dodges paperwork, or promises they can start tomorrow when everyone else is busy.
A good contractor will have happy customers, clear paperwork, and will be booked up for a reason. Take the time to check them out. Your future self will thank you.
4. Changing Your Mind Mid Project
Plans always look perfect until the work actually starts. Suddenly, you start seeing ways to improve things or make them bigger, better, or shinier. Every time you change your mind after the job begins, it is like tossing another log on the budget bonfire. Even small tweaks can have a ripple effect on timing and cost.
Do your thinking upfront, make the important decisions before anyone lifts a hammer, and try to stick with them. If you do want to change something, ask what it will cost and how long it will take, then decide if it is really worth it.
5. Ignoring Permissions and Building Regs
This one bites people all the time. You would be amazed how often someone skips planning permission, forgets about building regulations, or assumes they can sort it out later. That is a gamble that rarely pays off. You could end up with a fine, or worse, have to undo work you have already paid for.
Check what permissions you need before anything starts. Even if your builder says it is fine, get confirmation from the local council or a professional. Sorting out paperwork early is always easier than trying to explain things later.
Final Thoughts
Renovating your home can be genuinely life changing, but only if you avoid the usual traps. A bit of planning, a sensible budget, the right people, and keeping an eye on the rules will save you money and stress. If you are ever unsure, get a second opinion before you commit. And if you want a simple checklist to help plan your own project, just let me know. I am happy to share what I use myself.
Good luck, and may your dust settle quickly.
You can connect with me anytime on Instagram or Facebook @kunleajifowoke. My DM is always open to good conversation, smart questions, or a simple “I read this.”
— Kunle Ajifowoke