Renovating your home can be one of the most rewarding investments you ever make. Whether you’re adding value for resale, creating your dream space, or updating tired rooms, renovation projects come with the promise of transformation. But with the excitement also comes risk: missteps in planning, budgeting, and execution can lead to unnecessary stress, delays, and overspending.
At Done Right Services, we’ve seen first-hand how even well-intentioned homeowners can fall into common traps. In this blog post, we’re sharing the top five renovation mistakes people make—and how to steer clear of them to ensure your project is smooth, successful, and stress-free.
1. Skipping the Planning Stage
The Mistake: Jumping straight into a renovation without a detailed plan.
Many homeowners are eager to get started and overlook the importance of upfront planning. They begin demolishing walls or ordering materials without a clear roadmap, leading to confusion and costly changes mid-project.
Why It Matters: A lack of planning can create a ripple effect: delays, miscommunication with contractors, cost overruns, and even design regrets.
How to Avoid It:
- Work with experienced professionals to develop a comprehensive renovation plan.
- Include timelines, budget estimates, materials, and a clear scope of work.
- Think ahead about how your lifestyle will be affected during the project.
Done Right Tip: We offer a free pre-renovation consultation to help you assess your goals, layout preferences, and timeline. Our experts can turn your vision into a structured, actionable plan.
2. Underestimating the Budget
The Mistake: Creating a budget that doesn’t include a contingency.
It’s tempting to plan a renovation around the lowest possible cost. But this often ignores hidden expenses such as structural surprises, permit fees, or last-minute upgrades.
Why It Matters: Budget blowouts are one of the leading causes of unfinished or compromised renovation projects.
How to Avoid It:
- Always include a contingency fund of 10–20% for unexpected costs.
- Get multiple quotes to understand the real cost of labour and materials.
- Be transparent with your contractor about your maximum budget.
Done Right Tip: We provide itemised, transparent quotes with built-in contingency plans. That way, you know exactly where your money is going—and you’re never caught off guard.
3. Hiring the Wrong Contractors
The Mistake: Choosing a contractor based solely on the lowest bid.
While it might be tempting to go with the cheapest quote, a lack of experience, credentials, or communication skills can cost more in the long run.
Why It Matters: Poor workmanship, project delays, and safety risks can result from hiring unqualified or unreliable tradespeople.
How to Avoid It:
- Research contractors thoroughly: check reviews, portfolios, and accreditations.
- Ask for referrals and visit previous job sites if possible.
- Choose professionals who understand your vision and communicate clearly.
Done Right Tip: At Done Right Services, we take pride in our qualified team of experienced tradespeople. Our work is backed by warranty and glowing customer testimonials.
4. Neglecting Building Regulations and Permits
The Mistake: Starting work without the necessary approvals.
Renovation rules and building codes exist for safety, structural integrity, and compliance. Ignoring them can result in fines, project halts, or forced removals.
Why It Matters: Your entire investment could be compromised if local regulations aren’t followed. Illegal modifications may also affect future property sales.
How to Avoid It:
- Consult your local authority or hire a contractor who understands the planning and permit process.
- Ensure structural changes, electrical work, and extensions are approved before work begins.
- Keep documentation for future use or resale.
Done Right Tip: We manage all planning applications and permits for you, ensuring your renovation is fully compliant from start to finish.
5. Overlooking Function for Style
The Mistake: Focusing too much on trendy design features and not enough on daily usability.
A renovation should improve both the look and function of your home. Too often, homeowners chase Instagram-worthy aesthetics that don’t suit their family’s needs or lifestyle.
Why It Matters: Poorly designed spaces can feel awkward, wasteful, or uncomfortable to use—defeating the purpose of the renovation.
How to Avoid It:
- Prioritise layout and flow: how you move through a space matters.
- Consider storage, lighting, and long-term maintenance.
- Think timeless with a few trend-forward accents.
Done Right Tip: Our in-house designers work closely with you to marry form and function, ensuring your new space looks stunning and lives comfortably.
Your Renovation, Done Right
Home renovations are exciting, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. Avoiding these five common mistakes will save you time, money, and heartache. Most importantly, you’ll get results that enhance your home and lifestyle for years to come.
At Done Right Services, we believe every homeowner deserves a renovation that exceeds expectations—done on time, on budget, and with expert craftsmanship. Whether it’s interior painting, plastering, extensions, or full property renovations, we manage your project with care from concept to completion.
Call to Action:
Ready to start your renovation the right way?
Book your free consultation with Done Right Services today and let’s bring your vision to life — without the stress.
