Renovating your home can be one of the most rewarding projects you’ll ever undertake, but it can also be fraught with potential pitfalls. At Staci Edwards Interior Design, we’ve seen it all and know that preparation and planning are key to a successful renovation. Here are the top mistakes to avoid when renovating your home, ensuring a smooth and joyful transformation.

Starting Your Renovation Without a Detailed Plan

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is diving into a renovation without a comprehensive plan. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and want to start knocking down walls, but without a clear vision and detailed plan, you could end up with costly mistakes and delays. Without a plan, your renovation can lack cohesion, resulting in a disjointed look. Unexpected changes and additions can quickly inflate your budget, and you might face significant delays, extending your project’s timeline (and contractor’s fees). To avoid these issues, hire an interior design professional to help you create a detailed plan that aligns with your vision and budget to keep things running smoothly.  

Not Having a Realistic Budget

Another common mistake is underestimating the costs involved in a renovation. Having a realistic budget with a buffer for unexpected expenses is crucial. Running out of funds can leave your project unfinished, force you to opt for cheaper, lower-quality materials and workmanship, and add unnecessary stress to the renovation process. To prevent this, work with your interior designer and contractor to get detailed cost estimates for every aspect of the renovation before you start. Set aside at least 10% of your budget for unforeseen expenses and prioritize your spending by identifying your must-haves and nice-to-haves (which can always come later if needed).

Not Understanding Timelines

Renovations often take longer than expected. Not understanding the realistic timeline for your project can lead to disappointment and logistical issues. Misunderstanding the time required for each phase can lead to frustration and significant disruption to your daily life, and rushing through phases can compromise the quality of work. To avoid these problems, discuss the timeline in detail with your interior designer and contractor. Build some buffer time into your schedule to accommodate any unexpected delays, and stay flexible. Being prepared to adjust your plans will help ensure quality results.

Forgetting to Plan Ahead for Furniture and Decor

Often, homeowners focus so much on the renovation that they forget to plan for furniture and decor. This oversight can lead to mismatched styles and incomplete, empty-looking spaces. Without planning, your furniture and decor might not match the new design, and waiting until the end to choose furniture can delay the finalization of your project. Early planning lets you make the most of your space and design features and ensures you set enough aside within your budget to make these essential purchases. Be sure to discuss it with your interior designer from the beginning, determine how furniture and decor will look in the renovated space, and plan and order your furniture and decor items early to avoid delays.

Thinking Everything Will Run Perfectly

Renovations are complex and often involve unexpected challenges. Thinking everything will go perfectly can set you up for disappointment. Expecting perfection can lead to stress and frustration when things inevitably go wrong, being too rigid in your expectations can hinder problem-solving, and overlooking potential issues can lead to more significant problems down the line. To avoid these issues, stay prepared by expecting the unexpected and being ready to adapt as needed. Keep open lines of communication with your interior designer and contractor, and focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the problems when issues arise.

We’d love to help you

A successful home renovation requires careful planning, realistic budgeting, and flexibility. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a smoother process and a quality result that you’ll love for years to come. At Staci Edwards Interior Design, we specialize in guiding homeowners through every step of their renovation, from initial planning to the final touches. Our expert team is here to help you create a home that reflects your style and meets your needs.

If you’re considering a renovation, contact us today to discuss your project. Let us help you avoid these common pitfalls mentioned above and achieve the home of your dreams with less stress and more joy – Together, we can turn your vision into reality!

Chat Soon,

Staci