What I wish I’d known before starting a home renovation
Renovating a home sounds exciting, fresh designs, new spaces, and a better place to live. But once you start, you’ll realize there’s more to it than picking paint colors. Here are some lessons I wish I knew before my first renovation.
PLAN AHEAD
The most common renovation mistakes occur when decisions are made at a late stage. Know your design, budget, and materials before you start hammering. Changing your mind in the middle of a project is not only unpleasant, but also expensive. A simple last-minute tile change might result in delays, more labour, and lost money on materials previously purchased.
before work begins is an example of planning ahead.
• Placing early orders for materials to ensure timely delivery.
• Establishing a reasonable budget and factoring in 15% to 20% for unforeseen expenses.
• Organising contractors and understanding who is responsible for what and when.
Your project will go more smoothly, cost less, and be completed sooner if you have a clear plan.
RESEARCH
Research and Get Motivated, Just because the project has begun doesn’t mean you should make decisions right away. Spend some time in advance brainstorming and determining what will work best for your house.
Look through home design blogs, Instagram, and Pinterest to get inspiration for your style.
• Go to hardware stores and showrooms to view materials in person.
• Save images of areas, hues, and finishes that appeal to you.
• Pay attention to the little things in other people’s houses, such wall textures, storage options, and lighting positioning.
Your ability to confidently make decisions during construction and communicate your idea to contractors will both improve with the amount of inspiration you gather.
HIRE PROFESSIONALS
A competent designer or contractor can make the difference between a nightmarish job and a successful one.
Check qualifications, including licenses, insurance, and certificates.
• Read reviews and speak with past customers.
• Request examples of similar work they’ve done.
• Don’t just go with the cheapest quote, low bids can indicate lower quality or hidden charges.
The appropriate team will ultimately save you stress, money, and time.
FORMS VS FUNCTION
The Renovation Balance You Cannot Ignore. When planning a home remodel, it’s tempting to become obsessed with how things look, the ideal paint colour, fashionable tiles, or that trendy light fixture you saw online. However, a beautiful room that does not function properly in daily life will quickly lose its appeal. This is where shape and function come in.
Form = How something looks
Function = How something works
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Start with function first
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Think long term not “just now”
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Let your form support function
IT WILL TAKE LONGER THAN PLANNED.
Renovations almost always take longer than intended, regardless of how carefully they are planned.
Contractors may experience delays due to weather, material shortages, permit approvals, or unexpected problems discovered during work.
If you’re told “3 weeks,” expect 4 or 5. This extra time can be annoying, but it is usual in renovation projects
. Tip: Leave additional time in your schedule and avoid making significant plans shortly after your expected completion date. Patience now results in less stress later.
CONCLUSION
Home renovations are thrilling, but they can also be stressful and unpredictable.
Every step, from planning ahead and gathering ideas to hiring the proper expertise and harmonising form and function, is important.
Remember that your budget may expand, timetables may extend, and living through the chaos isn’t always easy, but all of these challenges are part of the experience.
The trick is to prepare thoroughly, be patient, and keep your vision clear.
With proper preparation, wise decisions, and the right team, you can transform your house into a home you like, and every bit of effort will be worthwhile in the long run.
