With that said, if you’re able to navigate a renovation smoothly, it can be one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your home. However, there are some factors to consider before taking on the challenge.

Here is a list of the most common renovation mistakes to avoid and how to get around them.

Miscommunication

As the saying goes, communication is the key. It’s especially important to communicate well with your team and with your partner. It’s also important to establish a good flow of communication with your contractor. For instance, if you have a strong rapport with your contractor, he/she can guide you and your partner through any disagreements.

Rushing the Job

You may or may not have seen enough home improvement shows to know that although it’s possible to build an entire home in a week - the process itself isn’t simple.

When it comes to your own renovation, you need to have time to plan, arrange each step accordingly, and consider unexpected issues that could arise. By building up enough time—and cushioning it with a few extra weeks— it gives you room to properly plan a project, gather the team, and work through anything that comes up with less stress.

Neglecting the Plan

It’s always best to have a detailed written plan before you start work. The plan should include precise information, down to every single product with its model number and choice of finishing. Once the plan is finalised, stick to it.

Unfortunately, minor changes can affect the cost and delay the expected timeline. Nevertheless, bear in mind that the inevitable will occur and adjustments will have to be made along the way. All you can do is have them documented and try not to stress.

Neglecting the Team Dynamic

Depending on what you plan on renovating, you may need an architect, speciality designer (such as a kitchen or bath designer), contractor, decorator and more. The sooner your team comes together; you’ll have a higher chance of minimizing or eliminating the risk of issues coming up later.