Renovating your home is an exciting journey and a chance to create a space that truly feels like you. But with that excitement comes a few common problems that can turn your dream project into a source of stress.
Before we dive in though, Hi! I’m Michelle, CEO and Principal Designer at Room Service Interiors. Since 2006, I’ve had the joy of helping clients in Cochrane, Calgary, and surrounding areas transform their homes into beautiful, functional spaces that truly enhance daily life. With a love for design and a commitment to detail, I work closely with each client to ensure their home reflects their unique needs and lifestyle.
At Room Service Interiors, we’ve guided countless homeowners through the renovation process, and we’ve seen where things often go awry. To help you avoid these common renovation mistakes, we’re sharing some top insights for a smoother, happier home transformation.
Want to skip the renovation mistakes and work with us? click here to learn more about our “no surprises” process!
Renovation Mistake #1: Updating the Wrong Features
Let’s start with an expensive one. One of the biggest renovation mistakes we see? Falling head over heels for trends instead of thinking about what’ll last. We get it—those popular styles are tempting (and sometimes feel impossible to resist). But here’s the thing: that trendy choice might feel outdated in a few years… or even a few months. In fact, Houzz found that 56% of homeowners admitted they regretted going all-in on trends after their renovations were done.
Instead of diving into the latest fads, think about updates that’ll truly improve your daily life and make your home a more efficient, comfortable place. Quality storage, durable flooring, and great lighting are solid investments that will serve you for years.
Trends are fun, sure! But it’s often better to keep them in small, flexible accents like throw pillows or wall art, rather than locking them into permanent fixtures you’ll have to live with (and pay for) down the line.
Renovation Mistake #2: Choosing Contractors Based Solely on Price
Another classic renovation mistake? Going with the cheapest contractor just to save a few bucks. We all love a good deal, I know I do, but sometimes the lowest bid comes with some not-so-hidden costs—like headaches, delays, and surprise expenses.
I’m not just trying to scare you either! In fact, HomeAdvisor found that homeowners who went with the lowest bid were 2.4 times more likely to be unhappy with their renovation results. Yikes!
Instead, think of your contractor as the project’s operations leader—they coordinate the trades, schedule the work, and ensure the construction progresses. Their role is to work WITH the Project Manager (that’s us!) to ensure design-specific details like lighting placements, tile patterns, or correct materials are installed exactly as laid out in the detailed design phase. A skilled contractor will bring organization, quality trades, and effective communication to the project.
Start with referrals from people you trust, then check out online reviews and previous work. Ask questions, see if their style fits yours, and remember: the best value isn’t always the cheapest price! Your renovation team should provide you with peace of mind knowing that everything—from placement to aesthetics—is managed seamlessly, resulting in a home that’s both beautiful and truly functional.
Plus, don’t forget – We have a team of carefully selected contractors we work with regularly whenever we are hired for a renovation project. You don’t need to do everything yourself!
Renovation Mistake #3: Prioritizing Aesthetics Over Functionality
It may surprise you, but it’s possible to spend so much time trying to avoid renovation mistakes and get everything “perfect”, that you forget why you’re renovating in the first place. When planning a renovation, it’s so easy to get swept up in the “wow” factor. We all want a beautiful home, but here’s a little secret: looks aren’t everything! A space needs to work with your lifestyle, too.
Prioritizing style over substance is one of those renovation mistakes people often regret. In fact, The National Association of Home Builders even found that homes designed with both form and function have happier owners (who’d have guessed? we would have, that’s who).
Think about your daily routines and how you actually use each space. Got a busy household? Go for materials that can handle a little chaos (and are easy to clean!). Love hosting parties? Consider the flow of people moving through your home.
As an interior designer in Calgary, this is the biggest thing I work through when designing for my clients. I want to consider aesthetics, of course, but I’ve found that prioritizing functionality from the get-go will help you design a home that’s just as delightful to live in as it is to look at.
Renovation Mistake #4: Ignoring the Budget Buffer
Yikes. This one is definitely one of the biggest home renovation mistakes. Underestimating the budget and forgetting to plan for the unexpected. Renovation costs can add up fast, especially when surprise issues pop up—think hidden structural problems or permit fees you didn’t see coming.
In fact, the Joint Center for Housing Studies found that nearly 40% of renovation projects run into delays or extra costs because of unexpected twists.
To keep things on track, I typically recommend clients set aside an extra 10-15% as a “just in case” fund. This little buffer can save you from last-minute stress and tough decisions.
While sticking to a budget is always the goal, a bit of flexibility can keep things running smoothly if (and when) the unexpected happens!
Renovation Mistake #5: Not Bringing in Your Renovation Team Early
Last but not least, do you want to know one of the smartest ways to dodge renovation mistakes? Bringing in the right team from day one. Trying to assemble your team on the fly often leads to crossed wires, miscommunications, and some pricey delays. The American Institute of Architects even found that projects with a collaborative team from the get-go are 30% more likely to finish on time and within budget. And around here? We are a little (a lot) higher than that average.
Having your designer, architect, and contractor on board from the start keeps everyone on the same page, working toward a shared vision. This setup can make all the difference in bringing your dream space to life. From picking materials to tackling any surprise challenges, a well-coordinated team is the secret sauce to a smooth and successful renovation.
FAQs About Renovation Mistakes
What’s the biggest mistake people make during renovations?
Rushing the planning phase! Taking the time to plan carefully, set a budget, and assemble the right team can save you from regrets (and headaches) later.
How can I avoid overspending on my renovation?
Set a clear budget, and don’t forget a “just in case” fund for unexpected surprises. Try to resist the urge to add extra features that don’t bring lasting value (yes, that heated towel rack might feel fancy, but will you care about it next year?).
Do I really need a designer, or can I handle the project on my own?
While smaller projects may be DIY-friendly, a designer is well worth the investment for complex renovations. For example, at Room Service Interiors, our role goes beyond just making your space look beautiful—we take a hands-on approach during the “Design Management Phase” to ensure that every detail is executed exactly as planned.
Like we mentioned above, during construction, your contractor oversees scheduling and manages the trades, but our team ensures that those trades follow the detailed plans we’ve created together. This means verifying that specific materials, products, and designs are being implemented exactly as specified, rather than relying solely on general standards. For example, let’s say an electrician installs a thermostat at a standard height, ignoring our design’s specified placement that aligns with other switches for a cohesive look. By conducting thorough walkthroughs, we catch these details early, preventing costly corrections later.
Just ask one of our clients who hired us after their general contractor (who frequently showed up late and never took notes). In their ensuite, the sconce light bases were originally designed to align perfectly with the straight edge of the mirrors. Unfortunately, a misaligned electrician, more accustomed to commercial projects, disregarded the plans entirely. The clients ended up needing to pay for every mistake to be corrected, and eventually, the mounting costs forced them to leave some issues unaddressed. We only wish we had been brought on sooner!
Our Design Management ensures that your space not only meets code but truly reflects the careful planning and custom design choices that make your home uniquely yours. We focus on these details so that your renovation experience is seamless and the final result aligns perfectly with your vision.
How do I know if I’m choosing the right contractor?
After the story we shared above, would it be cheesy if we said hire US so that you don’t have to worry about that? Other than that, start with referrals from people you trust, then check reviews and past projects. And be sure they’re licensed and insured—you’d be shocked (and horrified) by what we’ve seen!!
Creating Your Dream Home Without Regrets
Avoiding these renovation mistakes can be the difference between loving your new space or wishing you could start over. By focusing on meaningful updates, choosing a reliable contractor, planning for those surprise expenses, and bringing in a solid team from the start, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free renovation journey (and avoid those “what was I thinking?” moments!).
At Room Service Interiors, we’re all about making your renovation experience rewarding, enjoyable, and maybe even a little fun.
If you are considering a kitchen, bath, or residential renovation in Cochrane, Bearspaw, Springbank or Calgary, we’d love to talk to you about the perfect options for your home. Give us a call at (403) 860-5901 email hello@roomserviceinteriors.ca or learn more about our team. Let’s bring your dream space to life—one thoughtful choice at a time!
Until next time,
Michelle xx