5 Mistakes Every Renovator Needs To Avoid

Renovating, on paper, seems like a simple task. You buy a house, make it pretty, sell it on (or keep it). In reality? The process is a whole lot more complicated. The following steps are big factors in determining how well your renovation goes (and how sane you stay in the process).

For an easier renovating life, make sure you avoid –

1. Jumping In Too Quickly

New house? New child? New pet? I hear you; it is exciting to have finally made the decision to renovate. But slow down there speedy. Before you make any big renovation decisions, you need to think, think some more, and then allow a bit more time for thinking. Every single decision throughout this process needs to have thought behind it before committing.

Did you hear that? No snappy decisions or random, unsolicited changes.

2. Not Leaving Space for Maneuvering

There wasn’t really anything we could do about this in our home, given it’s old and listed. Staircases and corridor size weren’t something we could change. If the beds don’t fit up the stairs? We’re buying new beds. But if you don’t have these parameters on your house when renovating, you need to make sure any halls or corridors you create have ample space for maneuvering large or awkward items of furniture.

3. Overlooking Lighting

This is the most important thing that any self-respecting Interior Designer (cough, Pinterest qualified, cough) focuses on when they’ve got the base of a room renovated. A well thought out, atmospheric lighting plan can change the feel of a room with the flick of a switch, quite literally.

I’ve spoken about this before, but remember Function, Mood and Statement. Lighting should not be an after thought, and there are some unique products available on the market right now. Head over to Creative Cables for some quirky takes on wall lights, or Iconic Lights for some on trend shades.

4. Overlooking Resale Value

You’ve just found your dream home and are about to start renovating – of course you’re not considering selling it on just yet. And maybe you never will. But there is a good chance that in 10 years you will want to upgrade your home. So let’s talk about those quirky little features you want to install. Are they to everyone’s taste? Could they actually devalue your home? More below.

5. Jumping On Trend

Social media is awash with inspiration, but unless you want a Farmhouse Bohemian Maximalist Eclectic mix on your hands, really think about the trend you are about to dive headfirst in to. Has it got longevity behind it? Will it withstand time? Before you wallpaper that whole wall in leopard spots, could you scale it down and still be happy?

There you have it! Renovation is a complex journey, but by avoiding these 5 things it should be less of a headache. For more tips on renovation, be sure to follow me on Instagram.

Kelly x