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Home Renovation Checklist: 19 Mistakes to Avoid Before You Start

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Before starting our renovation, we did so much research. I’m talking hours of reading, endless Pinterest scrolling, asking friends and family who had been through it, and comparing every material, layout, and contractor we could find. And I’m honestly so glad we did, because even with all that prep, there were still many things we had no idea about until we were in the middle of it. If you’re planning a major remodel, here are the renovation mistakes you definitely want to avoid. Some of these caught us off guard, even after all the planning.

1- Underestimating the Budget

They always advise adding a 15–20% cushion to your renovation budget for “unexpected costs.” But let me be real, by the time everything is said and done, it’s more like 30–40%. Between design upgrades, price changes, last-minute decisions, and things you didn’t even know you needed until you’re in the middle of it, the costs climb quickly. Planning ahead helps, but please note that almost no one finishes exactly on budget. It’s better to overestimate than be blindsided halfway through.

2- Not Padding the Timeline

Even if your contractor gives you a “realistic” timeline, double it, or at least leave yourself a cushion. Materials get delayed, inspections take longer than expected, and sometimes things just don’t go as planned (hello, backordered tile or a missing cabinet panel). If you’re planning to move back in by a specific date or host a big event, give yourself extra time. Renovations rarely go exactly on schedule, and having a buffer can save you a lot of stress (and arguments)!

3- Don’t Start the Renovation Until All Materials Have Arrived

This was by far the biggest mistake we made. We thought things would arrive “on time” as promised, so we moved out and let the renovation begin. However, many materials were delayed, including vanities, plumbing fixtures, and lighting fixtures, among others. Those delays meant the work couldn’t move forward, and we had to extend our hotel and Airbnb stays multiple times. Not only was it a huge, unexpected expense, but it was also incredibly stressful, especially when juggling it all with two young kids, their schoolwork, backpacks, clothes, and everything constantly in motion. If I could give just one piece of advice, it would be to wait until every single material is delivered before starting. It will save your sanity!

4- Don’t Hire the Wrong Contractor—It’ll Cost You More

We learned this the hard way during a few smaller remodels we’ve done in the past. Let’s just say, bad communication, sloppy work, and unfinished jobs left us with a lot of stress (and extra costs). So for our big renovation, we didn’t take any chances. We went straight to the big, reputable companies. Yes, it’s more expensive, but trust me, there’s a reason for that price. These companies carefully vet their contractors because they have a reputation to protect. They’re not going to risk sending someone unprofessional to your home. It gave us so much more peace of mind knowing the job would get done right.

5- Choosing aesthetics over function

As much as I’m all about aesthetics (I love a beautiful space), I made sure every design choice we made was also functional. It’s so easy to get caught up in how something looks and forget how it’s actually going to work in daily life, especially with kids, routines, and real-life mess. From storage to layout to materials, we constantly asked ourselves, “Will this actually make our life easier?” Because a pretty home that doesn’t function well will drive you crazy fast.

6- Don’t Skip the Permit Process

I know, it’s tempting to skip the permits to “save time” or avoid the hassle, but please don’t. Permits are there to protect you. They make sure the work is done safely and up to code. If you skip them, you could run into major issues later, like fines, delays, failed inspections, or having to redo parts of your renovation. And if you ever plan to sell your home, unpermitted work can become a significant red flag for buyers. It might feel like extra paperwork now, but trust me, it’s worth doing it right.

7- Don’t Ignore Smart Space Planning

You can have the most beautiful finishes, but if your space isn’t well laid out, it will drive you nuts every single day. Think: doors that hit each other, a fridge that opens into a walkway, or a bathroom vanity you can’t fully open because of the toilet. We were extremely intentional about how we utilized every inch, ensuring it not only looked good but also functioned effectively for our daily routines. It’s not just about what fits; it’s about how it flows. Function first, always.

8- Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Storage

It’s so easy to focus on the pretty stuff, tile, lighting, and paint colors, and forget about other things, like storage. But trust me, storage makes or breaks how livable your home feels. We made sure to add drawers where possible, hidden cabinets, and innovative storage solutions in areas such as the mudroom and bathrooms. It’s one of those things you don’t think about until you’re drowning in clutter with nowhere to put anything. Plan for it early—you’ll thank yourself later.

9- Don’t Over-Customize for Personal Taste

It’s your home, so of course you want it to reflect your style—but going too niche or ultra-specific can backfire later, especially if you ever plan to sell. We tried to strike a balance: adding personality through things that are easy to change (like paint, lighting, or decor), while keeping the big, expensive elements more neutral and timeless. Your home should feel like you, but also be smart for the long run.

10- Don’t Choose Trendy Over Timeless

Trends come and go fast. And what looks “so chic” right now might feel outdated in a year or two. We love staying current, but when it came to big-ticket items like floors, cabinetry, and countertops, we stuck with classic, timeless choices. You can always bring in trends through paint, hardware, or decor, things that are easy (and affordable) to switch out. Timeless doesn’t mean boring; it just means you won’t regret it later.

11- Don’t Ignore Lighting Plans

Lighting can completely change the look and feel of your home, but it’s often an afterthought. Don’t make that mistake. We were super intentional about adding layered lighting: ambient, task, and accent. It’s not just about where the lights go, but what kind you use and how they all flow together. Good lighting makes your space feel warm, elevated, and actually usable. Bad lighting can make even the most beautiful design fall flat. Plan it early, it’s worth it.

12- Don’t Focus Only on the Big Things

It’s easy to obsess over the big-ticket items, like flooring, cabinetry, and countertops, but the small details matter just as much. Details such as outlet placement, door swings, hardware, and trim can significantly impact the appearance and functionality of your home on a day-to-day basis. We paid attention to those little things early on, so we didn’t end up saying, “Ugh, I wish we had thought of that.” The details are what truly pull a space together.

13- Don’t Ignore Resale Value

Even if you plan to live in your home forever, life happens, and future buyers might not love that bold tile or super niche layout. While we personalized our renovation, we always kept resale in the back of our minds. Choosing finishes and layouts that have broad appeal doesn’t mean you can’t have style—it just means you’re being smart about protecting your investment. Design for you, but with one eye on the bigger picture.

14- Don’t Skip Clear Communication with Your Team

Assuming everyone’s on the same page is a recipe for mistakes. We learned quickly that even small details, such as the direction of the tile or the exact height of the cabinet, can be misinterpreted if not clearly specified. We made it a point to communicate everything in writing, share photos, double-check details, and check in regularly. The more precise you are, the fewer surprises (and re-dos) you’ll face.

15- Don’t Overlook Electrical and Plumbing Updates

It’s tempting to focus on what you can see, but what’s behind the walls matters just as much, if not more. If you’re already opening things up, take the time to update old plumbing and wiring. We made sure to upgrade anything outdated while the walls were open, even if it wasn’t part of the “fun stuff.” It saves you from future headaches (and emergency repairs) down the road. Don’t skip it just because it’s not visible.

16- Don’t Rush the Finishing Touches

After months of chaos, it’s so tempting to speed through the final details just to be done. But the finishing touches—paint, hardware, caulking, styling—are what truly bring the whole space together. We reminded ourselves to slow down, take a breath, and finish strong. Rushing at the end only leads to sloppy work and regrets later. Patience here makes all the difference.

17- Don’t Skip Reading the Fine Print in Contracts

It might feel tedious, but read everything before you sign. We’ve learned that the fine print can include hidden or vague fees, unclear timelines, responsibilities, and cancellation terms that you’ll wish you knew about. Take the time to review contracts line by line, ask questions, clarify anything that seems unclear, and get everything in writing. It’s so much easier to deal with things before the work starts than to fight over them later.

18- Don’t Fail to Document Everything

Save all photos, emails, receipts, contracts, and text confirmations. We kept a folder (digital and physical) with every single detail of our renovation. Why? Because when something goes wrong, and it will, you’ll want proof of what was agreed on. It also helps you stay organized and track progress. Verbal promises are great until someone forgets… or denies them. Documentation is your best friend during a remodel.

19- Don’t Expect Everything to Go Perfectly

No matter how much you plan, things will go wrong. Timelines shift, materials get delayed, and unexpected issues pop up; it’s just part of the renovation process. We reminded ourselves constantly to stay flexible and not let every hiccup feel like a disaster. Perfection isn’t the goal, progress is. If you go in knowing that, you’ll save yourself a lot of stress (and maybe a few meltdowns)! Lol!

Final Thoughts


Renovating your home is a significant investment, both emotionally and financially. No matter how prepared you are, there will be surprises. However, with realistic expectations, the right team, and a solid plan, going in can make all the difference. I hope sharing our experience helps you avoid some of the stress and mistakes that we learned the hard way. Just remember: it’s a process. Take it one step at a time, trust your instincts, and don’t forget to enjoy the transformation along the way.

Love,

Sherry XOXO

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