What Are The Most Common (and expensive) Home Renovation Mistakes To Avoid?

Home renovations can feel like a rollercoaster ride—thrilling at times but also a bit dizzying! To keep your feet on the ground, watch out for common pitfalls. A little planning goes a long way, and trust us, avoiding these mistakes will make your journey smoother.

Mistake #1: Failing To Plan And Budget

Rushing into a renovation without a solid plan and budget can lead to financial stress. And let’s face it—it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. What starts as a small change can quickly escalate into a full-scale renovation if not carefully managed.

Before beginning, make a firm plan that details what you’ll do. Next, get your plan costed. A well-thought-out budget is crucial to keep spending in check, but it should include a buffer for hidden costs like demolition and dump fees. Including a 10% to 20% contingency can help cover these unforeseen expenses and ensure your project stays on track.

If it’s a bathroom, kitchen or laundry you’re planning to renovate, speak to one of the Tradelink team about what you’re dreaming of creating. Visit any of our 100+ showrooms with your plan, and we’ll help you work out what it will all cost. We’ve even got a buying guide to help with budgeting, too—be sure to check it out.

Mistake #2: Going Overboard With Renovations

It’s only natural that you want to turn your home into your castle. But pouring too much money into a renovation can be risky, particularly if the value of your home exceeds that of similar homes in your neighbourhood. When it comes time to sell, you might not see the return on investment you were hoping for.

Simple improvements like modernising the kitchen or upgrading the bathroom can add value without breaking the bank.

For example, you can upgrade your kitchen benchtops without updating your cabinetry. The benchtop upgrade could mean a kitchen sink and tapware upgrade too – pair the Oliveri Santorini Double Bowl Topmount Sink in Black with the Oliveri Venice Pull-Out Gooseneck Mixer to make a big impression on a mid-size budget.

Every member of the Tradelink team has plenty of other ideas to help you keep things in check. Book an appointment with us.

Mistake #3: Going Too Cheap

Now, let’s get one thing straight. While you don’t want to overcapitalise, you don’t want to go too cheap either. Especially when it comes to fixtures.

We understand it’s tempting to cut corners and save a few bucks when sticking to a budget. But in the long run, it can backfire. Fixtures in areas like the bathroom, kitchen and laundry get a lot of use, and going for the cheapest options might mean dealing with frequent repairs or replacements down the road.

Investing in quality fixtures is worth it. Not only do they tend to last longer and withstand wear and tear better, but they often come with features that make everyday life a bit easier—whether it's a more durable tap, smoother drawer runners, or a showerhead with better water pressure.

At Tradelink, we have a quality product range to suit every budget and still get you that on-trend look. In the bathroom, the Fienza Paola Above Counter Basin is a quality statement piece without a big price tag. It pairs perfectly with the equally affordable and durable Phoenix Vivid Hob Basin Mixer .

Mistake #4: Choosing The Cheapest Tradie

Even if yours is a DIY reno, chances are you’re going to need an expert to lend a helping hand with some of the jobs ahead of you. It’s a good idea to get two or three quotes for the work if you can, but before diving in and going with the cheapest one, ask yourself:

Why is their quote so low? What’s the quality of the materials they’ll use and their workmanship like? What have they forgotten to quote that will add extra costs later?

A tradie’s experience should never be undervalued either. Someone with a proven track record may charge more, but their expertise can save you from costly mistakes. Ask for references and check their previous work too. And you can read reviews and see what past clients say about their experience.

If you’re not sure where to start looking for a local tradie, ask a Tradelink team member . As a local business, we know who’s who in your local area and can provide some names for you to consider.

Mistake #5: Turning A Blind Eye To Existing Issues

Once you start your reno – especially if you’ve got an older home – you might find yourself uncovering problems you didn’t know existed. While it can be tempting to turn a blind eye to these things—you shouldn’t. Addressing them there and then is what you need to do.

That’s because tackling these problems early can save you a lot of money and stress down the road. There’s no point in renovating your space if you’re covering up existing structural problems.

So, before you dive into your renovation project, take a good look at what’s behind the walls and under the floors. If you don’t, they could come back to haunt you later!

Mistake #6: Measuring Once When You Should Have Measured Twice!

Even the smallest measurement error can throw a serious wrench in your renovation plans. Whether it’s countertops, cabinets, or custom-built items, a missed measurement can lead to delays that stretch for days or weeks.

To avoid this headache, double-check your measurements. Make sure you or your tradies measure everything more than once. And before you start spending money on fixtures, appliances, and supplies, finalise all your measurements so you’re not left with items that simply won’t fit.

Mistake #7: Not Being Realistic About Your Timeline

Regardless of the renovation, it’s easy to underestimate how long it will take. It’s not uncommon for projects to run longer than expected, and if you’re not prepared for delays, it can lead to unnecessary stress and frustration.

To keep your sanity intact, build a realistic timeline for your renovation. Consider adding buffer time for each phase of the project—this way, if things take a little longer than planned, you won't be scrambling to adjust. Communicating with your tradies and team about potential delays can also help you set a more accurate timeline.

Navigating the world of home renovations can be as rewarding as it is challenging. By being aware of these common mistakes like these, you can set yourself up for success.

Taking the time to plan carefully, invest in quality, and communicate with professionals will help ensure that your renovation enhances your home and adds long-term value.

Remember, if you’ve got questions, reach out to your friendly local Tradelink team at any of our locations.