5 common home renovation mistakes (and wow to avoid them)
with the help of Nova Design & Build London
Renovating your home is a big decision—one that involves your time, money, and trust. Done right, it can completely transform your space, improve functionality, and add significant value to your property. But without the right preparation and team, it can quickly become stressful, expensive, and full of regrets.
At Nova Design & Build London, we've helped dozens of homeowners across London navigate home refurbishments, extensions, and loft conversions. Along the way, we've seen patterns in what goes wrong—and more importantly, what makes a renovation truly successful.
Below are five of the most common mistakes people make when renovating their homes and some simple ways to avoid them.
1. Underestimating the budget
This is, hands down, the most frequent issue we encounter. Many homeowners begin with a rough idea of what they hope to spend, based on what they’ve seen online or heard from friends. But every home is unique, especially in London where older properties may hide unexpected issues behind walls or under floors.
Tip: Get detailed quotes from trusted builders and always add at least 10–15% contingency for surprises. Whether it's rewiring, damp, or structural issues—something unexpected almost always comes up.
2. Skipping the planning phase
Planning might not be the most glamorous part of a renovation, but it is by far the most important. Jumping straight into work without proper architectural drawings, building regulations approval, or a defined schedule can lead to chaos and costly delays.
Tip: Spend time upfront finalizing the design, materials, and timeline. If you’re working with a design and build company, they can streamline this process by managing planning, design, and construction under one roof—something we do for our clients to keep things smooth.
3. Choosing the cheapest quote
It’s tempting to go with the cheapest quote, especially when you're facing a tight budget. But low quotes often mean something is being left out—either in the materials, the scope of work, or the finish quality. We’ve been called in more than once to fix projects where corners were cut.
Tip: Choose a contractor who is transparent, experienced, and ideally endorsed by review platforms like TrustATrader, Which? Trusted Trader, or Houzz. Check reviews, ask for references, and compare the details of each quote—not just the bottom line.
4. Neglecting design
While function is key, great renovations blend practicality with beautiful design. Homeowners often focus solely on the build and leave design decisions to the last minute, resulting in mismatched finishes, poor lighting layouts, or missed opportunities for better use of space.
Tip: Think holistically. How do you want the space to feel? How will you move through it? Will natural light be maximised? Working with a design and build team allows your aesthetic vision and structural needs to evolve together—saving both time and compromise.
5. Poor communication
No matter how experienced your builder is, without proper communication, things can go sideways. Misunderstandings about scope, timelines, or design choices can lead to tension or expensive rework.
Tip: Set clear expectations from day one. Weekly site meetings or email updates can make a huge difference. At Nova Design & Build London, we make a point of providing regular updates and a single point of contact throughout the project to keep communication seamless and clients stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Home renovation doesn’t have to be a horror story. With proper planning, realistic budgeting, and the right team behind you, it can be one of the most rewarding investments you make in your home.
If you're based in London and planning a refurbishment, extension, or loft conversion, we’d love to help. At Nova Design & Build London, we pride ourselves on clear communication, quality craftsmanship, and client-focused design. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to break ground, feel free to reach out for advice or a no-obligation quote.
Website: www.novadesignbuild.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 020 453 88421
Address: 86–90 Paul Street, London, EC2A4NE
Facebook: http://facebook.com/nova.design.build.london
Instagram: http://instagram.com/nova.design.build/
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@nova.design.build
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