Home renovation projects always start with a dream. You want fresh paint, stylish tiles shiny in your kitchen worktops, and maybe an even a Pinterest worthy glow up that turns your house into a sanctuary. But then the reality hits. There's dust everywhere, mysterious delays, unexpected costs, and at least one moment where you question every decision.
Renovating your home is both thrilling and mildly chaotic, like riding a roller coaster that you personally paid for and can't get off. But with a few smart do's and don'ts, you can steer the chaos in your favour and end up with a home you absolutely adore. So let's grab your hard hat and dive into the friendly, slightly sassy do's and don'ts of home renovation.
Do plan like you're going to present it to the Queen.
Before you pick up a paintbrush or start swinging a hammer, you need a plan. A real plan rather than one that you figure out as you go. Good planning means setting yourself a realistic budget and knowing your timeline. With that budget, you then have to research your materials and understand the work that's involved. You should also have your plan for delays in your plan for the Reno. When you plan well, you reduce stress, minimise surprises and prevent the project from spiralling into a free for all.
Don't underestimate the budget. Ever. Seriously.
If you think something is going to cost you more than you expect, assume it's going to cost more than that. Renovation maths is just chaotic that way. Things go wrong, materials change price, you might discover hidden problems, or you'll walk into a shop and fall in love with a light fixture that costs more than your soul. Kitchen worktops, for example, are not cheap. So if you're going to make sure that you replace all the kitchen worktops, always budget a little bit more by about 10 to 20.It's not being pessimistic, by the way. It's smart.
Do choose your contractors wisely.
If you're hiring professionals, you want to choose people who have good reviews, are properly insured, and communicate clearly. You don't want to make your gut screen run, and a good contractor is worth their weight in gold, or at least worth the money you're paying them. Always ask for references. A reputable contractor will hand them over proudly rather than dodge the question like they're in a crime documentary.
Don't rely on the cheapest option.
There's affordable and then there's too affordable. If someone's quote is suspiciously low, it usually means a cut in corners, using low quality materials, they're inexperienced, or they're desperate for a reason. That's not to say they're expensive automatically means better, but in renovations, cheap often becomes expensive later. You want to choose value, not just cost, and that's why it's so important to get more than two or three quotes.
Do expect dust everywhere.
You may think you've sealed doorways, covered furniture, and protected surfaces. That's adorable. Dust will still find you during a renovation. Renovation dust is rather like glitter. It travels everywhere, it lingers, and it appears in places it should never logically reach. Mentally preparing for a temporary mess and embracing the idea that chaos is part of the journey will help. It will eventually settle, and so will you.
Don't renovate without thinking about daily life.
Renovations can really disrupt your routine, and that's just the deal. If you're redoing the bathroom, where will you shower? If you're ripping up the kitchen, how will you cook? Spoiler alert, you won't just stock up on sandwiches. Before starting any project, consider where you'll eat, where you'll store things. Will pets be safe? Will kids be climbing on ladders that they shouldn't? The more prepared you are, the less meltdowny things tend to get.
Do keep communication open and honest.
Whether you're working with contractors or doing the project with a partner, communication is absolutely essential. Say what you want, ask questions, share concerns, check progress, clarify details. Silence often leads to surprises, and renovation surprises are almost never a good one.
Don't change your mind every 5 minutes.
I get it, you saw a new tile on Instagram, you found a prettier paint colour. Suddenly the style you chose last week feels meh. But constantly changing your mind mid project is how renovations go over budget, over schedule and over your stress limit. Choose thoughtfully and sleep on your decisions before you commit - unless there's a really good reason to change.
Do focus on function as much as style.
A beautiful home is great, but a beautiful home that actually works for your needs is legendary. When planning a renovation? Ask yourself whether or not the layout makes sense and will the space still serve you in five years. You want to know that you're choosing style over sanity and whether it's durable enough for your lifestyle. Form and function are soul mates, so don't separate those.
Don't forget the power of small upgrades.
Not every renovation needs to be dramatic. Sometimes it's the smaller stuff that transforms a space just as much. Switching cabinet handles or updating lighting, for example, can really help to open up your kitchen. Adding open shelving, painting walls or doors, and replacing any fixtures or fittings are many upgrades that offer maximum impact. You also end up with minimal chaos, and that's never a bad idea.
Do keep the future in mind.
Your renovation should improve your life now, but also makes sense later on.If you plan to sell the house eventually, think about long term appeal. If you plan to stay, consider durability and practicality. Future proofing prevents regret, whether it's choosing materials that last, layouts that adapt or design.
Home renovation projects are a wild ride. Follow the dues, avoid the don'ts, and embrace the chaos with a smile. When it's all over, you'll be standing in a space you love, and trust me, it feels fantastic.
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