Home renovations are exciting, but they can quickly become expensive if things don’t go to plan. A small oversight or rushed decision can lead to unexpected costs, delays, or poor results that need fixing later.
Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, adding space, or giving your home a fresh look, avoiding these common renovation mistakes can save you thousands of pounds and a lot of stress.
1. Starting Without a Clear Plan
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is diving into a renovation without a detailed plan. Changing your mind once the work has started often means paying for materials or labour twice.
Before you begin, outline your budget, timeline, and design choices. Get multiple quotes from contractors and plan for possible delays.
Helpful steps to plan properly:
- Research and price materials before starting
- Confirm your contractor’s availability and schedule
- Set aside at least 10% of your budget for unexpected costs
- Store items safely in self storage to keep work areas clear
For full renovation planning advice, visit our Home Improvements page.
2. Not Protecting Your Belongings
Dust, debris, and paint splashes can cause serious damage to furniture and personal items. Even a simple decorating job can leave your belongings covered or scratched.
Protecting items properly before work begins will save you from expensive replacements later.
Tips to prevent damage:
- Move valuable furniture into temporary storage
- Cover what stays behind with dust sheets or plastic wrap
- Keep electronics and fabrics away from the renovation area
- Use secure storage units for longer projects
3. Underestimating the Cost of Materials
Renovation budgets can spiral fast, especially if you underestimate the price of quality materials or fixtures. Cheap alternatives might look appealing but often wear out faster or need replacing sooner.
To stay on budget:
- Get at least three quotes for every major purchase
- Ask suppliers about trade discounts or bulk pricing
- Include delivery fees in your budget
- Always check return policies before ordering large items
If your home becomes overcrowded during the project, consider using storage space to keep materials or tools safe and organised.
4. Ignoring Timing and Scheduling
Another costly mistake is poor scheduling. Renovations often involve multiple trades — builders, electricians, decorators — who need to work in a specific order. If one stage runs late, everything after it gets delayed too.
Avoid timing problems by:
- Confirming contractor dates in advance
- Allowing buffer days between key stages
- Ordering materials early to avoid delivery delays
- Using storage to store completed furniture until installation day
A realistic schedule keeps everyone on track and reduces the chance of paying for idle time.
5. Not Preparing for the Mess
Even with careful contractors, renovations are messy. Dust spreads, paint splatters, and clutter builds up fast. Not preparing for the mess can lead to extra cleaning bills or accidental damage.
Simple steps to stay in control:
- Seal off renovation areas with plastic sheeting
- Use old rugs or cardboard to protect floors
- Keep cleaning supplies close by
- Move items into storage until work is complete
Our Free Van Hire and Free Collection and Removals services make moving items into storage quick and easy, so you can focus on the renovation itself.
Final Thoughts
Renovating your home can be rewarding, but it’s easy to make mistakes that cost more than expected. Careful planning, proper protection, and a little extra preparation can save you thousands and keep your project on track.
If you’re renovating in or around Manchester, Cheap Storage Manchester can help keep your furniture, tools, and materials safe until your project is complete.
Visit our Prices page or Contact us to find the right storage unit for your renovation plans.
