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10 Renovation Challenges Homeowners Face & How to Solve Them

Renovations, while exciting, can be a minefield of unexpected hurdles. From managing costs to dealing with logistics, there’s plenty to trip you up. But don’t panic – with the right planning and mindset, you can tackle these issues head-on and come out the other side with your dream space intact. Let’s dive into the most common renovation challenges and how to solve them.

The 10 Renovation Challenges

 

1. NOT RETRIEVING YOUR EICR REPORT

The Problem: Failing to get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at the end of a project can leave you with unsafe electrics and difficulties selling your house later.

The Solution: An EICR is essential for certifying that your electrical work is safe and up to current standards. Make sure your electrician provides this before they sign off on the project. Without it, you could face legal and safety issues. It’s also a required document for selling your home, so keep it filed with your other important documents.

 

2. CONFRONTATIONS WITH BUILDERS OVER WHAT WAS ‘AGREED’ 

The Problem: Disagreements with builders can occur when expectations aren’t clear.

The Solution: Always have a contract in place. A detailed scope of works breakdown paired with a payment plan is essential. Make sure to check their insurance and request a guarantee, which should cover faulty workmanship for at least two years. For guidance, you can refer to a builder vs. client contract template, available through online legal resources such as Simply Docs.

 

3. SPIRALLING COSTS 

The Problem: One of the most common nightmares during a renovation is watching the costs spiral out of control.

The Solution: Set aside a contingency fund and create an accurate Scope of Works (SOW) document. Having a clear budget from the outset, plus a 10-15% cushion, will help you stay in control. For more advice, check out our post on how to plan your renovation budget.

4. MISSING MATERIALS ON SITE

The Problem: Builders turning up but can’t continue work because materials aren’t available can cause huge delays.

The Solution: Ensure all materials are ordered and available ahead of time. Clarify with your builder which items you’ll need on site for the first fix, especially for kitchen and bathroom renovations. First fix typically refers to essential elements that go into the structure before walls are closed up, such as plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, ventilation, and drainage. In a kitchen or bathroom, this includes water supply pipes, waste pipes, and electrical wiring for appliances, lights, and switches. These must be installed early to ensure a smooth second fix, where visible fixtures (e.g., cabinets, sinks, and tiles) are added later.

 

5. UNSORTED LOGISTICS (SKIP HIRE, PARKING PERMITS ETC)

The Problem: Forgetting about logistics like skip hire, parking permits for tradespeople, or even getting the right permissions can cause chaos.

The Solution: Before starting any work, plan out all necessary logistics. Organise parking permits or road space for skip hire, and ensure all your tradespeople know where they can park. If you’re working on a listed property or in a conservation area, check with the local council about permitted development rules before work starts.

 

6. SKIPPING STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS OR BUILDING CONTROL

The Problem: Structural issues or building compliance can bring your renovation to a halt if you haven’t involved the right professionals.

The Solution: If you’re making structural changes, always involve a structural engineer (SE) and get building control sign-off. For example, if you’re knocking through a load-bearing wall, you’ll need an SE to calculate the correct load distribution and design the steel beam. Failing to do this can result in serious safety issues and costly delays. Early involvement of these professionals ensures everything is above board and in line with regulations.

7. FINDING ROTTEN FLOORBOARDS OR WALLS

The Problem: Ripping up floorboards or walls, especially in older properties, can reveal rotten timber or structural issues that weren’t visible before.

The Solution: Always anticipate the possibility of hidden damage. Have a qualified surveyor or structural engineer assess your property before demolition begins. If you do discover rotting timber or structural issues, stop work immediately and bring in a specialist to assess the extent of the damage. Budgeting for these surprises in advance can save you from panic and help keep your project on track.

 

8. UNEXPECTED DELAYS FOR ITEMS 

The Problem: Suppliers often experience delays – we see it all the time. Items like bespoke furniture, tiles, or items coming from Europe often experience delays.

The Solution: Confirm lead times before your project kicks off, and allow a buffer for unexpected delays of around 2-3 weeks. So get those orders in early especially if they’re important items that need to be plumbed in etc. Find out key dates from your builder so you know when you need what on site.

 

9. MANAGING NEIGHBOUR COMPLAINTS

The Problem: Renovations can be noisy, and your neighbours may not appreciate the disturbance.

The Solution: Keep communication open with your neighbours, letting them know your renovation timeline and the expected duration of noisy works. Most importantly, work within agreed hours – the last thing you need is a complaint to the council delaying your project.

10. DECISION PARALYSIS, OVERWHELM & RUSHING ON SITE DECISIONS 

The Problem: So many decisions! From fixtures to finishes, the sheer number of choices can overwhelm you, causing delays.
The Solution: Hire an interior designer (hi, that’s us!) to guide you through the process. We can streamline the decision-making, suggest alternatives, and ensure every choice ties together for a cohesive result. See our online services here.

 


In Summary

Renovations can be stressful, but they don’t have to be. Planning, communication, and a good support team (builders, designers, and contractors) will help you stay on track. By understanding the potential pitfalls and preparing for them, you can navigate the process with confidence and achieve the beautiful results you’re aiming for. Below are some additional guides you may find useful when planning a renovation.

A guide to renovations by ‘Home Notes’
7 renovation tips for a stress free process

 

 

 

All photography by Richard Kiely 

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