10 DIY Renovation Mistakes to Avoid for a Successful Home Improvement

For most mortgage holders, home renovation projects provide an excellent opportunity to put their personal stamp on the property while adding further value to it.

But while it might be exciting to draw up plans and conceptualise designs, when it comes to actually doing the renovation, there are two distinct schools of thought. Firstly, there are those for whom the very mention of the 'R' word breaks them out in a cold sweat. However, there is also a group of people who can't wait to get started, so much so they begin immediately without really taking the time to think the finer details through.

If you fall into the former category, you'll probably just outsource to the experts and be done with it. But if your mindset is more aligned with the latter, then this article is for you.

It doesn't matter if you are taking on a small-scale makeover or a full-scale refurbishment; embarking on a DIY renovation can be full of potential pitfalls. You simply never know what you might find behind walls, under floors or in the ceiling.

For this reason, we've put together this handy guide of 10 DIY renovation mistakes to avoid. Regardless of whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a complete novice about to start your first home makeover, we hope this guide can save you a lot of time, money and hassle.

1. Lack of Planning

One of the most common mistakes people make when undertaking a DIY renovation is to rush into the project without first taking the time to thoroughly plan it through.

Creating a thorough renovation plan should incorporate various elements including setting a realistic budget, formulating a detailed timeline and defining specific goals for the renovation.

Unfortunately, without a well-thought-out plan, a DIY renovation can easily result in costs spiralling out of control, unforeseen challenges and a haphazard execution, which in turn can compromise the overall quality of the project.

For this reason, you should take the time to research and plan every aspect of your renovation. Doing this will ensure you are more likely to stay on track throughout the process.

2. Ignoring Regulations and Permits

In the excitement of starting their DIY renovation project, some people can get so engrossed in the hands-on aspects of the work that they forget to follow local regulations and obtain the necessary permits required.

Most local councils have strict building codes and permit requirements that need to be followed to ensure any renovation project adheres to safety standards and zoning regulations. Unfortunately, if they are not met, it can lead to serious consequences like legal complications, fines, and even being forced to undo work that has been already completed. Therefore, it pays to follow due process.

3. Misjudging Costs

When it comes to budgeting, it is very easy for DIY renovators to underestimate the cost of the work required. Unfortunately, miscalculations can occur for various reasons including wrongly estimating the cost of materials, not accounting for potential problems during the renovation process and failing to consider hidden fees. As a result, this oversight can lead to your budget quickly running out and your renovation being forced to remain temporarily incomplete.

One way to avoid this scenario is to get quotes (in writing where possible) for all materials, products and services you intend to use - especially from tradies or contractors. You should also add a contingency fund to the budget for unexpected expenses, ideally of at least 10% of its total amount. By doing this, it should provide you with ample financial cover to ensure the project keeps moving along nicely.

4. Not Taking Safety Precautions

As well as neglecting their obligations to obtain necessary permits and follow local, state and federal regulations, many DIY renovators also fail to take the proper safety precautions when carrying out work in their homes.

Often these types of renovation projects involve the use of dangerous tools, heavy or sharp materials, and other potential hazards that have the potential to cause serious injury, accident or significant damage to the property.

For this reason, it is imperative to follow safety guidelines such as wearing safety goggles, using ear protection and ensuring you use tools in the safest and most correct manner.

All it takes is a momentary lapse in concentration for something catastrophic to happen. So, don't take shortcuts or try to do anything too cute.

5. Picking the Wrong Materials

When undertaking a DIY renovation, it is only natural that you will want to keep your costs down as much as you can.

One easy way to do this is to save money on the materials you use. However, choosing materials based solely on their cost without considering other factors such as their durability, suitability and if any maintenance is required, could lead to problems down the line. This may include premature wear and tear, unexpected repairs and a lower-quality aesthetic. Subsequently, you can't overstate how important it is to select the right materials for the work you need to do.

To avoid issues like choosing flooring for a kitchen reno that can't stand up to heavy foot traffic or paint that easily peels under certain conditions, ensure that all your purchases strike the sweet spot of being a quality product that you can afford. Additionally, always think long-term for anything you buy and seek guidance from professionals If necessary.

6. Don't Ignore Professional Advice

Embarking on a DIY renovation is a commendable attitude to have. After all, not everyone possesses the confidence, drive or determination to see this type of project through. However, it is important to realise that you are not a professional renovator or remodeler, so you should ignore the advice of a professional at your peril.

If you are given professional advice, you would do well to take it because overlooking it can result in you making critical oversights, working on below-par designs, and facing challenges that are completely avoidable.

Moreover, the likes of architects, contractors and structural engineers are highly qualified specialists who bring a wealth of expertise to the table. They offer valuable guidance that can help you do everything from optimising spatial layouts and ensuring code compliance, to foreseeing and preventing potential complications.

Therefore, opting to not take heed of their recommendations is ill-advised.

7. Don’t Rush the Project

When undertaking a DIY renovation, it is easy to get excited about the finished vision you have in your head. However, it is important to recognise that just as Rome wasn't built in a day, your makeover project should not be rushed either.

The best DIY renovations are completed with attention to detail and by adhering to a well-thought-out project timeline. So, by taking the time to do things properly, you will ensure the renovation is completed to the excellent standard you have envisioned.

By contrast, rushing it can only lead to mistakes, which, in all probability, will compromise the overall quality of your workmanship.

8. Avoid Poor Quality Workmanship

Having the enthusiasm to do a DIY renovation project is one thing, but possessing the skills is another thing entirely.

Even with the best of intentions, it can be easy to fall into the trap of doing things like laying down uneven surfaces, improperly installing fixtures and settling for shoddy finishing. Furthermore, poor workmanship can lead to functional issues and the added cost of repairing or replacing them in the future.

When doing any element of the renovation you are not really au fait with, it is worth watching YouTube tutorials to learn the proper technique required for it. In addition, make sure you use quality tools and materials that will help you do the job properly and also be honest with yourself about your abilities. If you feel that a task is beyond your skill level, don't be afraid to hire a professional to ensure a high-quality finish is produced.

9. Get Rid of Your Rubbish

DIY Renovations can be messy affairs that create a lot of rubbish. But amid the debris of demolition and the discarded remnants of old furniture and fixtures, you might soon find yourself with the logistical challenge of getting rid of your rubbish.

One thing you should not do is keep it lying around because if left inside your home, it can be a safety hazard that also slows down your workflow. At the same time, if discarded in a corner of your garden, it can become a magnet for rats or poisonous snakes looking for shelter from the rain or piercing sun.

Ultimately, your best course of action is to dispose of it responsibly - either by taking it to the tip yourself or employing the services of specialists like 1300 Rubbish who practise environmentally conscious removal and disposal practices.

10. Don’t Neglect Lighting

It is easy to overlook the importance of lighting when doing a DIY renovation project, but the truth is that lighting plays a pivotal role in enhancing the look and functionality of any room. Therefore, it is worth paying close attention to it.

A poorly lit space can ruin even the most beautiful of interior designs, as it can make them appear uninviting. Subsequently, it is a good idea to incorporate as much natural and artificial light into a room as you possibly can to enhance its appeal and ambience.

You can do this by creating new windows, changing curtains for blinds and selecting spotlights and fixtures that complement the overall style of the room. Ultimately, the more light you can bring into a room the better. After all, you'll want to showcase your hard work in the most flattering way possible.