Refurbishing your home can be a daunting and complex project if you’re considering upgrading your interiors and making some changes to how your home looks. There’s a lot that you need to consider, from budget to colour schemes.
The main thing to keep in mind when starting a home renovation project is that there are plenty of things that can go wrong. The best way to avoid the most common mistakes is to be aware of them from the start.
Here are some of the most common mistakes people will make when starting an interior design refurbishment project:
Before You Begin: Set Clear Goals for Your Refurbishment
Before budgets and builders come into play, take a step back and clarify your goals. Are you improving functionality? Preparing your home for resale? Or simply craving a style refresh?
Knowing your priorities early will help guide every decision — from material choices to layout and lighting — and ensure your investment supports your lifestyle.
1. Underestimating the costs
There is a good chance that when you plan a refurbishment of your home, you won’t know how much the end price will be. You might get an approximate quote, but the end charge could be different from this, as there may be a few surprises on the way once the walls start coming down. You must try to stay aware of the likely costs right from the start of the process.
Whilst you may not know how much they are likely to be, you should always err on the side of caution, as overestimating and having money left is much better than underestimating and having to stop your project as you have run out of money.
Top tip: Always build in a buffer; we typically recommend setting aside at least 10–15% of your total budget for unexpected costs. It’s far better to come in under budget than to find yourself stuck mid-project.
2. Underestimating the time
As well as costing money, having your home refurbished also takes time. Of course, the time will vary depending on the level of work you want to be carried out; however, you must be aware of just how long things take.
Be wary of working to a tight deadline. This can put everyone concerned under too much pressure and make the entire process much more stressful than it needs to be. If you think that your project will take a certain length of time, then add another 20% longer onto this, as this will give you some wiggle room.
Build in breathing room: If you estimate 8 weeks, plan for 10. Trust us, future-you will be grateful.
3. Doing it all yourself
DIY is great fun and can help save you money, but it isn’t always the best approach. Unless you are handy with the tools and know what you are doing, you could end up causing more harm than good. This will mean that you end up having to get a professional in to correct your mistakes.
This will not only cost you more but will also take more time, not exactly what you wanted to achieve when you started to think about making changes to your home.
A professional can often get things right the first time, saving you money in the long run. A qualified interior designer can help you make decisions that are not only beautiful but also functional and future-proofed.
4. Hiring a rogue trader
When you hire someone to work on your home, you will trust that they will do whatever they say they can do. However, despite your hopes, this doesn’t always work out the way you want to. There are some companies out there that are not who they say they are.
They don’t have the right level of experience or don’t have the right knowledge. They take your money, and they don’t get the work that you want to be done. Leaving you out of pocket, angry and without the work that you want to be carried out.
This is where hiring an interior designer could also come in handy. Not only can they advise on the design and scheme for your project, but most designers will have a little black book of trusted traders that will ensure a well-done job and at a fair price.
5. Getting your friends on the case
Whilst it is great to have your friends there to help you when you’re refurbishing your home, you should only ask your friend for help if you can trust their abilities. If you think that there is a chance that they could end up messing things up or making even more work for you.
Not only is this bad news for your home renovations, but it could also be bad news for your friendship. You don’t want to fall out with your friend because you asked them to help you with any work you want to do in your home.
Be clear: if the task is critical or specialist, it’s best left to the professionals.
6. Not getting the right permissions
When refurbishing your home, and if you are just planning on interior design-based changes, you will find that there are minimal permissions you will need to have work carried out in your home. That said, it is always important to check what permissions you do need.
If you are missing the right permission for any work that you want to be completed in your home, it could end up causing you a huge headache in the end. Not only can it delay the work that you want to be carried out, but you may even be asked to reverse the work that you have carried out at your own cost.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Skip the Planning Phase
The most beautifully designed rooms begin long before demolition. Take time to plan the layout, lighting, storage, and flow, not just the finishes.
Working with an interior designer from the beginning ensures your space isn’t just stylish, but also smart, efficient, and tailored to how you actually live.
A Note on Sustainability
If you’re refurbishing, it’s a brilliant time to consider sustainable choices. Reclaimed materials, natural paints, and energy-efficient lighting not only reduce your footprint, they often lead to a healthier, more timeless home.
Even small decisions, like choosing British-made furnishings or upcycling a beloved piece, can make a big difference. Learn more about sustainability in interior design.
How to Renovate Without Regret
A successful home refurbishment is all about planning, communication, and knowing when to bring in the experts.
If you’re just getting started, our Residential Interior Design Service can help you clarify your vision, avoid common pitfalls, and connect with trusted professionals. From concept to completion, we’ll help you bring your space to life — beautifully and confidently.
Not sure where to begin? Book a free consultation and let’s talk about your project.
Get a dream house that you can be proud of, with just a little help from the experts. Get in touch with us and learn more about our amazing bespoke interior design service and how it can help you. Looking for some inspiration? Check out our Pinterest boards.
Speaking of Interiors,
Interior Designers, London