"Invest time upfront in detailed surveys, planning applications, and designs. A clear, realistic plan is your strongest foundation."
- Costel Radescu - CR Group
Renovating a property can be one of the most rewarding investments you’ll ever make, whether you’re creating your dream home or increasing value for resale. But all too often, what begins as an exciting project becomes a stressful, over-budget, and overdue experience.
As a property renovation expert with over a decade in the industry, I’ve seen firsthand where things go wrong, and more importantly, how to prevent them. Here’s why renovation projects commonly run over time and budget, and what you can do to stay on track.
1. Poor planning from the start
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is underestimating the planning phase. Jumping into construction without a clear roadmap is a recipe for delays and spiralling costs.
Successful renovations begin long before a builder steps on site. You need a clear understanding of your property’s current condition, a realistic scope of works, and detailed costings. Your timeline should include buffers for approvals, sourcing materials, and unexpected findings like hidden structural issues or outdated wiring.
Invest time upfront in detailed surveys, planning applications, and designs. A clear, realistic plan is your strongest foundation.
2. Choosing the wrong team
No matter how good your ideas are, the wrong team will derail your project. This includes everyone from architects and interior designers to builders and tradespeople.
You need professionals who not only understand your vision but also have the foresight to anticipate potential complications. More importantly, you need a contractor with a proven track record, solid references, and a commitment to timelines.
Don’t just go for the cheapest quote. Choose a team based on experience, transparency, and communication.
3. Ignoring party wall agreements
If your renovation affects a shared wall, such as in terraced or semi-detached properties, you’ll likely need a party wall agreement. Many homeowners skip this step, only to face legal hold-ups or neighbour disputes that can stall progress.
Get professional advice early to ensure all legal requirements are handled before work begins.
4. Making decisions mid-build
Another common cause of delays is indecision during construction. Whether it’s changing kitchen layouts or debating floor finishes, every delay in decision-making can throw off the build schedule and increase costs.
Finalise all major design choices before work starts. This includes layouts, fixtures, materials, and finishes. Locking these in will allow your contractor to work efficiently and order materials in advance.
5. Lack of clear communication
Even the best-laid plans can go off track without effective communication. Misunderstandings between homeowners, contractors, and designers can lead to mistakes, rework, and disputes.
Establish clear communication channels from the outset. Regular site meetings and weekly updates are essential to stay informed and address issues promptly.
6. No contingency budget
Renovations often uncover surprises; hidden damp, outdated wiring, or structural issues that weren't obvious during initial inspections. Without a contingency fund, these surprises can derail your budget.
Set aside at least 10–15% of your overall budget as a contingency. It’s better to have it and not need it than to be caught off guard.
7. Unrealistic expectations
TV renovation shows can make transformations look fast and easy. In reality, even small projects can take months, especially with planning permissions, material lead times, or skilled labour availability.
Be realistic about what’s achievable and how long it will take. Building in extra time and managing expectations helps reduce stress when inevitable hiccups occur.
8. Lack of ongoing oversight
Once the build is underway, many homeowners assume the project will manage itself. But without ongoing oversight, you risk drifting off budget or timeline without realising until it’s too late.
Monitor progress weekly, track spend against your budget and check progress against your schedule. Small adjustments early on can prevent major overruns later.
In Summary
Renovation projects are complex, and delays or overspending can happen even with the best intentions. But with thorough planning, the right team, clear communication, and a proactive mindset, you can dramatically reduce the risks.
Whether you’re updating a single room or transforming an entire property, the key is preparation, professionalism, and adaptability. By knowing what to expect and putting the right structure in place, your renovation can be a smooth and satisfying process, not a drawn-out nightmare.
