Top 10 things I wish I knew before renovating my house

by | Jun 27, 2025 | Blogs

Modern galley kitchen renovation with new flooring, sleek cabinetry, and minimalist finishes

Renovating a home is an exciting journey, it’s also one of the best ways to increase your properties value – if it’s done right. But without the right preparation, it can quickly turn into a stressful and costly experience.

There are so many things to know before renovating a house—far beyond choosing tiles or paint colours. From hidden costs and planning delays to decision fatigue and layout regrets, the renovation process is full of lessons that can come too late.

As an interior designer and someone who has renovated my own homes, plus worked with countless clients who have renovated. I’ve pulled together the top 10 things I wish every client knew before they started renovating. These lessons come from experience, I’m sharing them to help you plan smarter, avoid common pitfalls, and renovate with confidence (and fewer regrets).

 

1. Plan & Prioritise

It’s easy to vastly underestimated how much planning is needed. From electrical and power outlet placements to paint colours, tiles, door hardware every decision has a ripple effect. Planning helps avoid costly mistakes, decision paralysis, and last-minute panic. You can never plan too much.

2. Interior Designer

When considering the key things to know before renovating a house, many homeowners overlook the value of hiring an Interior Designer it’s not just their job to design, a good interior designer is also organised and knows what decisions need to happen first, and can coordinate with other professionals.

3. Expect the Unexpected

Hidden costs are inevitable— structural surprises, specialist site visits, or last-minute upgrades. Set a realistic budget then add at least 20% to cover the unexpected, or additional items you may want to upgrade too.
Old kitchen demolition revealing damaged bench top

4. One of the Hardest Things to Know Before Renovating a House: Timelines Shift

Timelines slip. Always build in a buffer for delays. Renovations rarely finish on schedule. Weather, materials, tradesperson availability, and design changes all cause delays. Pad your timeline generously.

5. Living Through Renovations: Not for the Faint Hearted

Noise, dust, and constant disruptions can wear you down—prepare accordingly. Dust everywhere, noise at odd hours, and a constant lack of privacy—it takes a toll. If you can, move out temporarily or prepare for disruption.
Top 10 things I wish I knew before I renovated my house

6. The Right Contractor Makes or Breaks the Project

Noise, dust, and constant disruptions can wear you down—prepare accordingly. Dust everywhere, noise at odd hours, and a constant lack of privacy—it takes a toll. If you can, move out temporarily or prepare for disruption.

7. Communication Is Everything

Misunderstandings with your contractor can lead to costly mistakes. Have regular check-ins, site meetings and clear email trails to keep everyone on the same page. Ideally, your contractor will have a reliable project manager- your single point of contact, who coordinates trades, resolves issues quickly, and keeps the renovation running smoothly.

8. Function Over Trends

Aesthetic choices are tempting, but practicality pays off in daily life – black hardware may not last as long as you hoped. Choose materials that balance style and durability – will it work for your lifestyle long-term? Functionality should always be factored in.
renovation tips- things to know

9. Decision Fatigue Is Real

There are hundreds of choices. Planning ahead helps avoid burnout. Tiles, taps, handles, lighting, what heights to install bathroom fittings etc… It’s endless. Make selections early and stick to your plan to avoid burnout. (See point 1)

10. It’s All Worth It—Eventually

It’s messy and emotional, but watching your vision come to life is incredibly satisfying. Just don’t expect it to feel that way in the middle of the chaos.

Trust Us—You’ll Want to Know This First

Every renovation is a learning experience, but it doesn’t have to be a painful one. By understanding the key challenges and decisions ahead of time, you can approach your project with clarity, confidence, and realistic expectations.

These are just some of the most important things to know before renovating a house—insights we’ve gained through years of experience and countless conversations with clients who’ve been through it all. Whether you’re updating one room or overhauling your entire home, taking the time to plan, prepare, and get professional guidance from X2 Interior Design & Construction can make all the difference.

Remember: the more informed you are before you begin, the smoother your renovation journey will be.