13 Most Expensive Renovation Mistakes You Can Make—and How to Avoid Them

Home renovations are a big undertaking. While HGTV shows can make the process seem like it's all fun and games, in reality, these projects often take a lot longer and cost a lot more money than people expect. However, that shouldn't keep you from upgrading your home to your liking—there's just a long laundry list of things you should consider before you take a sledgehammer to any of your walls.

You can start by learning from the mistakes people have made before you. The experts at home insurance company Hippo share a list of the most expensive home renovation mistakes. Keep reading to know what to avoid when you're planning a renovation project—so that you don't end up wasting your time and money.

Not reviewing homeowners insurance coverage

Always, always review your homeowners insurance before starting any major renovation projects—and contact your insurance company to confirm your coverage. If you don't notify your insurance company of certain renovations, this could lead to your policy being canceled or your claims being denied.

Make sure you also understand the difference between maintenance, repairs, and renovations. Depending on which category your home upgrade falls under, you may already be covered, or you may need to consider additional coverage.

Underestimating the project scope and cost

It's easy to get excited about a project and want to start right away, but that enthusiasm can quickly turn into regret if you aren't careful. "If you’re not clear on the steps, timeline, or expenses needed to achieve your goal, pause your project and reassess," says Courtney Klosterman, home insights expert at Hippo. "A realistic understanding of the project's complexity helps you avoid running out of resources or hitting other roadblocks in the middle of a project."

Not planning for surprise issues

It's rare to complete a home project without a few hiccups—which is why so many home experts recommend budgeting extra for those road bumps. Those hiccups could range from water damage, mold, pests, structural issues, and more, all of which can significantly set your project back. Klosterman says it's especially important to budget time and money for these potential issues if you live in an older home, since there's a higher likelihood of running into something problematic.

Ignoring permits and inspections

As much as you might want to believe your home is yours and you can do whatever you want to it—there are still some rules you have to follow. Before starting a project that will alter the footprint of your home, make sure to consider whether or not you'll need a permit or inspection to do so. According to Klosterman, projects that could require permits include cutting holes for new windows and removing or adding plumbing or electrical systems. 

Improvising with incorrect materials and tools

Cutting corners on your project materials and tools may help you save in the short-term, but it can lead to costly issues down the line. You especially should avoid opting for lower-cost materials and tools if they could compromise the safety or quality of your home, Klosterman says.

Neglecting safety precautions

Similarly, cutting corners on safety protocol could cost you on many ways more than one—potentially leading to bodily harm, home damage, or expensive repairs. If you aren't entirely sure what protocol to follow for your home renovation, make sure to consult a professional to ensure all your bases are covered.

Not properly disposing of debris

Many materials used in home renovations require specialized disposal methods. Without following these methods correctly, you could end up being hit with costly fines—along with potentially harming yourself, others, and the environment. So be sure to do your research and make a plan for disposing of your project materials.

Prioritizing design aesthetics over function

While you may want the "after" photos of your project to look exactly like that inspiration photo you saw online—sometimes it's more important to make adjustments for functionality. Too much focus on aesthetics over function can lead to the need for more repairs and renovations down the line.

Underestimating how much of the renovation you can DIY

While it can cost you to overestimate your DIY skills, you can also waste money by underestimating them. Some tasks can be easily learned and completed by novices, and don't necessarily need to be hired out. "Break down the project into smaller tasks," Klosterman recommends. "Identify which tasks you can confidently handle and which require specialized skills."

Setting an unrealistic timeline

Just as you should pad your budget for unexpected hiccups, you should also pad your timeline. Underestimating the time it'll take to complete a project can lead to added costs and frustrations. Make sure to build flexibility into your schedule and prepare for setbacks, Klosterman says.

Hiring a professional without proper research

Hiring the wrong pros to work on your home renovation can lead to subpar workmanship, project delays, budget overruns, and even legal complications, Klosterman says. Make sure to do your research and get referrals from trusted friends and family before hiring anyone to work on your home.

Working off the wrong measurements

The old saying to "measure twice, cut once," applies to so many home DIY projects. Rushing the measurement process can lead to frustrating financial losses that can set your whole project back. So always take your time and double check your measurements before making anything official.

Trying to tackle too many spaces at once

Multitasking your renovation projects can lead to errors, mismanagement of resources, and a decline in the project’s overall quality, says Klosterman. So, don't try to do too much too fast. Instead, prioritize the projects that are most important to your daily routine first, and set realistic timelines and budgets that you can adhere to.