Designer Revealed 8 Most Common Mistakes in Renovation

Professionals shared the most common mistakes made during renovation and explained what to consider to avoid regrets later.

Viktoriya Pashinskaya — Designer

You underestimated financial capabilities

Renovation can only begin when you have a specific amount of money available. Otherwise, budget shortages will lead to delays — and those also cost money.

Solution: calculate a clean budget that you currently have for the renovation. If you only have funds for a bathroom renovation, then focus on renovating just the bathroom.

Design by Irina Akhatova

You didn't define the scale and complexity of the renovation

A clear action plan is half the success in any endeavor.

Solution: decide on the type of renovation — cosmetic or capital. If you have specific wishes, it's important to understand how they will be implemented — simple-looking items often involve complex execution.

You didn't select color schemes

The same color can look different in various interiors, depending on lighting and surrounding hues.

Solution: when purchasing finishing materials, ask for samples to try at home or make color tests yourself — to see how the color behaves in your space at different times of day. Ideally, gather all elements together: floor covering, wall material, and a sample of future furniture.

Design by Julia Vlasova

You haphazardly bought materials

You must understand right away which finishing materials you’ll use — this directly affects surface preparation methods, which in turn determines labor costs.

Solution: choosing regular painting will save significantly. Great wallpapers can also often be found at very low prices. Important: always use materials from the same batch — otherwise, shades may not match.

You didn't plan the layout

The most important aspect is a well-thought-out layout with furniture placement, installation and demolition plans, and electrical wiring. When you have these drawings at hand, it helps to create a more accurate estimate and simplifies the task of laying utilities. When you clearly know where each piece of equipment and furniture will be placed, you can save well on cable conduits, baseboards with hidden channels, and outlets.

Solution: you can install any free planner and design the layout yourself. Alternatively, conduct a measurement (remember to account for ventilation, radiators, utilities, window heights, floor level differences, and all wall deviations). Draw the room on millimeter paper. Important: check doorways, door swing width, and opening sizes.

Design by Maria Zaitseva

You made incorrect measurements

A professional measurement will give more accurate data and allow you to adjust plans ahead of time — better to do it now than pay extra later for corrections.

Solution: invite the contractor you plan to hire for the renovation and the designer for consultation — to ensure everything is properly considered. Some studios may offer free consultations. If you're not using standard furniture, call the measurer from the company that will make your custom furniture. Use expert advice on ventilation systems, air conditioners, and intercoms.

You chose the wrong team

Be cautious when hiring a construction crew based on recommendations from friends — it's important to see the completed project with your own eyes.

Solution: don’t be swayed by low prices — usually, half the work is not accounted for in such cases. Always request and review a list of works. If your project is handled by a designer, it's better to choose a team they've already worked with.

Design by Irina Vinnevskaya

You didn't create a budget

Without a quality estimate, there's a risk of buying something you don't actually need.

Solution: during renovation, many tasks go unnoticed by ordinary people, so it's essential to discuss every stage from start to finish and compile a detailed list. After that, you’ll see what’s really necessary.