The 15 Mistakes to Avoid When Doing a Home Improvement Project
- Michael Marvin
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
Planning a Home Renovation? Don’t Fall Into These Common Traps.
Whether you're updating your kitchen, finishing a basement, or doing a full-home remodel or addition, there’s one truth that always holds: good planning saves time, money, and a whole lot of stress.
At MRVN Architecture, we’ve seen how even the most well-intentioned home improvement projects can go sideways. So we’ve put together a list of the 15 most common renovation mistakes homeowners make—and how to avoid them.
Skipping the Design Phase
Jumping straight to construction without a clear design is like setting off on a road trip without a map. A well-thought-out plan ensures your project stays on track and within budget. Your architect can help you with this.
Not Getting the Right Permits
Unpermitted work can delay your project, void insurance coverage, and create problems when selling your home. It’s always worth the extra step to go by the book. Can permits be a pain? Yes, absolutely, but you're better off dealing with a little pain early than a giant problem later.
Underestimating the Budget
Many homeowners only account for materials and labor, forgetting things like delivery fees, taxes, permits, and contingencies. Construction costs have shot up in the past few years and some homeowners are shocked with how expensive projects have become. Work with your architect to establish a realistic budget at the beginning of design. Once you have a design concept, your and your architect should talk to contractors to verify you're still on track. Price early, price often. Finally, don't forget that a realistic budget includes a 10–20% buffer for the unexpected.
Hiring the Wrong Contractor
Choosing a contractor based solely on price can cost you more in the long run. Unfortunately, the construction industry is dominated by the "man with a van" that will underbid, mismanage, and provide poor work, possibly leaving you on the hook to pay additional money to fix their poor work. Always check a contractor's licensing, insurance, past work, and references before signing anything.
Ignoring the Existing Structure
Your home’s framing, foundation, and systems need to be evaluated before planning major changes. Overlooking these can lead to surprises that derail timelines and budgets. Your architect can do a preliminary evaluation as part of the design process, however it's always a good idea to retain the architect for construction assistance services to verify that the existing structure and systems are in good working order once demolition starts and concealed conditions are exposed.
Poor Space Planning
A beautiful space that doesn’t function well quickly becomes frustrating. Think about how you’ll use the space daily—traffic flow, storage, furniture placement, and flexibility matter.
Choosing Trendy Over Timeless
Trendy design choices can age quickly and feel dated. Aim for a balance—use timeless materials and forms as your base, then layer in trendier elements that are easier to update later. That groovy tile that's on everyone's Pinterest board in 2025 might seem really out of style come 2035. Protect your investment and work with your architect and designer to create something that will be sharp and age well.
DIY-ing Too Much
It’s great to be hands-on, but know your limits. Structural work, electrical, plumbing, and waterproofing are areas where mistakes can be dangerous and expensive to fix. Use professionals when it makes sense, and look for time and savings on easier, less critical parts of the build.
Not Considering Resale Value
Even if you don’t plan to sell anytime soon, resale value should still influence your decisions. Avoid overly personalized or niche upgrades that could turn off future buyers.
Cutting Corners on Materials
Cheaper materials often mean higher maintenance and shorter lifespans. Investing in quality upfront pays off through durability, performance, and fewer repairs down the line. There really is a difference between a $5 per square foot tile and a $15 per square foot tile. Sometimes the more expensive stuff really is worth it.
Not Thinking Long-Term
Your needs may change in a few years. Will the space still work if you have kids, need a home office, or want to age in place? Good design is flexible and future-proof.
Overlooking Natural Light
Natural light affects everything from energy use to mood. Maximize window placement, consider skylights or solar tubes, and avoid blocking light sources with poor layout choices.
Changing the Plan Midway
Last-minute changes can lead to delays, rework, and added costs. Lock in the design and scope before construction begins, and resist the urge to make spontaneous tweaks.
Forgetting About Ventilation
Good ventilation is essential for comfort, air quality, and preventing moisture damage—especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Don’t overlook this key system.
Skipping the Pros Altogether
DIY TV shows make renovations look easy, but there’s a lot behind the scenes. A licensed architect helps you avoid costly errors, unlock smarter design solutions, and keep everything compliant and coordinated. Reputable contractors help you put the project together right. Make sure you're working with both.
A successful renovation starts with the right team. At MRVN Architecture, we help you plan and build better—so you can actually enjoy the process (and the finished result).
