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5 Home Renovation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Renovating your home is an exciting journey, but it doesn’t come easily. There is nothing quite like seeing your vision come to life and creating a space that reflects your family’s style and needs.
The good news? Most renovation mistakes are completely avoidable with the right planning and a bit of know-how. Whether you’re overhauling your kitchen, updating your bathroom, or giving your living spaces a fresh new look, staying clear of these common traps can save you time, money, and stress.
At Luma, we’re all about making renovations easier, smarter, and more rewarding. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top five renovation mistakes—and how to avoid them. Let’s help you get it right the first time
1. Blowing The Budget
No matter how big or small your renovation plans are, setting a budget is non-negotiable. Without one, it’s easy for costs to spiral out of control, leaving you with a half-finished project and a maxed-out bank account.
How to Avoid it:
Start by calculating how much you’re willing to spend on the project. Include all the essentials—materials, labour and permits—and don’t forget to leave a little wiggle room for unexpected costs. Once your budget is set, stick to it!
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2. Gaps, Overhangs, and Tight Squeezes
Precision is everything when it comes to renovations. A single miscalculation can throw off your entire design, causing delays and extra expenses (no one wants that).
How to Avoid It:
Measure everything—accurately and more than once! Include walls, floors, doorways, and even appliance spaces. Double-check clearances for doors, drawers, and walkways to avoid any awkward surprises. Not sure where to start? Luma’s design tools and resources can help tailor your renovation specific to the material sizes you need.
3. Skipping the Planning Stage
Jumping straight into renovations without a solid plan is a surefire way to run into problems. Rushing decisions on layouts, materials, and trades can lead to costly mistakes, unexpected delays, and a final result that doesn’t quite meet your expectations. A lack of planning often means extra time spent reworking designs, waiting on materials, or fixing avoidable errors—pushing your project timeline out further than expected.
How to Avoid It:
Start with a well-thought-out plan. Research your options, create mood boards, and ensure your design works for both aesthetics and functionality. Visit showrooms, compare materials, and read reviews before committing to anything. A clear plan from the start will help streamline the process and keep your renovation on schedule.
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4. Difficulty Finding or Fitting Appliances
It might seem logical to pick appliances after designing your space, but this approach can lead to headaches when they don’t fit or match your layout. By choosing them after, you pigeonhole yourself to certain sizes and functions.
How To Avoid It:
Plan your appliances early. Knowing the exact dimensions and specifications of your fridge, oven, and dishwasher will help you design cabinetry and layouts that work seamlessly with your choices. Plus, it saves you the stress of last-minute changes.
Luma makes it simple to integrate your appliance choices into your plans from the start, and we have a large range of appliances to choose from on our website.
5. Ignoring Functionality for Aesthetics
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of beautiful Pinterest boards and Instagram inspiration, but don’t forget: your home has to be functional too.
How To Avoid It:
Think about how you use your space daily. Do you need extra storage? Is your layout convenient for cooking, entertaining, or relaxing? The best renovations blend style and practicality to suit your lifestyle.
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Home renovations can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach and a little guidance, they don’t have to be. At Luma, we’re here to help you avoid common mistakes, stay on track and achieve the home you’ve always wanted. With our wide range of products and expert tips, your dream renovation is just a click away. To start your project, visit our website and start shopping today!