Renovating an old or derelict home is an exciting challenge, but it’s also full of hidden risks. Whether you’re restoring a period property or upgrading a fixer-upper, making the wrong choices can lead to delays, budget overruns, and safety hazards.
To help you plan your project wisely, here are seven of the most common home renovation mistakes—and how to avoid them.
The Mistake: Many homeowners set a budget based on ideal scenarios, forgetting about hidden costs like structural repairs, permits, or material price increases.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Get a detailed quote and add a 15-20% contingency fund for unexpected expenses.
✅ Prioritize essential work before cosmetic upgrades.
The Mistake: Focusing on aesthetics before ensuring the home is structurally sound. Many old properties have hidden damp, subsidence, or outdated electrics that need addressing first.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Have a professional structural survey done before starting work.
✅ Check for damp, rot, foundation cracks, and outdated wiring early on.
The Mistake: Not securing the right permissions or failing to comply with building regulations can lead to fines, delays, or even forced demolitions.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Check with your local planning authority before making major alterations.
✅ Ensure your renovations comply with Irish building codes for safety and energy efficiency. We have written a series of 3 posts on this topic – Part 1 here
The Mistake: Trying to save money by hiring the lowest bidder or taking on professional-level work yourself can lead to poor craftsmanship and costly mistakes.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Research contractors, check reviews, and ask for references from their existing customers.
✅ Get at least three quotes and balance price with quality.
✅ Know your DIY limits—leave structural, electrical, and plumbing work to experts.
✅ Talk to us
The Mistake: Many homeowners underestimate the time required for proper renovations, leading to rushed decisions and sloppy workmanship.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Create a realistic timeline with input from professionals – architect, engineer, surveyor, (us too! 🙋🏼♂️)
✅ Allow for delays—especially in older homes where surprises are common.
The Mistake: Modern materials don’t always work well in older homes. Using cement-based plaster on a stone house or vinyl flooring over damp can cause long-term damage.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Match new materials with the home’s original structure (e.g., lime mortar instead of cement).
✅ Consult a heritage expert if restoring a period property.
The Mistake: Many homeowners focus on visual upgrades but forget to invest in insulation, airtightness, and heating improvements—leading to higher energy bills. You have to work with Fabric First principles
How to Avoid It:
✅ Consider grants for insulation and energy upgrades in Ireland.
✅ Prioritise roof and wall insulation, efficient windows, and modern heating systems before cosmetic work.
Avoiding these common home renovation mistakes will save you time, money, and frustration. A successful renovation isn’t just about making a home look better—it’s about making it safer, stronger, and more efficient.
If you’re planning a home renovation in Ireland, Summit Matters Ltd can help. Contact us today for expert advice and professional craftsmanship.
