Renovation hiccups are almost inevitable. It’s rare to find a renovation project that hasn’t encountered at least one unexpected detour or delay on its path to completion. The secret to a successful renovation isn’t avoiding problems altogether—it’s about being prepared to navigate the bumps in the road with resilience and grace.
When you embark on a renovation journey, you quickly discover that there is an astonishing variety of obstacles—both tricky and unexpected—that can throw your plans—and your peace of mind—off course. The key is to plan thoroughly, stay organized, and know when to adapt and roll with the punches.
To help you steer clear of costly delays and budget blowouts, Loni Parker, the insightful editor of Adore Home Magazine, shares her expert tips on how to prepare for renovation hiccups. Her advice focuses on practical strategies that will give you the best shot at sticking to your budget, honoring your timeline, and ultimately enjoying a smoother renovation experience.
1. Choose Your Tradespeople Wisely
According to Loni, the most reliable way to find trustworthy tradespeople is through word of mouth. A recommendation from a friend who recently renovated is pure gold.
“If you know someone who’s just been through a renovation, tap into their experience and ask who they worked with,” she says. “Good tradespeople are worth their weight in gold and finding them early can save you from headaches later.”
Loni stresses the importance of building long-term relationships with your tradespeople. “Once you find someone great, hold on to them for life. They’ll go the extra mile for you—and that loyalty often means better pricing and smoother communication.”
She also points out that some companies offer seamless service packages, like Carpet Court, which includes installation with flooring purchases. “If you choose Carpet Court for your flooring, they handle the entire process from start to finish, taking a big worry off your plate.”
2. Map Out Your Timeline Carefully
Planning your timeline is absolutely crucial. Loni advises that you should first finalize your materials and product choices before booking tradespeople. This clarity prevents last-minute surprises.
“Knowing the order tradespeople need to come in is key,” she explains. “Usually, you’ll start with demolition, then the plumber, followed by the electrician for wiring, and so forth. Each step builds on the last.”
Open communication is essential. “Talk to your trades openly—ask if they need to come before or after someone else. This clarity prevents costly overlaps or delays.”
To keep everything organized, Loni recommends using spreadsheets or calendars to track appointments, deliveries, and deadlines. “Having a system makes it easier to see the whole picture and keep your renovation on track.”
3. Always Have Backup Plans Ready
Sometimes, no matter how well you plan, things don’t go as expected. If a tradesperson repeatedly lets you down or misses appointments, it’s time to make a change.
Loni shares from her own experience: “During my bathroom renovation, I had just two weeks before we moved in. If a carpenter bailed on me that morning, I’d immediately find someone else. You can’t afford to wait around because every delay snowballs and throws off the rest of your timeline.”
To avoid such disasters, Loni recommends gathering at least three quotes for every trade. “That way, if your first choice falls through, you’ve got trusted alternatives ready to step in.” She emphasizes keeping detailed records of all quotes and contacts to streamline this process.
4. Build in a Budget Buffer
Unforeseen expenses are the bane of every renovation budget. Unexpected repairs or material shortages can quickly add up.
Loni’s advice? Don’t stretch your budget to the limit from the start. Instead, leave yourself a comfortable buffer—ideally around 10 to 20% of your total budget.
“It’s smart to set aside a contingency fund,” she says. “Even if you’ve been quoted a fixed price, things happen—maybe you uncover termites behind a wall, or a shipment gets delayed. Having extra funds means you won’t be scrambling or forced to cut corners.”
5. Stay Flexible and Keep Moving Forward
When the unexpected hits, Loni’s mantra is simple: keep pushing ahead.
“Don’t let setbacks stop your progress,” she urges. “Ask other tradespeople if they can work around an obstacle or come back later. Flexibility from everyone involved can help keep the project moving.”
Having multiple quotes, backup plans, and a contingency budget gives you the tools to manage surprises with less stress.
“You simply can’t predict everything that will happen,” Loni reminds us. “You might open a wall and find damage you didn’t expect, or a key product could be delayed. Expect that things won’t always run smoothly—and prepare accordingly.”
In the end, renovation is as much about managing the unexpected as it is about design and construction. With smart planning, trusted tradespeople, and a flexible mindset, you can transform potential hiccups into just minor detours on your path to a beautifully renovated home.