Decalogue of mistakes to avoid when carrying out an integral reform


If you are one of those who think that nothing can go wrong when doing a home renovation, you are very wrong! Undertaking a renovation project implies, in most cases, a complete change in the rooms of our home. This brings with it several risks, such as that the final result of the reform is not as expected or that the initial budget that was planned to spend is exceeded.
For this reason, and in order to avoid future problems or personal displeasure, today we are going to list the 10 mistakes to avoid when doing a house renovation. Let’s start!
1. Not being clear about the objective of the reform
Before getting down to work it is essential to define what you want to achieve with the reform: expand the space, get more bright rooms, create new rooms for leisure or rest, etc..
In many occasions, the proprietors transfer us preconceived ideas that are erroneous and that must be avoided in the reform of a home, so that the final result is not all a failure.
For example, there are many who still think that open space kitchens are not practical and also extend the smell of food to the other rooms of the home. However, these space-integrated kitchens are becoming more and more common, becoming one of the most functional models in the design of single-family homes.
The preconceived idea that we have of this distribution of the home comes from long ago, when the smoke extraction systems were not so powerful and effective. But, nowadays, numerous appliance factories are working every day to improve these extraction systems and to be able to enjoy a kitchen open to the living room free of odors.
What is certain is that open kitchens must always be tidy and cleaned more frequently. This is essential for them to become functional and aesthetically beautiful kitchens. So, if you are a neat freak, it may not be the best option to have a kitchen integrated to the rest of the spaces in your home.
2. To plan spaces that are not going to be functional
A mistake that is closely linked to the previous one! Not having a clear idea can make the success of any renovation fail and lead to the creation of spaces that we do not need.
For example, many homeowners sacrifice a room in the home to create a guest room, when they only receive visitors at home once a year. It is not smart to spend effort and money on renovating such a room if it is not going to be used properly. Therefore, it is better to think about what activities we carry out in our home and think about the distribution that we are going to give to each room so that we can make the most of it.
However, there are reforms that are appropriate, such as the location of offices for teleworking. Since the pandemic have proliferated home renovations and many people have decided to locate small home offices to work from home.
Spaces that today are essential, since this new way of working seems to be here to stay.
3. Think about half reforms to save money
Half reforms do not solve problems in the long term. As well as thinking that you alone will be able to solve the flaws in your home.
Overlooking a conflict, thinking that you can fix it later, is a mistake you should not make. It is better to get down to work when the problem arises and think of the best solution.
Another common mistake is to believe that you can do the easy things yourself, in order to save money. But there are interventions that, although they may seem simple, can be a real headache.
4. Not having the help of a professional
Don’t manage the project on your own! This is one of the 10 mistakes to avoid when doing a house renovation. It is preferable to leave in the hands of a professional the project you have in mind, as well as all the issues that have to do with the monitoring of the work and the resolution of unforeseen events.
Think that the professionals will know who to ask for the materials of the reform and how to get them at a more economical price. In addition, and due to their experience, they will know how to solve problems that seem unsolvable to you.
To choose the right interior design studio and the right professionals, we recommend you to consult several options. The opinions of other clients can also be of great help to you not to make a mistake with the final choice.
5. Not requesting a building permit
Another separate issue is the building permits, a paperwork that can become hell if you do not know the procedures to follow. With any reform you must inform the city council where you live that you are doing works at home.
The most usual thing is that the professionals that you have contracted do it for you, making sure that you have the reform legally informed.


6. Not setting an initial budget
One of the mistakes to avoid when doing a house renovation is not to agree on a renovation budget. Set the costs before starting the work and add an item or estimate to deal with unforeseen events that may occur throughout the reform project.
Another fact that can help you is to request a budget itemized to the professionals you hire to make your reform to measure. This way, you will avoid unpleasant surprises and you will have clearly specified and detailed the cost of each action to be carried out: demolition, carpentry work, painting, etc.
7. Not to think about the distribution of furniture and decorative accessories
Many of the renovation projects that come to our studio are of this type. Several homeowners do not know how to furnish the rooms of their home. Nor what decoration combines best with the style of your home, or what elements will be more practical and functional.
Many even buy the furniture before finishing the renovation. Something that is very risky, since the final result of the reform may have some changes and make the purchased furniture does not fit well or do not combine perfectly.
Prioritizing aesthetics and the latest trends in decoration over our needs is another of the most common mistakes. It is very important that the furniture, decorative complements and home textile accessories adapt to your style and are practical.
8. To be in a hurry to finish the renovation soon
The works do not last two days, but in most cases they are usually long and annoying. In addition, problems may arise with the arrival of materials, changes of opinion or unforeseen events due to some pathology that has appeared in the house and that you did not know previously existed.
Be patient and courageous!
9. Forgetting security
One of the mistakes to avoid when doing an integral reform is not to think about the safety of the workers. Make sure that the company you have chosen has contracted a civil liability insurance, as well as having all its workers registered with the Social Security.
Accidents on construction sites happen when you least expect them, so it is very important to be prepared for any unforeseen event.
10. Not keeping purchase receipts and warranty contracts
We recommend that you always keep the invoice or purchase receipt to resolve the arrival of broken or defective materials.
This is something we tend to forget, but it is essential to prove to the supplier that the products they have sent us are in poor condition and that they are under warranty and can be replaced.
We hope that this decalogue with the mistakes to avoid when doing a home renovation has been of great help to you. If you still have any doubts, don’t forget to take a look at the first 10 steps to follow in a house renovation. See you in the next article!