Mistakes to Avoid When Renovating After a Move

Moving to a new home is exciting, but rushing into renovations right away can lead to costly mistakes and regret. According to the U.S. Houzz & Home Study, new home buyers invested up to $30,000 in renovations double the current national median, often making expensive errors that could have been avoided with proper planning.

The Biggest Mistake: Renovating Too Soon

Why You Should Wait Before Renovating

The most common mistake new homeowners make is jumping into renovations immediately after moving. After living in the home for six months and then a year, our thoughts on what we wanted to do to the house changed radically.

When you first move in, you're looking at your new space through fresh eyes. But your needs and preferences can change dramatically once you actually live there. That beautiful open-concept kitchen you dreamed of might not work well for your family's daily routine.

How Long Should You Wait?

Most experts recommend waiting at least 6-12 months before starting major renovations. This gives you time to:

• See how natural light moves through your home during different seasons
• Understand traffic patterns and how your family uses each space
• Identify which rooms actually need work versus which ones just look outdated
• Spot potential problems that weren't obvious during your initial walkthrough

Critical Pre-Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Home Inspection

I highly recommend homeowners get a home inspection before they renovate. You should know the condition of your house so you know where to spend your money. Many people skip this step if they already had an inspection before buying, but a renovation-focused inspection is different.

A pre-renovation inspection should look for:

• Structural issues that need addressing first
• Electrical problems that could affect your plans
• Plumbing concerns in areas you want to renovate
• Hidden damage behind walls or under floors

Not Addressing Structural Issues First

I also always tell homeowners to address issues with their home's structure first. So roof, foundation, windows, doors, that sort of thing. It's tempting to jump straight into fun projects like kitchen remodels, but structural problems should always come first.

Priority order for renovations:

1. Roof and foundation repairs
2. Electrical and plumbing updates
3. Windows and doors
4. Interior renovations

Ignoring Permit Requirements

As a homeowner, it's your responsibility to ensure a permit is pulled for your renovation. Some contractors might suggest you don't need permits to save money, but this can backfire badly. If the city discovers unpermitted work, you could be forced to tear everything down and start over. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission emphasizes that permits help ensure work meets safety standards and protects your family from hazards.

Always pull permits for:

• Electrical work
• Plumbing changes
• Structural modifications
• Adding square footage
• Major system upgrades

Budget and Planning Mistakes

Underestimating Renovation Costs

About 78% of homeowners went over budget on their last renovation, with many exceeding their budget by $10,000 or more. After moving expenses, your renovation budget might already be stretched thin. The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies reports that Americans spent $472 billion on home improvements in 2022, with costs continuing to rise due to inflation and supply chain issues.

Smart budgeting tips:

• Add 20-30% buffer to your initial budget
• Get quotes from at least three contractors
• Research material costs thoroughly
• Plan for unexpected discoveries during demolition

Choosing Contractors Based on Price Alone

A thrifty homeowner might look at that low quote and think they've struck the jackpot – but all is not what it may seem. The cheapest contractor is rarely the best choice, especially when you're already dealing with moving stress.

Look for contractors who:

• Have proper licensing and insurance
• Provide detailed written estimates
• Have good references from recent projects
• Communicate clearly and professionally
• Specialize in your type of renovation

Not Having a Clear Plan

Before you start planning a home remodel check out our list of common renovation mistakes with advice from Remodelers Advantage Inc. Starting without a detailed plan leads to scope creep, budget overruns, and disappointing results.

Your renovation plan should include:

• Specific goals for each room
• Detailed budget breakdown
• Timeline with milestones
• Material and fixture selections
• Contingency plans for problems

Room-Specific Renovation Mistakes

Kitchen Renovation Errors

Kitchens are the most expensive room to renovate, with the National Association of Realtors reporting that median spend on kitchen renovations rose by 20% to reach an average of $24,000. Common mistakes include:

Poor layout planning: Not considering the work triangle between sink, stove, and refrigerator Inadequate storage: Focusing on looks over functionality Wrong appliance sizes: Not measuring properly for new appliances Ignoring ventilation: Is your exhaust fan powerful enough? Does it vent out of the home like it should, or does it vent into the attic space

Bathroom Renovation Pitfalls

Homeowners often choose to skip adding a membrane system to their bathrooms. This layer goes underneath the floor tile to prevent cracks and keep water from seeping into the subfloor. Other common mistakes include:

• Poor ventilation planning
• Inadequate waterproofing
• Wrong fixture placement
• Skipping proper permits for plumbing changes

Bedroom and Living Space Mistakes

Don't overlook these often-missed issues:

• Inadequate electrical outlets for modern needs
• Poor lighting design
• Ignoring storage solutions
• Not considering furniture placement during planning

DIY vs. Professional Work Mistakes

Taking on Too Much DIY Work

The pros are pros for a reason, and there's a big difference between painting a few rooms and rewiring your electricity. After a stressful move, you might be tempted to save money with DIY projects, but this can backfire.

Good DIY projects for beginners:

• Painting walls and trim
• Installing new hardware
• Simple tile work
• Basic landscaping

Leave these to professionals:

• Electrical work
• Plumbing changes
• Structural modifications
• Gas line work
• Major flooring installation

Not Researching Contractors Thoroughly

About 53% of homeowners who used a contractor went over budget, and 46% had significant delays during their renovation. Poor contractor selection often leads to these problems.

Red flags to avoid:

• Door-to-door solicitation
• Requests for full payment upfront
• No written contracts
• Extremely low bids
• No local references
• Pressure to sign immediately

Timeline and Scheduling Mistakes

Rushing the Timeline

A few more months of construction is a small price to pay for a lifetime of living in a better, more thoughtful home. After moving, you're eager to get settled, but rushing renovations leads to poor decisions and shoddy work.

Realistic timeline expectations:

• Small projects (painting, hardware): 1-2 weeks
• Medium projects (bathroom remodel): 4-6 weeks
• Large projects (kitchen remodel): 8-12 weeks
• Whole home renovation: 3-6 months

Not Planning for Disruption

Living through renovations while settling into a new home doubles the stress. Plan for:

• Temporary kitchen setups during kitchen remodels
• Alternative bathroom arrangements
• Dust and noise management
• Contractor access and security
• Storage for displaced belongings

Design and Style Mistakes

Following Trends Over Timeless Design

Trends are short-lived, while good design lasts forever. When you're excited about your new home, it's tempting to follow the latest Pinterest trends, but this can look dated quickly.

Better approach:

• Choose classic designs for expensive elements
• Add trendy touches through accessories
• Consider resale value for major changes
• Think about your long-term needs

Not Considering Your Lifestyle

It's important to know yourself and really examine how you live. Your renovation should fit your actual lifestyle, not just look good in photos.

Questions to ask yourself:

• How does your family actually use each space?
• Do you cook often or prefer takeout?
• Do you entertain frequently?
• Do you have young children or pets?
• Are you planning to stay long-term?

When to Renovate Before Moving In

While waiting is usually best, some situations call for renovating before you move:

Essential Renovations to Do First

Sometimes you need to move into your new home right away, which we understand! But we've seen a few cases where clients experience far less stress if they have the means and ability to hold off on moving until certain renovations are complete.

Renovate before moving if:

• The kitchen is completely non-functional
• There's only one bathroom and it needs major work
• You're combining rooms or changing the layout significantly
• Major systems (heating, electrical) need replacement
• You're doing whole-home flooring

Projects That Can Wait

Most cosmetic updates can wait until after you move in:

• Painting (unless rooms are in very poor condition)
• New fixtures and hardware
• Landscaping
• Decorative elements
• Storage solutions

Money-Saving Strategies

Focus on High-Impact, Low-Cost Changes First

Some renovations give you the biggest bang for your buck:

High ROI projects:

• Hardwood floor refinishing (147%) and new wood flooring (118%)
• Interior painting
• Updated fixtures and hardware
• Improved lighting
• Landscaping and curb appeal

Avoid These Budget-Busting Mistakes

• Changing your mind mid-project
• Upgrading materials without checking costs
• Adding scope without adjusting budget
• Not getting multiple quotes
• Ignoring permit costs

Safety and Code Compliance

Don't Skip Safety Measures

Never take shortcuts when it comes to renovation safety. Moving stress can make you want to rush, but safety should never be compromised. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that home renovations can expose families to serious hazards including lead paint, asbestos, and electrical dangers.

Safety essentials:

• Turn off power before electrical work
• Shut off water before plumbing changes
• Use proper protective equipment
• Ensure proper ventilation during demo
• Check for asbestos in older homes

Understanding Building Codes

Building codes exist for good reason. If you don't, not only can you not be certain that your renovation has been done to at least minimum code – if the city finds out that you've started work without a permit, you could be forced to tear it all down and rebuild from scratch.

Getting Professional Help

When to Hire a Design Professional

Consider hiring professionals if:

• You're not sure what you want
• The project involves multiple rooms
• You need help with layout and flow
• You want to maximize your investment
• You're planning to sell within a few years

Working with Your Moving Company

Coordinate with your moving company about renovation timelines. If you're using local movers in Edmonton, they can often provide storage solutions while you complete essential renovations.

Final Thoughts

Renovating after a move doesn't have to be stressful or expensive if you avoid these common mistakes. The key is taking time to plan, addressing structural issues first, and being realistic about your budget and timeline.

Remember, your new home doesn't need to be perfect immediately. Focus on making it safe and functional first, then gradually make improvements as you understand how you actually live in the space. With patience and proper planning, you can create the home of your dreams without breaking the bank or adding unnecessary stress to your move.

Take your time, do your research, and don't be afraid to ask for professional help when you need it. Your future self will thank you for making smart decisions now rather than rushing into expensive mistakes you'll regret later.

For more helpful moving and home settling tips, check out our moving checklist and new house checklist to ensure a smooth transition to your new home.