Renovating your home can be an exciting project. Whether planning a new kitchen, adding a room, or completely remodelling a bathroom, it’s easy to get carried away with your dream space.
However, excitement can sometimes lead to overspending. A recent survey found that half of those who started home renovations exceeded their budget. Among them, 12% spent 25% to 49% more than planned, and 5% went over by more than 50%. Also, material costs rose 38% in 2024 due to labour shortages and increasing prices.
While updating your home is thrilling, you need to be aware of possible problems like unexpected expenses and setbacks. If you’re not ready, your project could cost more than expected.
The good news is that you can keep your renovation on track with careful planning. This article will outline the seven most common surprises during renovations and show you how to budget for them. This way, your dream project won’t turn into a nightmare.
Common Renovation Surprises and Budgeting Tips
Here are the seven common renovation surprises that you must know:
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Fixing Outdated Wiring for Safety
If you live in a conventional house, the electrical wiring might not meet today’s safety standards. Old or faulty wiring can be a serious safety issue and cause fires. Numerous people are surprised to learn that completely rewiring a home can be costly, especially if it involves removing walls or tearing up floors to access the wires.
How to Budget
The cost of rewiring can vary from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds, depending on the size of your house and how difficult the job is. To avoid any big surprises, having an electrician inspect your home during your initial renovation assessment is a good idea. This way, you can identify any potential problems before starting the project.
Prevention Tip
Get a professional electrical inspection early. This helps you find any wiring problems before you start demolition. By doing this, you can include the cost of rewiring in your budget from the beginning.
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Preventing Hidden Water Damage in Your Home
Water damage can surprise renovators, making it one of the biggest headaches during a project. Leaks may hide behind walls, under floors, or even ceilings, often appearing only when renovations are in full swing. Issues like a faulty roof, bad plumbing, or inadequate insulation can lead to issues like mould, rotting wood, and severe structural damage.
According to Oakleafe Claims, escape of water claims make up over 25% of all home insurance claims in the UK, totalling £987 million.
How to Budget
It’s smart to set aside 10-20% of your total renovation budget for unexpected water damage to stay within your budget. This is especially important if you work in kitchens or bathrooms, where costs for removing mould or replacing damaged materials can add up quickly.
Prevention Tip
Before starting any work, carefully check your plumbing, ceilings, and walls for signs of water damage. Look for discolouration, soft spots, or mildew, particularly in damp areas such as bathrooms or basements.
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Handling Asbestos Risks During Renovations
If you live in an older home, asbestos may be a serious concern. Many houses built before the 1980s used asbestos in insulation, flooring, and roofing. If asbestos is disturbed during renovations, it can lead to serious health issues, so it is very important to have it removed by professionals.
How to Budget
Removing asbestos can be expensive, usually between £500 and £1,500. This price varies depending on the contaminated area and the amount of asbestos present. Since asbestos removal requires skilled professionals and is strictly regulated, it’s important to budget for it safely.
Prevention Tip
Before starting major renovations in older homes, it’s a good idea to get an asbestos survey. This will help you find any areas that need professional removal before you start your project.
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Tackling Plumbing Problems Before They Escalate
Old plumbing can increase your renovation costs. You may find hidden leaks, low water pressure, or even need to replace old pipes, which can all add up quickly. These problems might not be evident initially but can arise as your project progresses, leading to extra expenses and stress.
How to Budget
Fixing plumbing issues can cost anywhere from £100 for a small leak to many thousand pounds for a complete pipe replacement or significant repairs inside your walls. It’s a good idea to set aside money for unexpected plumbing issues and consider having an experienced plumber examine your system before you start your renovation. If you’re in Hertfordshire, be in touch with reliable professionals like Plumber Watford Hertfordshire, to get expert advice and a transparent picture of any plumbing concerns.
Prevention Tip
Before beginning your renovations, check all your visible pipes for signs of leaks or rust. If your house is older, plan to replace those old pipes before starting any major work.
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Addressing Structural Issues Early in Renovations
Finding structural problems in older homes can be hard. You may not immediately see issues like uneven floors, wall cracks, or a shifted foundation. However, these problems can disrupt your renovation plans.
How to Budget
Repairing structural damage can be expensive, ranging from a few hundred pounds for minor fixes to thousands for significant repairs. Before you start your renovation, it’s essential to have a surveyor or structural engineer inspect your home. They can help you identify and include any hidden issues in your budget.
Prevention Tip
Before any demolition or significant changes, have a professional check the foundation, load-bearing walls, and floors for potential issues. This step can save you a lot of time and money later.
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Avoiding Unexpected Permit Costs in Your Renovation
If renovating in the UK, you may need approval for planning permission or authorisation from building regulations. Not having the proper permits can lead to delays, fines, or even having to undo your work. Whether you’re adding an extension or completely changing your home, it’s crucial to know what requires approval and budget for permits’ costs.
How to Budget
The cost of permits varies based on the work you plan to do, ranging from £100 to £500 for some applications. Always check your local rules before starting to avoid unexpected problems.
Prevention Tip
Look into planning rules and building regulations at the start of your project. This will help you avoid costly delays and ensure you follow all the rules during your renovation.
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Eliminating Pest Infestations During Renovations
Home makeovers can bring out unwanted pests that have been hiding in your walls or under your floors. Whether it’s mice, bugs, or termites, having pests can increase the cost of your renovations if you don’t deal with them quickly.
How to Budget
The price to remove pests can range from about £100 for a minor issue to over £1,000 for a more significant problem. Setting aside some money for pest control is wise, especially if your home is older or in an area where infestations are common.
Prevention Tip
Before starting your renovation, look for signs of pests. Check for droppings, chewed wires, or nests in hidden areas. If you notice anything suspicious, address it before you begin your project.
Conclusion
Renovating your home is an exciting process, however it can also have unexpected challenges. You might find hidden issues like old wiring, plumbing problems, or even asbestos, which can immediately affect your budget. However, you can handle these surprises without stress with careful planning and a cash reserve for emergencies.
By setting aside money for unexpected problems and scheduling timely inspections, you can address issues before they become costly. With the proper preparation, you can make your renovation dreams a reality without overspending.
