There is almost never a renovation where we can say “everything is going perfectly”. A renovation is a process of becoming, and what you have in your hands is a closed box whose contents you don’t fully know. What matters is not that problems never arise, but that they are solved professionally when they do. Here are the three situations we encounter most often.
1. Infrastructure problems
The problem we encounter most often is infrastructure. It is impossible to know the condition of pipes and wiring buried inside a wall or floor, installed by someone else, without opening it up. Old pipes, inadequate electrical lines and hidden leaks only come to light during demolition.
Solution: Our clients usually tell us about past problems (such as leaks or tripping fuses) at the outset. If there is such a history, we plan a complete renewal of the infrastructure. In older buildings it is always wise to set aside part of the budget for this; see planning a renovation budget.
2. Planning and communication mismatches
Another problem is a mismatch between the client and the team at the planning stage. If the plans and schedules we work on together at the office do not match and communication breaks down, this is reflected directly on site and causes delays.
Solution: Finalising decisions at the office, going on site with an approved project and work schedule, and regular communication. Sudden decisions made on site are the biggest source of problems.
3. The difference between sample and reality
It is hard to call this a problem, really. We show material samples at the office; but of course a small sample cannot show the effect of a large surface exactly. When we look on site once work begins, the feel the sample gave sometimes changes and our client may want to switch to a different material.
Solution: Deciding with samples as large as possible, in the real light of the space; for critical materials, visiting a showroom or an installed example.
Conclusion: trust and professionalism
We are all human, and buildings are made by hand. In a renovation it is impossible to know in advance what you will come across along the way; what matters is solving it professionally and delivering a trouble-free handover. That is why the trust and professionalism of the company you work with matter more than anything. We explain what to look for when choosing a company in our article on the risks of cheap renovation companies.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for extra costs to arise in a renovation?
Small extra costs can arise because of hidden infrastructure problems; but a good site survey and a clear scope greatly reduce this risk.
Why do renovations get delayed?
The most common reasons are material lead times, changes made during the works and unforeseen infrastructure work.
For a planned and transparent renovation process, explore our decoration and renovation service.
