Top 5 Renovation Mistakes Vancouver Homeowners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

A home renovation is a big undertaking. And while renovating your home in Vancouver may initially feel like a dream, it can quickly turn into a nightmare. The city permits; the endless design options; the budget constraints—there are enough factors to overwhelm you enough to make the wrong decisions. But don’t worry, we’ve seen it all (and then some), and we’re here to help you avoid the most common pitfalls. Keep reading for the top 4 renovation mistakes Vancouver homeowners make and how to avoid them.

1. Skipping the Planning

You’re super excited about your renovation project (understandably) and want to see walls coming down, floors being replaced, and paint drying—yesterday. But jumping in too fast can cause problems in the big picture. Without a proper plan, you’re more likely to go over budget and a floor plan that doesn't work. A worst-case scenario you want to avoid. Going over budget on a space that doesn't meet your needs.

To avoid this, simply start a conversation with an interior designer. They are there to help you through the planning and design phase as well as the project management phase, by your side through the renovation stage giving you a holistic view.

At Cameron Zainali Interior Design Group,

We are a full-service Interior Design and Project Management company. We can help you see the big picture before you commit to changes that are hard (and expensive) to reverse.

2. Underestimating the Budget

Estimating your budget based on what a friend of a friend paid 4 years ago is a big no in renovations. Materials, labor, and permit costs in BC, whether you live in Vancouver or Surrey, have changed dramatically in recent years. And apart from that, your individual project can have its own costs depending on the scope and age of your home.

How to avoid it: Be honest about your budget from the start and build in a 10% to 15% cushion for unexpected costs. A knowledgeable Interior Designer in Surrey will help prioritize your must-haves and offer clever alternatives so you can stretch your dollar wisely.

3. Focusing Only on Aesthetics

We’ve seen homeowners swoon over Pinterest pictures but then regret it later when they don’t meet their functional needs. A beautiful kitchen isn’t much use if you can’t open your fridge without hitting the island. And those open shelves? Gorgeous… until you have to clean them every week. Kitchen design isn’t as simple as it sounds.

How to avoid it: Good design blends beauty with purpose. The best interior designer will ask how you live—not just what colors you love.

4. Choosing the Wrong Contractors or Going the DIY Route

If you’re trying to cut costs by hiring a cheap contractor or going the DIY route, you’re actually going for the expensive option in the long run. Structural, plumbing, or electrical work should be left to the pros if you want them to last long.

How to avoid it: Ask your Interior Designer for contractor referrals. A designer’s network is full of trusted professionals who deliver quality and accountability—plus, you get that peace of mind knowing someone’s looking out for your vision in your home design.

Ready to Renovate?

Looking for “interior designers near me”? We’re an interior designer in Vancouver and Surrey, and we’re happy to collaborate and bring your vision to life. Let’s chat!