The Biggest Mistakes I See Homeowners Make During a Renovation
Renovating your home in Melbourne’s inner suburbs can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be full of hidden traps if you're not prepared.
We’ve worked on countless architectural and heritage renovations, and over the years, we’ve seen some common missteps that can derail timelines, inflate budgets, or create tension between homeowners and the building team.
Here are six of the biggest renovation mistakes we see … and how to avoid them.
1. Engaging a Builder Too Late
Many homeowners wait until they’ve finalised their design and secured permits before speaking with a builder. It seems logical, but it often results in plans that are over budget, structurally inefficient, or difficult to build on inner-suburban blocks.
The fix: Bring your builder into the conversation early. When builders and architects collaborate during the design phase, the result is a smoother process, better budget alignment, and fewer surprises during construction.
2. Underestimating the Full Budget Picture
Focusing only on the builder’s quote without accounting for everything else is a classic pitfall. Items like permit fees, consultants (engineers, surveyors, heritage advisors), landscaping, fencing, and even temporary accommodation can quickly add up.
The fix: Ask for a total project budget breakdown - not just the construction costs. And be sure to factor in a contingency of at least 10–15% for unexpected issues, especially in older or heritage homes.
3. Changing the Scope Midway
Mid-project changes can create serious knock-on effects. Even small variations often mean re-quoting, delays, and impacts on existing trade bookings, not to mention additional cost.
The fix: Make as many decisions as possible before construction starts. Lock in selections, review plans thoroughly, and be realistic about what you want and need from the space.
4. Over-relying on PC and PS Allowances
PC (Prime Cost) and PS (Provisional Sum) items are allowances for things not yet selected or fully scoped — like tiles, fixtures, or excavation. When these are underestimated, the budget blowout is almost guaranteed.
The fix: Be proactive in making selections early. Push for realistic allowances in the quote, and if something hasn’t been decided, ask for a detailed explanation of what the allowance is based on.
5. Assuming You Can Stay in the House
We understand the desire to stay on-site to save costs, however in many projects, especially those involving structural changes or roof works, it’s simply not feasible or safe.
The fix: Discuss this with your builder during early planning. If temporary relocation is necessary, factor it into your timeline and budget from the outset.
6. Choosing a Builder Based Only on Price
It can be tempting to go with the cheapest quote, but a low price doesn’t always reflect the real cost and often leaves out key items or quality standards.
The fix: Look beyond the total figure. Ask what’s included, how detailed the scope is, what experience the builder has with similar homes, and how they manage communication.
A well executed renovation is the result of good planning, clear communication, and choosing the right team. Avoiding these common mistakes won’t just save money; it will save stress, time, and the integrity of your home.
If you’re in the early stages, download our Renovation Planning Checklist or Transparency in Pricing guide from the Library, or get in touch for a conversation.
