The 7 most common mistakes in home renovation (and how to avoid them)

Renovating your home is often a mix of excitement and stress. Between Pinterest ideas, budget constraints, and deadlines, it's easy to make costly mistakes.

At Groupe Solido , we support homeowners and architects every year in the execution of large-scale residential projects. Here are the 7 most frequent mistakes we observe — and, more importantly, how to avoid them .

1. Not clearly defining your needs from the start

This is the basis of any project: knowing what you want… and what you don’t want.

A poorly defined project often leads to changes along the way, causing costs and delays to skyrocket.

How to avoid this:

Take the time to create a clear list of your priorities —functional needs, desired style, overall budget, and desired timeline. At Groupe Solido, we always begin with a detailed needs assessment before designing. We are committed to understanding how you live in your current space, so we can help you better envision your new space.

2. Underestimating the actual budget for the work

The most common pitfall: thinking that an approximate budget will suffice. The costs of materials, labor, and management can vary enormously depending on the complexity of the project.

How to avoid this:

Ask your general contractor to provide a cost estimate as early as the design phase. This allows you to adjust your material or design choices before it's too late.

3. Choose the lowest bidder

A lower bid isn't always good news. Often, it hides incomplete estimates, lower quality materials, or a lack of experience .

How to avoid this:

Always compare quotes of equal value , and favour a transparent contractor with a structured approach and solid references.

4. Neglecting coordination between stakeholders

Architect, designer, engineer, contractor… When all these people don't communicate, mistakes pile up. Misaligned plans, construction delays, last-minute adjustments — coordination is often the key to success.

How to avoid this:

Involving your contractor from the design stage (see our article on this subject) ensures smooth communication and avoids misunderstandings between professionals.

5. Underestimating the importance of site monitoring

Even the best plans in the world are worthless without rigorous monitoring . A construction site without proper supervision can quickly go off the rails: poorly executed details, installation errors, wasted time between subcontractors…

How to avoid this:

Ensure your contractor provides weekly updates with photos, reports, and prompt adjustments in case of unforeseen issues. At Groupe Solido, every project is closely monitored to maintain quality and adherence to deadlines. Communication and ownership are the keys to a successful project.

6. Failing to anticipate unforeseen events

In renovation projects, there are always surprises: uneven walls, fragile foundations, defects from previous construction, etc. Ignoring these risks is to condemn oneself to cost overruns.

How to avoid this:

Include a contingency margin (approximately 10 to 15% of the total budget). This will allow you to address unforeseen events without stress and without compromising the quality of the project.

7. Forgetting the finishing and post-project phase

Many projects are completed at "95%" and then drag on over the final details. However, proper management of the finishing phase—addressing deficiencies, cleaning up, and final documents—makes all the difference to final satisfaction.

How to avoid this:

Choose a contractor who provides a complete closing document (list of deficiencies, warranties, post-work follow-ups). This is the mark of an organized and conscientious professional.

In conclusion

The success of a renovation often hinges on preparation, communication, and choosing the right partners . By avoiding these 7 mistakes, you maximize your chances of achieving a smooth, sustainable project that meets your expectations.