Only when something goes wrong do they realise they should have planned better. Renovation never starts with a blank canvas. Unexpected costs, delays and hidden problems can quickly turn excitement into stress.

Before you begin renovating your home, proper preparation is essential. Let’s take a look at several important things you should always keep in mind.

Invest in a key safe

If you are renovating a property before moving in and you live some distance away, consider investing in a key safe. This becomes especially useful if you are planning major works and hiring contractors to carry them out.

Tradespeople often start early in the morning, and you do not want to drive to the property every day just to let them in. Installing a secure key safe outside the property, or using a smart lock, allows contractors to access the site without your physical presence.

You simply provide a code, saving hours of travel time, fuel costs and early mornings.

Spend time in the space

As obvious as it may sound, before making big decisions such as choosing wall colours, flooring or lighting, spend enough time in the space you are renovating.

For example, replacing old carpet may seem straightforward, but the choices can be overwhelming. Dense or loose pile, patterned or plain, warm or cool tones. These decisions depend on other elements such as wall colours, furniture and natural light.

Choose your colour palette before renovation begins, and test colours directly on the walls. Fresh paint and new flooring may reveal that certain lights do not illuminate the space as you expected. Spending more time visualising how everything works together can save you both time and money later.

Set a realistic timeline

Your renovation will almost certainly take longer than you expect. Plan accordingly and make arrangements for temporary accommodation if necessary to avoid frustration and unnecessary stress.

You might assume that replacing an old bath and double sink will be quick. Removing existing fixtures may take a few hours, but finding new units that fit the space can take weeks. Delivery times can also be longer than anticipated.

Even something like a new hallway floor may involve waiting several weeks for installation. When setting your renovation timeline, be realistic. Choose new fittings and furniture before removing the old ones to minimise delays.

Expect the unexpected

Every flat or house hides surprises behind walls, under floors or in ceilings. These issues often only come to light during renovation.

A contractor might discover uneven floors caused by a shifted supporting beam. This may require structural repairs before new flooring can be installed.

Other common surprises include asbestos in walls, old paint containing lead, leaking roofs or mould in loft spaces.

To prepare for the unexpected, allow extra time in your schedule and set aside a contingency budget to deal with unforeseen problems calmly and safely.

Speak to multiple contractors

Getting quotes from several contractors can save you a significant amount of money.

Imagine you want to relocate your hot water cylinder from an upstairs cupboard to the garage. One plumber may quote £6,000 and suggest cutting into ceilings to reroute pipework. Another may refuse the job altogether. A third might complete the work in one day for £3,300 without major alterations.

Without comparing multiple quotes, you risk overpaying or accepting a solution that does not suit your needs. For complex renovations, different tradespeople often propose different approaches. Taking the time to compare options usually leads to better results.

Start with the kitchen renovation

Homeowners often ask which room should be renovated first. In most cases, the kitchen is the best place to start.

A renovated kitchen adds significant value to a property. Estate agents estimate that homeowners can recover up to 59 percent of kitchen renovation costs when selling a home. Modernising an outdated kitchen also improves daily functionality and space usage.

From a practical point of view, kitchen renovations create the most dust and mess. It is better to complete this work before decorating other rooms. Isolate the area using plastic sheeting and, if the renovation takes several months, set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere in the house.

Be specific about your design choices

Before meeting an interior designer, narrow down your design preferences. Look through interior magazines, websites and inspiration galleries to identify styles you genuinely like.

Having a clear vision helps prevent your home being shaped by the designer’s taste rather than your own. Be firm about your budget and do not allow uncontrolled spending on expensive materials without prior approval.

Sticking to a defined timeframe also helps keep design fees under control.

Renovating your flat or house is an important step, but it does not have to be overwhelming. With professional advice, thorough preparation and realistic planning, you can achieve your dream home efficiently and within budget.