Renovation Costs Escalated due to These 5 Decisions: Reflections on What Should Have Been Different
In the world of home renovations, making informed decisions is key to staying within budget. Natasha Brinsmead, a seasoned journalist and renovation expert, has been guiding homeowners through the process since 2007. Her extensive experience spans across various titles such as Homebuilding & Renovating, Real Homes, GoodtoKnow, The Money Edit, and more.
When it comes to waste disposal solutions for small-scale renovations, HIPPOBAGS could be a cost-effective option. The bags, priced from £16, or £205 for a bag and collection, can help manage waste efficiently.
However, Natasha has learned some hard lessons during her renovation projects. For instance, she regretted using real slate roof tiles for a one-story kitchen extension, as they were not visible, and concrete or machine-made clay tiles would have been a more cost-effective alternative. Similarly, she found herself regretting the use of real stone tiles in her bathroom renovation due to their high cost and installation difficulties.
Choosing the right colour scheme for a home is a crucial yet challenging aspect of renovation. Natasha advises against overspending on finishing touches like light switches and electrical outlets, especially in less public-facing rooms. Instead, she suggests opting for cost-effective white standard covers to save money.
Moreover, Natasha and her team learned the importance of considering the cost of waste disposal during a renovation project. Careful assessment of the size of the skip needed can help avoid additional costs.
In her role as the Section Editor for Renovation since September 2024, following three years of looking after the site's home finance content, Natasha emphasises the importance of creating a mood board including all aspects of the room's design to avoid wasting time and money.
Unfortunately, the search results do not provide information about any person who realised in the past that they unnecessarily spent too much on facade tiles and floor coverings and should have tried simpler materials to reduce costs.
Natasha's experiences serve as valuable lessons for homeowners embarking on renovation projects. By learning from her mistakes, homeowners can make informed decisions, save money, and enjoy their renovated spaces without the burden of financial regrets.
