7 common mistakes during renovations that a project manager can help you avoid
Creating a beautiful interior is only half the battle. The other half is bringing it to life exactly as it was envisaged in the visualisations. And this is where the biggest challenges begin.
In over 11 years of working in interior design, we have come to realise that most costly mistakes during a renovation arise not from the lack of a design project, but from a lack of oversight during its implementation. That is why we recommend our clients opt for design supervision – a service that ensures the quality of the project is maintained at every stage of the renovation.
Here are the 7 most common mistakes we regularly encounter on site.
1. ‘The builders will figure it all out anyway’
This is one of the most common mistakes. Even the most detailed drawings can be interpreted in different ways. For a builder, technical execution is key, whereas a designer sees the overall composition of the space.
For example, moving a light fitting by just a few centimetres can disrupt the symmetry above a kitchen island or dining table. On a drawing, this seems like a minor detail, but in the finished interior, it becomes a noticeable mistake.
That is precisely why, during our supervision, we regularly check that the work complies with the design project.
2. Replacing materials without approval
‘These tiles are almost the same’ or ‘this paint shade is very similar’ – phrases that designers hear quite often.
But the secret to a professional interior lies precisely in the details. Sometimes the difference between two similar shades of beige radically changes the perception of the entire space.
During our supervision, we oversee the selection of materials and approve any potential substitutions before they are purchased.
3. Lighting mistakes
Designers often say: it is not the furniture but the light that creates the interior.
Even the most expensive finishes can look mediocre with the wrong lighting. Over the years, we have repeatedly seen situations where a single incorrectly positioned light fitting has meant the ceiling had to be reworked.
Design supervision allows us to check all measurements in good time and avoid such costs.
4. Incorrect dimensions of furniture and recesses
During the structural work phase, it may seem that a few centimetres don’t matter. In reality, however, it is precisely these that often cause problems when installing a kitchen, walk-in wardrobe or built-in furniture.
We check the key dimensions before the construction work is completed to avoid costly alterations.
5. Loss of a cohesive concept
Without the designer’s supervision, a renovation often turns into a series of compromises. One material was replaced, another wasn’t ordered on time, and a third turned out to be more expensive than the budget allowed.
As a result, the interior no longer looks like the agreed-upon visualisations.
Our task is to preserve the overall concept of the project and find solutions even in complex situations.
6. Delays
Renovation work is often held up not because of the complexity of the tasks, but due to a lack of quick decisions. Builders wait for answers, suppliers clarify details regarding materials, and the client spends time sorting out dozens of minor issues.
Project supervision enables such issues to be resolved promptly and helps maintain the pace of work on site.
7. Unnecessary costs
Many people view author supervision as an additional expense. In reality, experience shows the opposite.
Re-laying tiles, replacing lighting, or ordering the wrong furniture or finishing materials costs significantly more than professional project supervision.
Design supervision is not just about the designer visiting the site. It is a comprehensive oversight of all the details that ultimately result in a beautiful, well-thought-out and high-quality interior.
Over more than 11 years of work, we have come to realise that the best results are achieved by those clients who entrust us not only with creating the design project but also with overseeing its implementation. After all, it is author supervision that helps transform beautiful visualisations into a comfortable living space.
