Thinking about a home renovation? Whether it’s your first project or your fifth, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new layouts, fresh finishes, and endless Pinterest boards. But renovations are rarely as simple as the glossy “before and after” shots make them seem.
At Made in Ply, we’ve worked with plenty of clients who’ve gone through the ups and downs of renovation — and we know that a little preparation goes a long way. Here are five of the most common mistakes we see, and how you can avoid them.
1. Underestimating the Budget
It’s easy to start with a ballpark figure, only to discover unexpected costs once walls come down or materials arrive. A common rule of thumb is to add 10–15% as a contingency fund to your budget. That way, surprises don’t derail your plans.
💡Pro tip: Decide early on where to invest — cabinetry, storage, and layout are worth prioritising, while fixtures and accessories can be swapped or updated more easily later on.
Learn about Made in Ply Kitchens
2. Neglecting the Timeline
Renovations almost always take longer than expected. Delays in deliveries, hidden structural issues, or last-minute design changes can stretch timelines. Planning with realistic expectations — and building in buffer time — will reduce stress when things shift.
💡Pro tip: If your renovation includes a kitchen, factor in how you’ll cook and eat while the space is out of action. A temporary setup can save a lot of frustration.
Learn about Made in Ply Kitchens
3. Ignoring Storage and Functionality
A beautifully finished room quickly loses its shine if it doesn’t work for daily life. Kitchens in particular can look stunning but fail when there’s nowhere to store pots, or when the fridge ends up blocking the workspace.
💡Pro tip: Think beyond appearances — where will you prep, store, and clean? At Made in Ply, we design kitchens with smart storage and workflow in mind, so beauty and function go hand in hand.
Learn about Made in Ply Kitchens
4. Following Trends Blindly
It’s tempting to dive headfirst into the latest styles — but what feels exciting now might feel dated in just a few years. Instead, use trends for accents (like wall colours or handles) and keep core elements timeless.
💡Pro tip: Natural materials like plywood age gracefully and provide a warm, neutral base you can style in countless ways over time.
5. Skipping Professional Advice
DIY can save money, but some decisions need an expert’s eye. Poorly planned layouts, unsuitable materials, or under-considered lighting can all compromise the final result. A little professional guidance at the start can prevent costly fixes later.
💡Pro tip: At Made in Ply, our founder Dan is not only a maker but also a trained architect. He offers a bespoke design service to help you get the fundamentals right — from layouts that actually work to material choices that last. With that foundation, the rest of your renovation can fall into place smoothly.
Final Thoughts
A renovation is a big investment of time, energy, and money — but with careful planning, it can also be deeply rewarding. Avoiding these common pitfalls will keep your project on track and ensure the end result truly enhances your home.
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation and want to explore how plywood can bring warmth, durability, and character to your space, we’d love to help.
Get in touch with us at Made in Ply to start your journey.
