25 Potential Pitfalls When Renovating a Property (and How to Avoid Them)

a person knocking down a wall in their home
(Image credit: getty images)

If you can look past an unloved property's outward appearance and see its hidden potential, a renovation project could be the route to your dream home. 

However, when it comes to renovating a house, it's only too easy for a dream project to turn into a nightmare if you make just a few simple mistakes. Renovation projects do not start with a clean slate, after all, so you may find you inherit a number of issues with your home, especially with an older property, that can stretch your budget to its limits. 

Ian Rock

Chartered surveyor Ian Rock MRICS is a director is Rightsurvey.co.uk and the author of eight popular Haynes House Manuals, including the Home Extension Manual, the Self Build Manual and Period Property Manual.


Ian is also the founder of Zennor Consultants. In addition to providing house surveys, Zennor Consultants provide professional guidance on property refurbishment and maintenance as well as advising on the design and construction of home extensions and loft conversions, including planning and Building Regulations compliance.


Ian has recently added a 100m2 extension to his home; he designed and project managed the build and completed much of the interior fit-out on a DIY basis.