The word ‘renovation’ brings excitement to some people, and a wave of impending doom to others. Personally, I think we’re all lucky enough just to have the opportunity and financial means to make it happen. However, noone can deny the decision fatigue, the fights (if you share the process with someone), and the constant possibility of disappointment with the result afterward. Luckily, I’m here, buddy. Been through this, came out the other end completely intact. Let’s go.
Regret. More Common Than You’d Care to Admit
Newly remodelled or even thinking of it? Don’t be lazy, mate. Make a video of your space (thankfully, there’s Clideo out there with a video compressor). Review the video carefully, because our eyes get used to stuff very quickly, and video doesn’t have the same feel.
Are there surfaces/colors/objects that annoy you? Even more so, do you think you spent disproportionately LARGE amounts of money on what could have cost you less? If so, don’t worry, you’re far from alone.
According to a recent survey, 74% of homeowners who remodeled their home reported regret about the renovation process, and nearly half said they liked their home better before the remodel.
Let’s review several reasons for it, and then proceed to possible solutions.
Decision Fatigue
There about a gazillion decisions that go into completing a renovation. No matter how much you plan, parooz pinterest for the best ideas, or how much you prepare. You WILL go off-budget, and, with the same certainty, you WILL have to make unexpected decisions. The only way to avoid it is to throw an infinite amount of money on the problem until it goes away, but who’s the Rockefeller? (By the way, even that’s not a universal solution. Read on)
Making that many decisions causes what’s called decision fatigue, the uncomfortable feeling, up to a mental lock, an inability to choose even between the simplest decisions. A feeling very familiar to managers and mothers.
Overbalooned Expectations
As I mentioned, there are way too many decisions to make in the process. And, if you’re not experienced enough, you might be tempted to think Oh, I actually know exactly what I want and how to achieve it. Sweet summer child… You expect a Pinterest effect right away. I’m sorry to burst that bubble, but that cute ottoman you say and are determined to find might cost $800, while the beautiful floor light is not even available in your country. Plus, all those charming wall decorations… You don’t have a 20-foot ceiling, so forget it. Which brings me to the next issue.
Social Media
People are mad about it left right and center, but are rarely mad enough to actually stop paying attention to it. What can we do, social media is the new opium for the masses. I can catch a vase of lilac in the morning sun, write #blessed under it, and then go back to my crappy life for all you care. But the feeling that someone is more # blessed than you are will linger.
That’s what social media does to your renovation, too, not only to your self-esteem. Again, social media specifically targets your vulnerabilities, so by all means continue scrolling for IDEAS for the home, but don’t let it get to your emotions too much.
Now let’s deal with the real culprit behind the devastation.
Financial Concerns
Money IS freedom, yes, there’s no way around it. I know what you’re gonna say…Yes, once your family does not have to worry about food, shelter, health, and an occasional holiday, the exponential growth of income doesn’t lead to exponential growth in happiness.
BUT, renovations nearly always cost more than planned. You think you’re the only one going onto it thinking hey, I’m financially literate, why would I overspend? According to another 2024 survey, nearly 78% of respondents exceeded their renovation budget, and 63% took on debt to complete the project, both of which align with psychological stress and regret post-decision.
Let’s see what we can do about it, and make your renovation run smoother, with minimal regrets after.
Renovation Should Be a New Start, Not a New Stark Issue
Enjoy 5 practical tips to make your renovation less painful.
- Early decisions = less gray hair.
I know you’re going to change your mind at some point, but at least try to limit the stress. Late-stage decisions are no bueno. Again, don’t get me wrong, those will be necessary too at some point, but listen up. Choose core elements such as tiles, finishes, and layouts early. That will reduce options to a short list. Now, the most important thing. COMMIT to it! Fewer decisions later on will mean less fatigue. That will unlock a cascade. Fewer second guesses, fewer changes mid-project (those tend to leave you eating popsicles for a week). That’s what eats away at your budget, among other things.
- Real context wins! No abstract settings.
Always, and I mean ALWAYS consider materials upfront. And, in the actual space where they’ll be used, not in yoour head. I love scrolling as much as the other person. But your perception is not in a vacuum. It’s effected by lighting, room size, and surrounding colors. Showroom effect is a fake, along with those videos where a grandma pouches a wheelchair downhill. This you can count on: context reduces regret. Think realistic, and think in the space.
- Define what matters most before you start.
Can’t stress this part enough. Decide upfront what your priority is. It can be durability, it can be maintenance ease, or atmosphere. Heck, even resale value, or aesthetics. Doesn’t matter to me as long as you know upfront what you’re striving for. When trade-offs appear (and they will, that much is certain), this clarity prevents emotional decisions under pressure. Those are typically the decisions people tend to regret later on.
- Build time and budget buffers on purpose.
Again, as much as you plan, the probability for going over-budget is very high. Assume delays and unexpected costs as a baseline, not an exception. You don’t need any extra drama along the way. Psychological stress spikes when reality deviates from expectations, so try to keep those realistic as well. Buffers, on the other hand, reduce panic, another constant source of post-renovation regret.
- Avoid last-minute changes unless they solve a real problem.
If you’re a person that can’t make up their mind to save their life, this is not the time to be cute, trust me. Oooh, I can’t decide if I want the blue tiles, or the dark magenta…. Well decide, and THEN start the renovation. You’ll thank me later. Don’t let anxiety (instead of logic) run the show. Plus, if a change doesn’t clearly improve function or solve a concrete issue, it usually introduces more complexity than value. Don’t be a princess, darling.
Do yourself a favor. If you’re lucky enough to even consider a renovation, do it smart. Plan ahead, regardless of budget. In case you want to renovate with a significant other, it is essential to remember about COMPROMISE bearing in mind both comfort and money.