Renovating your Hampshire home can be exciting, but it’s easy to go off track without the right planning.

Here are the most common renovation mistakes homeowners make (and how to avoid them).

❌ 1. Starting Without a Plan

Jumping in without drawings or a clear design leads to:

• Delays
• Budget overruns
• Poor flow or light

✅ Fix: Start with an architect to get the layout, look, and permissions right from day one.

❌ 2. Ignoring Planning Restrictions

Hampshire has many conservation areas (e.g. Petersfield, Wickham, Beaulieu). You may need permission even for smaller changes.

✅ Fix: Ask a local architect to check what applies to your area.

❌ 3. Over-Customising

Very specific design choices (e.g. bold tiles, unusual layouts) might not suit future buyers.

✅ Fix: Balance personality with resale appeal, especially in towns like Alresford or Fleet.

❌ 4. Not Budgeting for Contingencies

Unforeseen costs are common, especially in older homes.

✅ Fix: Set aside 10–15% extra in your renovation budget.

❌ 5. Hiring Trades Before Design is Finished

If builders start work without final drawings, things get missed, changed or redone, costing more in the end.

✅ Fix: Finalise design and planning before hiring your builder.

✅ Finally

Great renovations are about vision and execution. Avoid these mistakes by partnering with a Hampshire architect who understands the local planning system, property types, and what adds lasting value.