Renovating a home is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming.

Between budgets, design choices, and hiring contractors, it’s easy to make costly mistakes that delay projects, blow budgets, or leave you disappointed with the final result.

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

At Eva, we believe that renovation should be easy, efficient, and enjoyable—not stressful. Here are the five biggest renovation mistakes and how you can avoid them for a seamless transformation.

The Problem: Many homeowners jump into renovations with a vague idea of what they want, leading to last-minute decisions, mismatched materials, and expensive changes.

The Fix: Start with a well-defined design plan before making any purchases or hiring contractors. Use Eva’s curated room collections to get pre-vetted, designer-approved options for every part of your space.

Mistake #1: Not Having a Clear Vision & Plan

Pro Tip: A shoppable mood board helps you visualize how all the elements will look together before committing.

The Problem: Renovation costs always run higher than expected, often due to unexpected repairs, material costs, or design changes.

The Fix: Add a buffer of at least 15-20% to your budget for unexpected expenses. With Eva Pro, you can access trade pricing, saving 10-25% on materials—meaning you get more for your money.

Mistake #2: Underestimating the Budget

Example: A bathroom renovation with a $10,000 budget could easily turn into $12,000+ without proper planning. Using Eva’s Pro discounts, you could save thousands on flooring, fixtures, and vanities.

The Problem: A space that looks beautiful but isn’t practical will frustrate you daily. Homeowners often select trendy designs that don’t suit their lifestyle (think all-white kitchens with kids and pets!).

The Fix: Balance aesthetics with practicality by selecting durable, functional materials that match your lifestyle. Eva-approved designs are curated with beauty and function in mind, so you’re never left with style regrets.

Mistake #3: Choosing Style Over Functionality

Real Example: White marble looks stunning but stains easily—a high-quality quartz alternative gives you the same look without the maintenance nightmare.

The Problem: A bad contractor can derail your project, causing delays, poor craftsmanship, and budget overruns.

The Fix:
✔ Get multiple quotes and check online reviews before hiring.
✔ Ask for references and see past work.

Mistake #4: Hiring the Wrong Contractors

Bonus Tip: Never pay 100% upfront—structure payments based on progress milestones to ensure quality work.

The Problem: One of the biggest renovation delays happens when homeowners order materials after construction starts—only to find out key items are backordered for weeks or months.

The Fix: Order all major materials (flooring, tile, cabinets, vanities, lighting) before construction begins. With Eva, you get an instant order sheet with sourcing links so you can shop everything in one place—without last-minute scrambling.

Mistake #5: Ordering Materials Too Late

Time-Saving Tip: Many Eva suppliers offer trade pricing and faster lead times for Pro members, so you don’t get stuck waiting months for essential items.

Renovate Smarter with Eva

Avoiding these five common renovation mistakes will save you time, money, and stress—helping you enjoy the process instead of dreading it.

• Get Inspired – Browse Eva’s curated designs for effortless decision-making.

• Stay on Budget – Eva Pro saves you thousands with trade pricing.

• Make It Happen – One-click order sheets connect you directly with suppliers, so there’s no guesswork.

Ready to renovate smarter? Join Eva today and take the stress out of your next project!