Home Renovation Myths That Might Be Holding You Back

Over the years, we’ve heard just about every home renovation myth going, many of them from clients who come to us after things haven’t gone quite to plan elsewhere.

If you’re dreaming of a new kitchen, bathroom, or even a house extension, it’s easy to get swept up in common misconceptions that sound believable but can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

At Adamsons, we think it’s time to set the record straight.

Here are four renovation myths we hear all the time and real the truth behind them:

Home Renovation Myth 1: “It’ll only take a few weeks…”

The reality? Good home renovations take time.

We completely understand the desire to minimise disruption, but transforming your home isn’t a weekend job. Even with a well-organised timeline, factors like planning approval, material delays, and unexpected structural surprises can stretch the schedule.

Be wary of companies that promise ultra-fast results. Rushed work often leads to poor finishes and headaches later.

Our advice:

• Build flexibility into your timeline from the start.
• Know that it will be worth it in the end. No-one likes living through construction but to get your dream home, it’s a necessary evil.
• Choose a company with a proven track record and open communication. That way, you’ll stay in the loop and the final result will be worth every day you waited.

Home Renovation Myth 2: “DIY is always cheaper”

This one’s tempting. And in some cases like painting or upcycling it can be true. But when it comes to kitchens, bathrooms, or structural work, DIY often ends up costing more. In our opinion more specialised changes like plumbing, electrical and plastering are best left to the professionals who have trained in their craft.

We’ve met many homeowners who started with enthusiasm, only to feel overwhelmed mid-way and call in the professionals to put things right. That can mean paying twice: once for materials, then again for repairs.

Our advice:

• Know your limits, and don’t be afraid to bring in experts early.
• Skilled tradespeople and proper project management will save you stress, money, and sleepless nights.

Home Renovation Myth 3: “Adding any room will increase value”

Space adds value, right? Not always. It’s not just about adding more, it’s about adding better.

For example, a cramped bedroom squeezed into a loft might offer less value than a spacious new bathroom or a beautifully open-plan kitchen-dining room. It’s about creating a layout that works for you and appeals to future buyers too.

Our advice:

• Think about how you live now, and where the common frustrations come up.
• Speak to a designer who knows your local market and can help you create space that truly adds value, both financially and practically.

Home Renovation Myth 4: “You’ll probably have to compromise on your vision”

This one breaks our hearts a little. Because it doesn’t have to be true.

Many people start to believe they’ll need to settle for a watered-down version of their dream home, not the real thing. But with the right team, clear communication, and clever design, it is possible to bring your vision to life without sacrificing the style, function, or feeling you’re aiming for.

Our advice:

• Work with a design-led company that listens and collaborates with you.
• Find a team that combines creativity and technical know-how.

The right renovation team won’t limit you they’ll unlock possibilities you didn’t even know were there.

Ready to renovate your home with confidence?

At Adamsons, we’ve been guiding homeowners through home renovations with honesty and care for over 40 years. We’ve seen the pitfalls and more importantly, we know how to avoid them.

Whether you’re planning a full house transformation or just exploring ideas, we’re here to help you cut through the confusion and get it right from the very start.

No jargon. No pressure. Just good advice and beautifully designed spaces that work for the way you live.