From tiles that don’t match to a leaky shower that disrupts your morning routine, home upgrades that go wrong are something most of us can relate to. But new research from Drench reveals that for many homeowners, renovation regrets go far beyond minor irritations. In fact, one in five (22%) homeowners say they would do things differently if they had the chance, with poor workmanship, rushed decisions and DIY mistakes topping the list.
These blunders aren’t just stressful; they’re expensive. Almost half of regretful renovators (45%) admit they’ve wasted thousands on projects that didn’t go to plan.
Top reasons for renovation regret
|
Reason |
% of regretful homeowners |
|
Work wasn’t done properly |
50% |
|
Rushed decisions |
33% |
|
DIY attempt didn’t go as planned |
32% |
|
I went for the cheapest option and it backfired |
22% |
|
The planning or design didn’t really suit my needs |
18% |
|
I chose something trendy, but it wasn’t practical |
16% |
|
I didn’t measure or visualise the space well enough |
14% |
Poor workmanship tops the list
Half of homeowners who regretted a renovation said it was because the work simply wasn’t done properly. From uneven tiling to poor plumbing, workmanship woes can turn even the most stylish design into a costly nightmare.
A third (33%) admitted they made rushed decisions, showing that skipping steps or purchasing in a hurry can quickly become an expensive mistake. And for nearly as many (32%), their own DIY attempts were to blame.
While DIY can save money upfront, fixing errors often costs more in the long run - and the results prove it’s important to only carry out work that best suits your skills to avoid any hefty correction bills. And for many homeowners, finding a trusted and verified professional to do the bulk of complex work from the start could have saved time, money and stress.
When budget cuts backfire
It’s tempting to shave costs where you can, but one in five renovators (22%) with regrets admit that choosing the cheapest option backfired. Another 16% confessed to prioritising style over practicality, resulting in Insta-worthy looks that didn’t quite work in everyday life.
Quality fittings, proper labour and considered design choices often cost more initially, but they can prevent far more expensive corrections later.
Who is most likely to regret their renovation - and why?
Renovation regret varies noticeably by age, with each generation facing its own challenges.
55-64: Most impacted by poor workmanship
Homeowners aged 55-64 were the most likely to say poor workmanship caused renovation regret. This age group also tended to spend more on renovations they end up regretting too, often because they relied heavily on professional trades.
35-44: The DIY-confident generation
Those aged 35-44 were far more likely to experience DIY disasters. This group is generally more hands on and often influenced by quick, social media home hacks. While enthusiastic, their confidence sometimes outweighed their skill level.
25-34: Most likely to rush purchases
Younger homeowners were more likely to purchase something because it was trendy and make rushed buying decisions, particularly during sale events. This sometimes resulted in impractical choices or items that didn’t fit their space.
Bathrooms top the regret list
Bathrooms (38%) came out as the biggest regret zone for UK homeowners. When asked why, around a third said rushed purchase decisions and poor planning were to blame.
Choosing the wrong tiles or colours, prioritising style over practicality, and overlooking essentials like lighting, ventilation and storage were also among the most common issues.
Planning a bathroom is no small job, especially when you consider layout constraints, pipework, ventilation, lighting, tile choices and storage. It can quickly become complicated, but it’s also one of the most rewarding rooms to get right!
How long do homeowners spend planning bathroom renovations?
Despite the complexity of most bathroom projects, a surprising number of homeowners spend very little time planning, with 14% spending less than a week thinking about what they’re going to do.
Many admitted they purchased items before finalising designs, did not measure accurately or failed to consider lighting, ventilation or storage.
Proper planning time can vary, but bathrooms usually benefit from several weeks or months of decision making and layout testing. Rushed purchases were strongly linked to regret, particularly among younger homeowners.
So, what would make homeowners feel more confident?
When asked what would make future renovations smoother, homeowners highlighted several key factors:
|
More time to plan |
47% |
|
Better product advice |
41% |
|
Less pressure to buy quickly |
31% |
|
More transparent pricing |
29% |
|
A 3D design or visualisation tool |
28% |
Many specifically mentioned that visualisation tools, such as 3D design services, would help them feel more certain before committing to costly decisions.
How to avoid these common pitfalls
We’ve pulled together these top tips to help homeowners avoid the common renovation mistakes.
1. Plan before you buy
Don’t rush design decisions just to hit a date or budget. Map out how you’ll actually use the space and consider storage, lighting, layout and ventilation carefully. Good planning costs nothing but can really help projects stay on track and not run into problems that cost thousands down the line.
2. Be realistic about DIY
A few simple jobs are fine to tackle yourself but plumbing, electrics and tiling are usually best left to professionals. Fixing DIY mistakes often cost more than hiring an expert in the first place. Be realistic about your skills when it comes to DIY - better to be honest now than run the risk of complicated issues once you're in the thick of your project.
3. Check your tradespeople
Finding trusted and verified tradespeople is so important, especially when you need to get someone in for the bulk of your project. Always get at least three quotes and check verified reviews. You can ask your local council for a list of trusted traders or check trade associations for recommendations to ensure you find someone who can get the job done right.
4. Think function before fashion
Instagram trends come and go, but a bathroom or kitchen has to work for the long run. Prioritise practical layouts, quality fittings and durable finishes. You can always add personality with accessories later. There are lots of ways to make sure your project is stylish but practical, and getting expert advice on features and fittings that work well together is a great way to keep things looking and feeling good.
5. Visualise your design
Expert advice is a must for bigger projects like a bathroom or kitchen renovation. Use online design tools or 3D planning services to see how everything fits before you commit. This helps spot layout clashes, lighting issues or storage shortfalls before the work begins.
To help avoid these challenges, our 3D design service allows homeowners to visualise layouts, test styles and ensure everything fits before committing to a project. Our expert designers are really experienced with challenges that bathroom layouts can present, so are a great help in planning a space you’ll love.
