4 Renovation Mistakes You Seriously Don’t Want to Make

Image credit

Renovations are exciting, but it’s easy to get swept up in the “quick fix” options. After all, who wouldn’t want to make their home look bigger and prettier? If you go onto TikTok or basically any other social media platform, you’re going to find more than enough content about people doing DIYs, especially with cheap materials. But the truth is that choosing the wrong materials can end up costing far more time, effort, and money in the long run.

Those trendy or budget-friendly options may look good on day one, but give them a few months, and you might start noticing cracks, fading, or worse. Honestly, it’s the furthest thing from ideal. So, let’s look at why going for quality materials is key to making sure your renovation holds up beautifully over time.

How You Floor the High-Traffic Areas

So, just go ahead and picture this: you’re doing some new floor flooring in the entryway, and it looks flawless. Specifically, you’re using peel-and-stick vinyl tiles. But after a few months of muddy shoes, wet umbrellas, and general wear, those peel-and-stick vinyl tiles start lifting at the edges, fading where the sunlight hits, and just not looking their best anymore. It’s a common mistake—choosing peel-and-stick vinyl for high-traffic areas might seem easy and affordable, but it rarely lasts.

For spaces like entryways, where foot traffic, moisture, and sunlight all take their toll, it’s worth investing in porcelain or ceramic floor tiles. But why? Well, these options are durable, moisture-resistant, and can stand up to UV rays without fading. Plus, they’re more permanent than vinyl tiles (which might last a couple of years if you’re lucky).

Backsplash Blunders

Now, you probably know this, but a kitchen backsplash can be a beautiful focal point, but it also has a job to do, especially if it’s near a gas stove. It’s surprising how many people end up choosing non-heat-resistant materials like peel-and-stick tiles for their backsplash, only to see them start to warp or melt with the stove’s heat. Not ideal. Seriosuly, this is such a major mistake!

So, instead, opt for materials that are ready to take the heat, such as ceramic, glass, or metal tiles. But why? Well, not only do they look fantastic, but they’re also durable enough to stay in top shape behind the stove. They can basically take the heat (and they’re not a fire hazard). 

This way, you get a stylish backsplash that won’t need to be ripped out and replaced every few years. It’s best to look into choosing heat-resistant materials, which is a simple way to keep your kitchen looking sharp and functional without constant repairs.

Sunlight-Friendly Materials for Bright Rooms

You might be surprised about this one, but yes, this does matter! Natural light is one of the best features you can have in a home. But constant sunlight can wreak havoc on some materials, especially in rooms with large windows. Even classic wood can get sun damage. That’s why you need to be careful with what materials you choose.

Water-Resistant Choices for Bathrooms

Bathrooms deal with a lot, like water, steam, cleaning products, you name it. So, choosing finishes that aren’t water-resistant can lead to peeling, warping, and even mould. Basically, it’s going to be a neverending issue. Plus, materials like basic wallpaper, standard paint, or laminate are often not equipped to handle the wet, humid environment of a bathroom. Seriously, this happens all the time! That’s why you need to use waterproof paint and water-resistant tiles.