When planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, most homeowners focus on the obvious expenses: cabinetry, countertops, plumbing fixtures, and labour. While these are certainly important, it’s often the hidden costs that can throw a renovation project off track.
These surprise expenses usually appear once construction begins and can lead to stress, delays, and budget overruns if they aren’t planned for. The good news? Thoughtful design planning and a realistic budget can prevent most of these surprises.
At Essence Designs, we guide our clients through the interior design & renovation process to anticipate challenges before construction starts. Here are five hidden costs that every homeowner should consider when planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation.
1. Building a Contingency Buffer (10-20%)
Unexpected costs are inevitable in any renovation. That’s why every project should include a contingency fund, typically 10–20% of your total budget.
This financial cushion provides flexibility if something unplanned comes up, whether it’s structural repairs or last-minute changes to the overall project scope. Without a contingency, even minor surprises can force design compromises or delay your timeline, which causes added stress.
At Essence Designs, we work closely with our clients to identify areas where unexpected renovation costs are most likely to appear. By planning the contingency intentionally, homeowners can proceed with confidence, knowing they have a financial buffer without feeling like they’re over-budgeting. A well-planned contingency also allows clients to make design upgrades or choose higher-quality finishes if the opportunity arises.
2. Hidden Plumbing or Electrical Issues: Identify Your Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves
Older homes, in particular, hide aging plumbing or wiring that can quickly become a costly surprise. Once walls or floors are opened, homeowners may discover outdated pipes, ungrounded wiring, improper venting, or fixtures that aren’t up to code.
Correcting these issues before installing new finishes is essential for safety, functionality, and longevity. While uncovering problems can feel discouraging, addressing them early prevents far larger expenses in the future, such as water damage, mold remediation, or electrical hazards.
At Essence Designs, we don’t assess plumbing or electrical systems directly, but we work closely with experienced contractors who do. Their expertise helps identify any potential issues before construction begins. By collaborating early, homeowners can plan for necessary upgrades, minimize unexpected costs, and keep their renovation running smoothly and on budget.
3. Temporary Living Arrangements
Renovations often require losing access to a kitchen or bathroom, creating additional costs that homeowners may not initially consider. This can include takeout meals, temporary kitchen setups, or even short-term accommodations if construction is extensive.
Renovations can be disruptive, but planning ahead helps minimize inconvenience and stress. At Essence Designs, guide clients through realistic timelines and work with contractors to coordinate each phase efficiently. When a kitchen is out of service, we also help homeowners plan temporary setups, like creating a small kitchenette with a microwave, kettle, or mini fridge, so daily routines are easier to manage during construction.
By preparing for daily life during renovation, homeowners can stay comfortable and maintain a sense of normalcy while work progresses. Thoughtful planning ensures your household continues running smoothly without compromising the renovation process.
4. Time Delays and Added Labour Costs
Even the best-laid plans can face delays. Permit approvals, material backorders, or last-minute interior design changes can increase labour costs if tradespeople need to return to the site or reschedule work.
At Essence Designs, we work to minimize these types of disruptions by confirming product selections early, tracking lead times, and coordinating closely with contractors. Understanding that time equals money helps homeowners make decisions that protect both their design vision and budget.
For example, selecting materials with reliable lead times or finalizing design decisions well before construction begins can prevent extended project timelines. We also build realistic schedules that account for potential delays, giving clients peace of mind throughout the process.
5. The Price of Redoing Work
Redoing work during a renovation is one of the biggest hidden costs homeowners face. It often happens when something doesn’t fit as planned, materials are changed mid-project, or there’s confusion about the design details.
Investing in professional interior design services, including detailed floor plans, 3D renderings, and product specifications, can prevent these costly errors. At Essence Designs, we collaborate closely with our contractors and provide clear, detailed plans to ensure every detail is executed correctly the first time.
This level of preparation not only saves money but also ensures the final space functions as intended. Homeowners can enjoy the final result without unexpected compromises, knowing the design vision has been fully communicated and executed.
Plan for the Unexpected
No renovation goes exactly as planned, and that’s okay. The key is preparation.
By working with an experienced interior design company like Essence Designs, homeowners can anticipate hidden costs, make informed decisions, and keep their project on track. Thoughtful interior design, a clear plan, design documentation, and a realistic contingency fund transform a potentially stressful renovation into a smooth, enjoyable process.
Ready To Get Started?
If you’re considering a kitchen renovation or bathroom remodel, Essence Designs will guide you through every step, ensuring a beautiful, functional space that meets your lifestyle needs.
Book a free discovery call to start your design journey or download our Personalized Design Process Guide to learn more about how we work and how we can help you bring your vision to life.
Work with Us
Ready to create your dream home? Let’s turn your vision into reality with professional interior design services that prioritize your needs and aspirations.
Get in touch with Essence Designs today, and let our expert team of designers create your dream home. From concept to creation, we’re committed to making your space uniquely yours. Don’t wait – reach out now and embark on the journey to your dream home!
You can book a one-time in-home design consultation to discuss some of the solutions to update your space cost-effectively. Book your consultation here!
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