9 Dumb Mistakes Couples Make During Renovations
Around 1 in 15 homeowners admitted that home renovations led to the breakup of their relationship. This is especially true among younger homeowners, who may discover they bit off more than they can chew when they start the project. The deal breaker? Well, there are several mistakes couples make during renovations that wind up ruining everything.
1. Not Setting a Shared Budget Upfront
Sticking to the budget for your home renovations is crucial. Before you start, you need to sit down and pinpoint a figure with your partner. This way, you can both manage your expectations accordingly. Make sure you’ve noted any “must-haves” and know how much they’ll cost. It’s also a good idea to have a contingency plan for any surprises (they always pop up). You’ll save yourself a lot of heartache by doing this.
2. Taking on a DIY Project That’s Way Too Ambitious
YouTube and DIY shows make everything look doable, but it’s easy to commit to a project that is too much for you to handle. When you overestimate what you can pull off on your own, it can lead to poor results. In your relationship, this can cause finger-pointing and blaming for what went wrong. So, know your limits and know when you should call a professional in.
3. Ignoring Each Other’s Design Preferences
One partner loves minimalism, the other hoards vintage floral patterns—sound familiar? A common renovation mistake couples make is trying to bulldoze through style disagreements without compromise. When one person dominates the aesthetic, the other may feel unheard and disconnected from the space. It’s not just about colors and curtains—it’s about feeling at home. Blend your styles with intention and make design decisions together.
4. Making Decisions Without Talking It Through
Quick decisions under pressure can cause long-term regret, especially when one person feels left out. Renovation timelines can get tight, but that’s no excuse to skip conversations. Surprising your partner with a bold tile they’ve never seen might not go over well. Every choice—big or small—should be discussed to keep both parties aligned and avoid future fights. Renovation success comes from good communication, not solo decisions.
5. Not Anticipating the Stress It Puts on the Relationship
Most couples don’t realize how stressful renovations can be until they’re living through it. Dust, delays, budgets, and clutter can wear down even the strongest relationships. This is one of the sneakiest renovation mistakes couples make: underestimating how the process can test their patience and partnership. Plan for stress relief—whether that’s a weekend away, designated “reno-free” zones, or just more takeout nights to keep peace in the kitchen.
6. Skipping a Detailed Timeline
Winging it may work on vacation—but not during renovations. Another big renovation mistake couples make is failing to map out a realistic timeline. Without one, tempers flare, tasks get forgotten, and chaos sets in. Sit down together and break the project into phases, including deadlines and who’s responsible for what. It’ll keep everyone accountable—and a lot more sane.
7. Treating It Like a Competition, Not a Team Effort
When tension rises, it’s easy to fall into a competitive mindset—“my idea is better,” “you’re always wrong,” and so on. But turning the process into a battle is a fast way to ruin both the project and the partnership. One of the most damaging renovation mistakes couples make is losing the sense that they’re in it together. The home should reflect both of you—not just who “won” more arguments.
8. Ignoring Small Annoyances Until They Become Big Issues
Maybe it’s the tile color you hated but didn’t mention. Or the budget update your partner forgot to tell you about. Small annoyances can snowball into major blowups if left unaddressed. Renovation mistakes couples make often stem from avoiding honest conversations until it’s too late. Be proactive and clear about what’s bothering you. A quick talk today can prevent a screaming match tomorrow.
9. Forgetting to Celebrate the Wins Along the Way
Amid the mess, stress, and decision fatigue, many couples forget to enjoy the journey. This might sound cheesy, but it’s a surprisingly common renovation mistake couples make: they don’t pause to celebrate the progress. Whether it’s finishing a room or surviving week three of takeout dinners, small wins matter. Acknowledge the effort, laugh at the mishaps, and remember—you’re building more than a home. You’re building memories.
Renovate Smarter—And Stay Happier
Home renovations can be stressful, there’s no doubt about that. To successfully pull it off without ruining your relationship, you have to communicate, plan, and support each other through the process. Remember, at the end of the day, you are a team, and you are renovating a place that will be special to you both.
Have you and your partner ever taken on a home project together? What was the biggest challenge—or the funniest fight—you had during renovations? Share your story in the comments!
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.