Luxury Renovation Risks: What Can Go Wrong and How to Fix It

Having worked on over 40,000 projects from compact urban extensions to the grandest of Grand Designs TV new home projects, IDSystems has seen it all.

Below, Technical Sales Manager Edward Stobart has rounded up the most common luxury renovation issues he has encountered, and how to avoid them:

• Underestimating budgets and project scope is a main cause of failure, as well as cutting costs on important structural elements.
• A disconnected supply chain and unclear responsibilities also frequently cause issues.
• Failing to comply with planning & building regulations can stop a project in its tracks, and can be costly to fix.

1. Cutting costs on important structural elements

Any Grand Designs fan knows this issue well: ambitious projects going wildly over budget and schedule due to poor initial planning. Stobart warns there is another factor at play: attempting to cut costs in the wrong places. He states: “It is easy when budgets are tight to think about cutting costs, particularly when glazing is one of the most expensive elements of a build. But quality is definitely linked to price, and saving a few thousand pounds now but ending up with doors that cause problems constantly just isn’t worth the risk.”

The key to maintaining your budget is to focus on the details from day one:

• Your budget should include a contingency fund of 15-20% which is more realistic for complex luxury builds than the 10-15% often quoted for standard projects.
• Work with trusted partners like quantity surveyors and experienced architects to establish realistic cost estimates. 
• Insist on detailed quotes from all suppliers. When comparing providers, especially for critical elements like glazing, examine the specifications closely. 
• Invest in high-quality work for foundational and structural elements like windows, doors, and insulation. You can make cost savings later on non-structural elements and decorative items.

“We’ve had projects in the past where architects have insisted on a single huge window manufactured from a single glass unit that looks absolutely stunning but is incredibly costly to manufacture and install, whereas opting to split the same window into three frameless sections considerably reduces not only the cost of the materials but also the installation.” Edward Stobart says. “When a budget is involved, there will always be trade-offs to be made; it is about finding the ones that you can implement without impacting how you enjoy the house in the long run.“

2. Too many points of contact

Edward Stobart says, “In my experience, one of the most common sources of project delays is a disconnected supply chain. If you have a supplier buying from a fabricator and then subcontracting the fitting, there is so little control over responsibility and quality. One of the main reasons we manufacture, supply, and install ourselves is so we aren’t reliant on third parties to make or fit the products.”

To avoid a disconnected supply chain, consolidate contracts wherever possible, especially for critical components like glazing. Duncan Foster from Duncan Foster Architects says: “The general rule I always think with glazing is the more you can get wrapped up in one contract, the better. Because there’s one point of contact for the client, one point of contact for me, and one point of contact for the contractor and his programming. So, it was really critical that all the different glazing systems we wanted in here could all be supplied and installed by one manufacturer.”

3. Not assigning responsibilities clearly

A successful project is built on a complex relationship between the homeowner, architect, builder, and various specialist suppliers. But when communications break down, a lack of clarity over responsibilities is often the cause. This can create unnecessary friction, with specialist contractors often bearing the brunt of issues that originated elsewhere.

“When it comes to architects and builders, the messages can get mixed as they are approaching the project with their own considerations in mind. Architects will often look at the overall vision and the aesthetics of a project primarily, whereas a builder is considering how it is going to be practical to build,” says Stobart.

“By providing detailed specifications, maintaining open lines of communication with every party involved, and insisting on clear sign-offs at critical stages, you can remove ambiguity from your project.”

To ensure clear communication in your project:

• Set out responsibilities and lines of oversight from the beginning of the project.
• Provide a clear and detailed project plan to all parties.
• Make sure to use experienced suppliers.

4. Failing to comply with planning and building regulations

The complexities of building regulations can be a minefield, but failure to comply can be a hugely frustrating and expensive mistake, and is often discovered right at the end of the project when you’re ready to move in.

“Don’t ignore key features because they impact the aesthetic appeal of the finished system,” Stobart advises. “Finding out when you go to get sign-off on the house that the doors don’t comply with the relevant building regulations because they don’t have trickle vents or don’t include security laminate glass can be hugely frustrating.”

“Suppliers know this, so making sure you get accurate and honest advice upfront is crucial. This issue is often linked to choosing low-cost suppliers who may not be as diligent about compliance. Ultimately, the responsibility rests with the homeowner, but you are reliant on the advice of experts – so use suppliers you can trust.”

The right team for your dream project

Luxury renovation projects are complex, but they don’t have to be stressful. By anticipating these common pitfalls from day one, you can navigate the process with confidence.

The keys to success are always the same: 

• Meticulous planning
• Clear communication
• Strong partnerships with experienced, reputable experts.

If you are ready to start your renovation journey, you can find more advice from Stobart here, including how to deal with a lack of skilled installers and avoid product specs issues.