IDSystems has worked on over 40,000 projects, ranging from compact urban extensions to the grandest new home projects featured on Grand Designs TV. 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.
• Failure to comply with planning and building regulations can halt a project and incur significant costs to rectify.

1. Cutting Costs For 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. However, quality is closely related to price; therefore, saving a few thousand pounds now could lead to purchasing doors that frequently cause problems, which ultimately 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.
• Please request 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. “Budgeting always requires trade-offs; the goal is to find ones that won’t affect your long-term enjoyment of the house.”

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. This arrangement ensures that there is one point of contact for the client, one for me, and one for the contractor regarding programming. So, it was vital that one manufacturer could supply and install all the glazing systems we wanted.

3. Not Assigning Responsibilities Clearly

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

When architects and builders approach a project with their own considerations, the messages can become mixed. Architects will often look at the overall vision and the aesthetics of a project primarily, whereas a builder is considering how it will 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. It 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. “Discovering at the sign-off stage that the doors do not comply with relevant building regulations—due to the absence of trickle vents or security laminate glass—can be extremely 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 homeowner is responsible, but you must rely on expert advice, so use trusted suppliers.

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.