Remodelling a house can be a great way to turn a tired building into a dream home, but taking on such a big project isn't always smooth sailing. There are always snags along the way, from delayed deliveries to unforeseen structural problems and design oversights.

Be prepared for the problems that might crop up by checking out these common home renovation mistakes before you start. Click or scroll on for more...

House extensions are marvellous for adding more space or redesigning a floor plan. However, not going through the right channels is a criminal offence that could prove costly.

In the UK, some types of extensions fall under permitted development and don't require planning permission, but you will need to do your research as regulations regularly change and your home's location and age could affect your rights.

It's always best to contact your local authority in advance because failing to follow the law could result in a hefty fine and any work being taken down.

Not discussing ideas with your professional team could lead to issues with quality or functionality. Your builder, architect or project manager will have plenty of experience helping people transform their homes, so they may have expert advice that they're willing to share.

They might be able to suggest alternative design solutions or even more cost-effective materials. So, try to be as flexible as possible but stand your ground if you have your heart set on something specific.

While it can be tempting to take on the majority of the work yourself, doing so could not only lead to accidents, but delays and expensive remedial works later down the line. 

It's also essential that you hire a professional for certain jobs if you have no prior knowledge or experience. For example, it's never advisable to tackle electrical, gas or plumbing work yourself. Other dangerous DIY jobs include demolishing walls with no expert guidance, removing asbestos and tackling roof repairs.

Credit cards are a convenient and flexible way of borrowing money, but more than that they are one of the safer payment options since they come with fraud protections.

"Section 75 makes the credit card provider jointly liable with the retailer if something goes wrong," Money Saving Expert explains. If you buy something costing more than £100 and less than £30,000 and it turns up broken, faulty or doesn't arrive at all, the card company has a legal responsibility to refund you.

This also applies to services and even if you've just paid a deposit on your credit card, you'll be covered for the whole amount.

Good ventilation helps your home expel moisture, odours and indoor pollutants, so if you fail to consider the correct level of ventilation, you could end up with excess condensation, damp and mould.

Ventilation is extremely important in hot and humid parts of the house, such as the bathroom and kitchen. An extractor fan is essential in creating a well-ventilated bathroom and kitchen, while windows that can be opened will also enable you to ventilate these key corners of the home.

If you've just purchased your home and it's in a habitable state, it's a good idea to live in it for a little while before beginning renovations. This will give you time to figure out what does and doesn't work and, more importantly, how you use the house.

From where you drop the groceries and how the living zones flow, to where the coldest and warmest corners of the house are, it'll help you hone a practical and comfortable design rather than purely focusing on aesthetics.

One thing you can't see on a floor plan is the way natural light can shape a room. Get to know how different spaces in your home feel as the sun shifts through the day before you lock in a layout.

For example, you'll likely want your key family living areas to benefit from the most light – you can boost levels with glazing options such as glass patio doors and large picture windows. Meanwhile, more occasional rooms like snugs and guest spaces can occupy darker areas of the house. 

Artificial lighting is just as important as natural light when it comes to designing a bright and inviting home that's functional as well as comfortable. So, when it's time to plan your new layout, don't forget to factor in your lighting setup.

Consider areas where you'll need task lighting, such as kitchen worktops and islands, as well as dark corners or basements that might require extra illumination. It's best to iron this out sooner rather than later so that your tradespeople can ensure the correct wiring is in place.

If you're working with a tight budget and your timeline is less constrictive, concentrate on tackling the most used rooms in the house first.

Doing a little work across a lot of rooms will only lead to frustration and leave you with an array of unfinished living spaces – not to mention a big bill. Instead, focus on ticking off one or two vital rooms, such as the kitchen or the lounge, then move on to other areas when money allows.

A half-hearted renovation plan can lead to unnecessary stress, spiralling costs and a never-ending work schedule. The more decisions you make beforehand, and communicate effectively to your contractor, the better.

Try not to change your mind too many times during the build, either, as it's likely to run up the cost and lead to delays. It's worth remembering, though, that unforeseen challenges and issues can arise during a renovation, so you may need to compromise along the way.

Don't choose your builder or contractor on a whim or without research. Always get a few quotes, don't be afraid to ask for references or case studies, then check them out on 'word of mouth' forums and social feeds.

Don't base your selection on price alone – good communication is key when sticking to a construction plan, so it's important you not only feel comfortable around your contractor but can get on with them, too. 

Factoring in your neighbours is about more than just general consideration around noise and disruption, as you must allow them the 'right to light'. 

First Choice Extensions explains: "Double-storey extensions build upwards, and if you're not careful, this can block out other homes' natural light. You will likely need to get planning permission if you have close neighbours and if your plans will greatly reduce your neighbours' right to light, they can be rejected."

Never underestimate the time it takes to renovate or remodel your home. Set out a realistic schedule with your contractor before the job starts, outlining every task and when, roughly, it will be carried out.

Include who is doing what and the budget for each task. Build in extra time for delays in materials or unforeseen problems, such as rotten floorboards or faulty wiring, along the way.

Depending on the size and type of renovation you may need to consult other specialists, which come with extra costs. As well as a builder or contractor you may need to hire an architect, structural engineer, quantity surveyor or council planning officer, who will help you to fine-tune your design or sign-off the works.

While some home insurance policies will offer cover for minor decorating projects and DIY, most won't cover you for a major renovation.

To ensure you're covered should disaster strike, call your insurer before you start work to check what your policy covers and, if necessary, put renovation insurance in place.

You may also need to arrange for extended cover if you intend to leave your home unoccupied while work is being carried out. Structural warranties can also protect you, should anything go awry during the build.

Not having the correct measurements seems like a rookie mistake but it's more common than you might think. The simple task can be costly and set your schedule back, so measure accurately twice to avoid frustrations further down the line.

If you don't feel up to the task, it's worth asking for help from someone who may have more experience.

Take into account the period of the property you are renovating. Additions will look more professional and well-finished if the new scheme is in keeping with its roots and original structure.

For instance, this gorgeous kitchen works around the original timbers and steel beams of this former barn. It's also worth noting that those with a Listed home, or one in a Conservation Area, will be limited in what they can do.

Don't make the mistake of thinking nothing will go wrong. There are always hidden hiccups and extra costs that crop up, so try to have an additional 20% of your overall budget set aside for any unexpected issues, or for any final snagging work. Otherwise, you might have to live in unfinished rooms, or end up with out of control fees that you can't afford to pay.

Don't forget function as well as form. Many forget the importance of internal doors when designing a house, but their placement can greatly affect your interior.

Map out all the door openings in the design plan, as they'll need to open comfortably. Consider which way they will open – if a door opens into a room, it will reduce the space left for furniture. Will the door be hung left or right and is there enough space for full capacity opening?

A wet room sounds luxurious but if you get it wrong, it can be a water-logged nightmare. The drainage system needs to have an efficient capacity for the water flow rate and floors need to have the correct recommended gradient in the direction of the drain location. 

If you are planning on removing walls then bear in mind most of them have a structural purpose, so knocking them down without seeking expert advice could leave you with costly repairs, or worse! 

Seek the expertise of a structural engineer or trusted builder, who will know which are load-bearing and if there are pipes and wires within them that need moving first. Support beams may be required and while these will add to your budget, they can be a fantastic focal feature.

A basement conversion will add more square footage but the conversion work and costs can be easily underestimated. For example, the floor may need to be lowered to provide enough head height and a full damp-proofing course could be required.

Ask these questions before you begin: Are the ceilings high enough? Is there any damp or flood risk? How will daylight enter the room? Are there any bulky items like furnaces that need to be hidden or even moved?

Efficient insulation will ensure your new rooms are warm or cool (depending on the climate) and will help your home retain heat, ultimately keeping energy costs down.

Special attention needs to be given to loft conversions, basement changes, garage remodelling and glazed structures, so it's always worth speaking with a specialist before getting started. 

Forgetting to allocate storage could be an impractical hiccup and in the long term even devalue your home. Design your new layout to maximise every inch of your space and meet your exact storage needs.

Simon Tcherniak, Senior Furniture Designer at Neville Johnson explains: "As we acquire and retain more and more, we all need more room. However, as property sizes get smaller and space becomes more of a premium, we look at innovative, clever storage solutions to aid us in achieving an uncluttered, streamlined lifestyle. Sometimes going bespoke and built-in is the only option for this."

Consider the environmental footprint of your house before you renovate. Are there eco-friendly appliances you could incorporate into your design, such as an energy-efficient dishwasher that uses less water?

Don't forget about the waste materials from your project, too – these can often be taken to a recycling centre or you could even advertise surplus bricks and leftover wood pallets on local selling sites for reuse. Or even better, you could source salvaged materials for your renovation.

With outdoor space at the top of many wish lists, spending time and money making your garden gorgeous will undoubtedly pay off. Choose good quality materials that will weather well and last for decades to come.

Do your research too and select elements that have innovative installation systems, such as DIY-friendly composite decking tiles to simplify, streamline and speed up the process where you can.

The materials you choose for your interior are equally as important. Before you get carried away with mod cons or designer materials, consider if they're needed and whether they could prove more troublesome in the long run. 

Unless you have an unlimited budget, look out for cheaper alternatives – marble tiles are luxurious, but there may be a cheaper alternative that looks like the real thing but is much less porous.

Equally, scrimping could compromise the look and longevity of your renovation. So, don’t go for a sub-par design you’ll end up hating – it won’t add value and you’ll spend money on repairs a few years down the line.

While a wood-burning stove may seem a desirable asset in a home, they can come with their own set of hazards, concerning both the environment and your health. Do your research and choose an Ecodesign Ready Stove to comply with the government's Air Quality Strategy, if you're located in the UK. 

In terms of installation, there are regulations to follow and cutting corners could create a dangerous home hazard. Even an existing old fireplace will need reconditioning to accommodate a modern eco-design wood burner safely and efficiently.

A loft conversion is a great way to extend your home without losing garden space but it's a big job with lots that can go wrong. There needs to be a minimum head height, additional light and heat sources and don't forget you'll lose a lot of storage space in the process. In addition, you will need to take space from another room or landing to provide access stairs.

You can't look at an interiors magazine, website or social feed without coming across chic bi-folding doors that blur the boundaries between inside and out. But before you replace your old patio doors, you need to make sure your new expansive concertinas have the right support and are fitted properly. Bi-fold door systems are large, top-hung, technical door systems that come with a pretty big price tag, so you'll want them to slide right.

Don't dodge the proper procedures when dealing with the electrics. Enlist a qualified electrician to make sure wiring and circuits are safe and efficient. When planning, ensure you have allocated enough electrical sockets and lighting combinations and that they are in the correct positions when key elements and furniture are all in place.

Looking to create a beautifully raw and textured exposed brick feature wall? Make sure the brickwork of the wall you want to strip is the right type of brick you want on show – grey breeze blocks won't have the same effect!

Choose a wall with the least amount of windows, doors and sockets. If a whole wall is a bit scary, go for a feature like a chimney breast or a kitchen splashback wall. Lastly, be prepared, this project will whip up a dust storm. Alternatively, brick slips – like these from The Brick Tile Company – will allow you to create a focal feature, without all the hassle or mess.

Hopefully, you will have already informed your home insurance company that you are undertaking a renovation, but don't forget to get back in touch once your project is completed. 

Finishing a perfect renovation with a few added luxuries is an incredible achievement but you may need to make adjustments to your cover for your new home. That extra bedroom with a Juliette balcony or the luxury plunge pool in the freshly landscaped garden will need a new assessment so you have peace of mind if disaster strikes.

If you are altering layouts, changing to open-plan or shifting kitchens and bathrooms to other rooms, ensure the walk-through path still works and it is easy to manoeuvre around your home. Then, hone in on individual room plans; consider the kitchen work triangle or balancing focal points in the living room.

A stylish and striking interior design may seem a glorious idea and make you the envy of your friends but is it really practical and safe for everyday living? Perhaps it's better to leave the floating stairs, low-hanging chandeliers and super-slippery, polished floors in favour of a solid design that's comfortable to use every day.

Soundproofing a home is often overlooked, but it's a necessary consideration for young families who make a lot of noise but need quiet when it's bedtime. Also, period properties will benefit from an acoustic design update as they do not meet the soundproofing demands we have today.

Poppy Szkiler, founder of the Quiet Mark charity, explains: “Planning acoustic design helps create a long-term peaceful, protective, comfortable-feeling living environment, missing this vital step can lead to annoying reverberation."

Desperate for an elegant conservatory or funky kitchen-diner extension with a glass roof? Make sure you consider room temperature first, as sun streaming through untreated glazing can heat a room fast.

Generally, south-facing rooms will bask in sunlight all day, so go for good airflow. North-facing will be cooler, so may need heating. Easterly spaces make great breakfast rooms, with morning sunshine and westerly will benefit from afternoon warmth.

Make sure you've ordered enough material to complete flooring jobs. The general rule of thumb is to buy 20% extra to account for installation wastage and defects. Woodfloors4u suggests measuring the length by width at the floor's largest areas to get the right square dimensions. In L-shaped rooms, measure each rectangle separately.

The boring bits like guttering, cladding and 'making good' outdoor spaces once building work is finished are often an afterthought, but the costs can add up. Take your time choosing the materials; after all that hard work, a rush job could let your efforts down, resulting in exterior damage or a house that looks unprofessional and unfinished. 

Blowing your budget on the wrong rooms and features can be an error of judgement you'll regret. Kitchens and bathrooms tend to be the go-to rooms for expenditure as they are practical investments that should only need replacing each decade. As such, it's a good idea to go for timeless cabinetry and flooring that you can update with décor and accessories, to keep the style feeling fresh and up to date.

Open-plan layouts are one of the biggest interior design trends of the last 10 years, but this style isn't for everyone. In removing walls, privacy is reduced and noise is amplified, so if you have pets or children, walls and closing doors could be beneficial. “Your space needs to be practical for your lifestyle," explains Ben Lee of Vita Architecture.

"Living rooms are usually cosy, so they don’t always work being located beside a busy kitchen. Lots of people show us clippings of open-plan spaces and ask for replica designs, but it’s important to understand the constraints and opportunities of your interior, and how these fit into your vision." If you opt for an open plan, try subdividing the room into zones to give purpose to each space.

Loved this? Check out more home renovation inspiration and advice