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JHC Monthly Blog
JHC August/September Blog
Top 5 Most Common Mistake Homeowners Make When Renovating
At J Hamblin Carpentry, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty transform their homes into beautiful, functional spaces. While renovations are an exciting opportunity to create the home you’ve always wanted, we’ve seen many people make the same costly mistakes — often without even realising it.
Here are the top 5 renovation mistakes homeowners make and how you can avoid them to ensure a smooth, successful project:
1. Not Having a Clear Plan
One of the most common (and expensive) mistakes is jumping into a renovation without a well-defined plan. Whether it's a kitchen upgrade, bathroom overhaul or full home extension, having a clear vision, timeline, and budget is critical.
Avoid it by:
Working with an experienced builder like JHC from the very beginning. We help map out your goals, design options, required consents, and realistic timeframes — so nothing is left to guesswork.
2. Underestimating the Budget
Renovations often uncover surprises behind walls or beneath floors — and if your budget is too tight, these unexpected costs can derail the whole project.
Avoid it by:
Allocating a 10–20% contingency in your budget to cover any unforeseen issues. Be honest about what you can afford, and we’ll help you prioritise the most valuable upgrades for your money.
3. Choosing the Cheapest Quote
It’s tempting to go with the lowest price, but remember — you get what you pay for. Cheap quotes may cut corners, use low-grade materials, or lack the proper licensing.
Avoid it by:
Looking beyond price and assessing reputation, communication, and quality of past work. At JHC, we provide transparent quotes and deliver high-quality craftsmanship backed by the Master Builders Guarantee.
4. Changing Your Mind Midway
Making changes during construction (like switching layouts or materials) can significantly increase your costs and delay your timeline.
Avoid it by:
Finalising your design choices before the build starts. Our team provides 3D walkthroughs, material samples, and expert advice upfront to help you feel confident in your decisions.
5. Skipping Council Consents
Doing unconsented work might seem faster or cheaper at the time, but it can lead to serious legal issues when selling or insuring your property.
Avoid it by:
Letting us handle the paperwork. We’re familiar with Tauranga City Council’s consent process and will ensure your project complies with all local building codes and regulations.
Planning a Renovation? Talk to the Experts at JHC
Avoiding these common mistakes can save you thousands — and a whole lot of stress. Whether you're renovating a single room or undertaking a full home transformation, JHC brings trusted experience, clear communication, and quality workmanship to every project.
📞 Book your free 20-min discovery call and let’s chat about your renovation goals.
Top 5 Most Common Mistake Homeowners Make Building Their Home
Building your dream home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make — financially, emotionally, and practically. At J Hamblin Carpentry, we’ve helped homeowners across Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty navigate the new build process with confidence.
But too often, we see clients come to us after experiencing delays, cost blowouts, or design regrets — simply because of a few early missteps.
Here are the top 5 mistakes people make when building a new home, and how you can avoid them:
1. Rushing the Design Process
Many homeowners are eager to break ground — but rushing through the planning and design stages often leads to layout issues, underused spaces, or regrets once you move in.
Avoid it by:
Spending time upfront thinking about how you live, not just how things look. At JHC, we collaborate closely with homeowners and architects to design functional, future-proof spaces tailored to your lifestyle.
2. Not Choosing the Right Builder Early
Waiting too long to bring a builder on board can cause miscommunication between the design and construction teams — and that can cost you both time and money.
Avoid it by:
Involving a trusted builder like JHC from the early stages. We offer practical advice on materials, costs, and council requirements, helping align your dream design with a realistic budget from day one.
3. Underestimating the Total Costs
Many people focus only on the construction cost — forgetting about consents, site works, landscaping, fencing, driveways, or fit-out upgrades.
Avoid it by:
Getting a fully transparent, itemised quote from the start. JHC helps you understand all the costs involved, so there are no surprises down the track.
4. Poor Site Planning
The land you build on has a big impact on how your home will perform — from sunlight and drainage to wind exposure and privacy.
Avoid it by:
Working with professionals who consider the site early in the design phase. We help maximise natural light, energy efficiency, and outdoor living through smart positioning and orientation.
5. Choosing Style Over Function
A home that looks great in a showhome may not suit your day-to-day needs. It’s easy to be drawn in by trends and overlook the practicalities of family life or future resale value.
Avoid it by:
Balancing form and function. JHC builds homes that not only look great — but also work well for real Kiwi living, now and into the future.
Ready to Build Your Dream Home?
A new home build should be an exciting, rewarding experience — not a stressful one. At Jhamblin Carpentry, we bring clarity, craftsmanship, and care to every project.
✅ Fixed-price contracts
✅ Transparent timelines
✅ Master Builder guarantee
✅ Local Tauranga expertise
📞 Book your free 20-min consultation and take the first step towards your new home, built right.
Your Adventure Awaits Here.
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