“A lot of renovation stress comes down to expectations,”

From glossy DIY TV shows to endlessly scrollable TikTok “reno hacks”, homeowners have never had more inspiration when it comes to upgrading their homes. But according to renovation specialists at CabinetSelect, many of the beliefs driving those projects are misleading — and can end up costing far more time, money and stress than people expect.

“A lot of renovation stress comes down to expectations,” a CabinetSelect spokesperson explains. “When people don’t have clear information upfront, even small surprises can feel expensive and overwhelming.”

Here, the experts break down the biggest renovation myths that regularly trip homeowners up.

TV makes renovations look easier than they are
Renovation shows are masters of the dramatic before-and-after, but they rarely show what happens in between. “You see very little of the planning, changes and fixes unless something goes seriously wrong,” the spokesperson says.

In real homes, that missing middle is where most of the work happens. Designs evolve, timelines stretch and budgets shift as decisions are made and real-world issues emerge. Delayed deliveries, unexpected adjustments and mid-project changes are normal — not signs of failure.

Not all products — or contractors — are equal
Most renovation regrets don’t stem from one big mistake, but from several small, rushed decisions. Choosing materials without checking what they’re made of, or hiring a contractor without fully clarifying responsibilities and timelines, can cause problems that are difficult — and costly — to fix once work is underway.

The cheapest option can be a false economy too. Corners are often cut in materials, finish or aftercare, and by the time issues surface, the cost of putting things right is usually higher than expected.

“Renovations are a chain of small decisions,” the spokesperson says. “If the early ones are rushed, everything after that feels harder. Taking more time at the start can save a lot of frustration later.”

The myth that RTA cabinets don’t last
One of the most persistent misconceptions is that ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets are low quality. CabinetSelect says this belief is outdated.

“High-quality RTA cabinets use solid wood construction, soft-close doors and drawers, and dovetail joinery — the same features you’ll find in premium semi-custom cabinetry,” the spokesperson explains. “They’re shipped flat to reduce logistics costs, not because they’re inferior.”

You don’t need a huge budget to update your home
Many homeowners assume renovations — especially kitchens — will cost far more than they actually do. While cabinets are often the biggest expense, budgets are frequently inflated by outdated assumptions, with people overestimating costs by as much as 30–40% before work even begins.

“With the right cabinet line, smart material choices and a DIY-friendly approach where appropriate, many kitchens can be fully updated for under £8,000,” the spokesperson says. “It’s less about having a huge budget and more about spending it wisely.”

That logic applies beyond kitchens too. Breaking projects into stages or tackling one room at a time can make updates far more manageable.

Why white shaker kitchens are still everywhere
Often dismissed as ‘basic’, white shaker cabinets remain one of the most popular kitchen styles — and for good reason.

“They’re used in everything from luxury homes to high-end remodels because they’re timeless,” the spokesperson explains. “White shaker kitchens work with almost any design style and remain a safe bet for long-term value.”

As renovation inspiration continues to flood screens big and small, CabinetSelect’s advice is simple: look past the hype, ask the right questions early, and plan for reality — not the edit.