Jennifer Sheahan: How to avoid costly renovation mistakes

Jennifer Sheahan shares what to do when revamps go wrong

Communication is key. Clarify assumptions and keep written records. Picture: Moya Nolan

Renovations are arduous enough when things are going to plan, but there are few things more stressful than watching your dream renovation turn into a nightmare. Most of us will only do one or two big building projects in our lifetime, so when things go off the rails — whether it’s poor workmanship, delays, or disputes over costs — it can feel overwhelming. We don’t have the experience to know what to do or where to turn. As with most things, preparation is key, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself before you ever sign a contract. If it’s too late for that, there are still some options available to get things back on track, or to seek redress if necessary.

Communication is key

The first line of defence is prevention. Good communication with your contractor or tradesperson solves a surprising number of problems before they ever escalate. From the very beginning, keep a written record of everything — emails, texts, contracts, and receipts. Be as crystal clear in your communications as possible and always clarify assumptions early on. I used to keep my communication to a weekly bullet point list that I would discuss on Fridays with my contractor, and then would send a summary of all decisions made against that list via email so that everyone was on the same page. People are busy and will likely have multiple jobs going on at once, so prepare for details to be forgotten. It’s also much easier to resolve a dispute if you have a clear paper trail.

Check credentials

Before hiring anyone, check their credentials. Builders should be on the Construction Industry Register of Ireland (CIRI); electricians should have an RECI license which you can check on safeelectric.ie; anyone working with gas should be a Registered Gas Installer which you can check on rgi.ie; and while there is no formal registration requirement for plumbers in Ireland, it is certainly a green flag if they are registered with a body such as the CIRI. Ask for proof of insurance too — specifically public liability, employer’s liability, and ideally contract works or “all risks” insurance. 

Check the registration of your builders, electricians, gas installers, and ideally plumbers. Picture: Moya Nolan

Never rely on vague promises — you should always get a detailed written contract that outlines the scope of work, the materials being used, the payment schedule, and any warranties. Agree on a retention figure and timeline — somewhere between 5%-10% for 12 months is typical. A reputable contractor will be happy to provide references, and in some cases may even show you an ongoing or previous project if the homeowner agrees.

Knowledge is power

It’s also worth educating yourself a little. Understanding the basics of building regulations, the role of professional qualifications, and who is responsible for signing off on the work — usually an architect, engineer, or building surveyor — can save you a lot of trouble down the line. Trust your instincts, too. Poor communication, vague answers, messy job sites, and overly optimistic timelines are all red flags. If the contract or quote lacks detail, proceed with caution. Transparency is a sign of professionalism; evasiveness is not.

First steps 

But what if, despite your best efforts, things go wrong? The first step is still communication. Speak directly and clearly to your contractor or tradesperson about the problem. If that doesn’t resolve it, escalate to a formal written complaint, outlining the issue and asking for it to be fixed. If you need extra support, bring in a professional, such as a surveyor or engineer, to produce a report that backs up your concerns. Having expert evidence makes your case much stronger.

Legal assistance 

If you’re still not getting anywhere, you can turn to outside bodies. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (ccpc.ie) can advise on your rights. For smaller disputes under €2,000, the Small Claims Court can be a quick and inexpensive option. For larger or more complex cases, mediation or arbitration can be a good alternative to court. If necessary, consult a solicitor who specialises in construction law — they can advise whether you have a strong case and what your options are. Court proceedings should always be the last resort, as they’re often costly and time-consuming, but sometimes they are unavoidable.

Professional bodies 

There are also several professional bodies you can report issues to, if standards have not been upheld or regulations have not been met. The Construction Industry Federation and its Construction Industry Register of Ireland (CIRI) hold builders to certain standards. Safe Electric oversees registered electricians, while RGI is responsible for gas installers. Reporting misconduct to these bodies helps protect future homeowners as well as yourself.

Know your rights

Beyond that, the law offers additional protections. Under Building Control Regulations, all works must meet specific standards, and your local authority has the power to inspect and enforce compliance with these regulations. Responsibility ultimately lies with both the builder and the homeowner, so it’s important to ensure proper oversight. If you’re buying a new home, it is likely to come with a ten-year structural warranty — ensure you have all details on this upon purchase. More broadly, consumer protection legislation requires builders to provide services of “merchantable quality,” meaning you may be entitled to compensation or remedial works if they fail to meet that standard.

Finally, don’t forget your contract. Check your agreed retention amount and timeline, where your contractor is obliged to return and fix problems that arise with the build. Knowing exactly what your contract says is crucial — it defines your legal standing as well as signposting your best options for recourse.