Décor regrets: Almost a third of Brits regret their home improvement choices
- British homeowners have spent an average of £12,367 improving their homes in the past five years – from extensions, to painting walls, to new flooring and bathroom refurbishments
- Nearly 1 in 3 (30%) regretted their initial choices, and more than half (56%) made further changes, spending an average of £3,819 to get everything just right
- Most common regrets include colour choices, layout, lighting, and dissatisfaction with the quality of the work
New research from Direct Line business insurance reveals that the average British homeowner has spent £12,367 improving their current home in the past five years. However, those upgrades have come with regrets and an additional cost for many.
Around a third (30%) of homeowners who have had home improvements in the past five years regretted the choices they made, and of those, more than half (56%) decided to have the work redone. Whether it is a paint colour that turned out darker than expected or flooring that didn’t match the mood board, the research reveals that changing your mind on home décor costs an estimated £3,819 on average.
When it comes to who was behind the work, 57% of the initial home improvements were done as DIY projects, with 21% enlisting friends and family. However, when things went wrong, 61% decided it would be better to call in the professionals to redo the job.
These reworks are not just costly for homeowners; they also create demand for tradespeople who are called back when someone changes their mind. Workers are often relied upon to come to the rescue and deliver the results residents envisioned. The top reasons for people changing their mind are the colours that didn’t match their vision and practical issues such as the layout, storage or lighting.
Table 1: Top reasons for people changing their mind on home improvements
Reason |
Proportion of people who regretted it |
Did not like the colour |
24% |
Practical issues (e.g. layout, storage, lighting) |
22% |
Poor quality of workmanship (their own or of those who carried the work) |
20% |
Maintenance was harder than expected |
19% |
Trend dated quickly |
16% |
Damage occurred during works |
14% |
Source: Direct Line business insurance 2025
Mark Summerville, SME Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance, commented: “Tradespeople know better than anyone that a job doesn’t always end when the paint dries. Our research shows that customers changing their minds can lead to repeat call-outs, whether it’s repainting a living room, retiling a bathroom, or adjusting a layout that doesn’t quite work.
“It’s all too easy to fall in love with a colour, tile or finish when browsing visualiser apps or design tools, only to discover that it looks completely different once it’s actually in your home - or that what looks beautiful on screen turns out to be impractical in everyday life.
“Thankfully, skilled tradespeople can help to rectify unsuitable choices and turn design regrets into practical, lasting solutions, drawing on years of experience and a deep understanding of their craft to get it right.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Research of 2,000 UK adults conducted by Opinium between 19th and 23rd September 2025.
For further information, please contact:
Unni Henry
PR Manager
Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk
About Direct Line business insurance
Launched in 2007 Direct Line business insurance provides a flexible range of insurance products for the landlord, van and small business sectors and is part of the Aviva Group.
Customers can find out more about Direct Line business insurance products or get a quote by calling 0345 301 4827 or visiting www.directlineforbusiness.co.uk
