What to Do When Your Home Project Goes Wrong: A Healthy Home Approach

Building or renovating your home is a big investment emotionally, financially, and physically. While every project starts with excitement and vision, setbacks can (and often do) happen. Whether it’s delays, budget overruns, or unexpected construction issues, knowing how to respond can help keep your project on track.

Even more importantly, making informed decisions along the way ensures your home remains a healthy and toxin-free space. Here’s how to tackle common problems while protecting your home, your sanity and your well-being.

1. Pause, Breathe, and Assess the Issue

When something goes wrong (which it will), your first instinct may be frustration or panic. Instead, take a step back and gather the facts. What exactly has happened? How serious is it? What are your options? Acting from a place of knowledge rather than stress will help you make better decisions.

Healthy Home Tip: If the issue involves water leaks, mould growth, or poor ventilation, act immediately. Moisture problems can quickly escalate, leading to indoor air quality issues and health risks. If water damage occurs, prioritise drying the area thoroughly and consider consulting a building biologist to test for hidden mould.

2. Open Up Communication with Your Team

Miscommunication is easily one of the biggest issues I see between clients, builders and the design team, and it is a major cause of project delays and mistakes. Keep an open dialogue with your builder, architect, and trades, ensuring expectations are clear and documented. Assumptions are the killer of all projects, so always communicate (ideally in writing) all questions, answers, selections and issues.

Healthy Home Tip: If changes and/or substitutions need to be made, insist on low-tox materials. Many conventional building products contain VOCs, formaldehyde, and other harmful chemicals that impact air quality. Choose zero-VOC paints, non-toxic sealants, and untreated natural materials to maintain a healthier environment.

3. Document Changes and Decisions

In any home project, things may change, and it’s vital to keep a clear record of all decisions, especially those that deviate from your original plan. Whether you’re discussing material substitutions, design changes, or deadlines, document everything. Having a written record of your decisions will help avoid misunderstandings later on and ensure everyone is on the same page.

This is particularly important when the materials or designs change because it’s critical to make sure that the products being used still align with your home’s health and sustainability goals.

Healthy Home Tip: Be sure to record all your material choices, especially those with health implications, such as low-VOC paints, formaldehyde-free insulation, and non-toxic finishes. Keeping these records ensures that your healthy home choices are preserved, even if changes occur.

4. Stay Flexible and Find Smart Solutions

No project is perfect, and sometimes, changes are unavoidable. If an issue arises, work collaboratively with your team to find alternatives that align with your budget, values, and health priorities.

Healthy Home Tip: If a material becomes unavailable, choose replacements wisely. Opt for sustainable and non-toxic alternatives such as FSC-certified wood, formaldehyde-free plywood, wool insulation, or cork flooring. These materials support both your health and the environment while maintaining a high-quality finish.

5. Minimise Your Exposure to Construction Toxins

Building sites are full of dust, fumes, and chemicals that can impact your health. Whether you’re living in your home during renovations or visiting the site frequently, take precautions to reduce exposure.

Healthy Home Tip: Use HEPA air scrubbers to filter out construction dust and off-gassing chemicals, and wear a high-quality respirator mask if you need to be on-site.

Ensure your builder properly ventilates the space after applying paints, adhesives, or floor finishes. If possible, stay elsewhere during high-exposure phases like painting and flooring installation.

Final Thoughts: Turning Setbacks into Smart Decisions

Every project has its ups and downs, but with a clear head and the right approach, you can navigate challenges while staying true to your healthy home vision. Delays and detours can even be opportunities—to refine your choices, improve sustainability, and ensure your home is built to support your long-term well-being.

At Haven, I'm passionate about creating safe, non-toxic, and thoughtfully designed homes. If you need guidance on materials, finishes, or navigating unexpected issues, reach out—we’re here to help!