Renovation Of Dreams Or Nightmares?

So, you're finally ready to take the plunge and turn your home renovation dreams into a reality! Congratulations, that's exciting news! After spending countless hours scrolling, screenshotting, and pinning ideas, it's time to bring your vision to life.

However, let's be honest, the thought of managing a home renovation project can be daunting and overwhelming. The idea of making costly mistakes or going over budget can cause anxiety and not to mention sleepless nights.

But fear not! With proper planning and consideration, you can successfully project manage your own home renovation project.

If watching the likes of Room to Improve, Studio McGee Dream Home Makeover or My Home Made Perfect is your thing, then its understandable that you would jump at the opportunity to play an important role in your own home renovation. Or maybe, its not your vibe but you simply have to work under tight budget parameters and protect your budget by not engaging with a project manager.

We would like to help prepare you with our top tips below. Hopefully these tips will take you from Pinterest to Project Manager in no time or at least help you make an informed decision.

Are You Ready to Take On The Role Of Project Manager - Here Are Our 5 Top Tips:

1. Firstly, let's talk about TIME

Do you have the time to focus on your renovation?

Before embarking on a renovation project, it is important to consider if you have enough time to manage it yourself. Renovations can be time-consuming, requiring you to dedicate your evenings and weekends to researching products, securing good tradespeople, and co-ordinating them. Are you ready to cancel your Netflix account?

If you feel that you may not have enough time to commit to your renovation project, you may want to consider hiring a project manager.

2. Next up, is DEADLINE

Do you have a looming deadline to meet?

If you do, managing your own renovation project may not be the best option. Projects tend to take longer to complete when you manage them yourself, and missing deadlines as you know can lead to unwanted stress. This is particularly true, if for example you are expecting a baby, need to be out of your rental accommodation by a certain date or Christmas is looming. You need to carefully consider this aspect as the last thing you want to do is add to your stress!

3. All important KNOWLEDGE

How is your knowledge of the overall renovation process?

Having a good understanding of the renovation process is crucial when managing your own renovation project. Doing your research and ensuring that each aspect of the works schedule is completed on time and as specified is essential. If the trades are not fully briefed, you risk delaying the next stage of works which can cause stress and frustration and impact on your all important budget.

4. A must have is PEOPLE SKILLS

Are your people skills up to scratch?

From building suppliers to kitchen designers, to electrical and plumbing contractors, managing a renovation project requires excellent people skills. You will need to interact with various types of people and keep everyone involved up to date and fully informed. If something is not going to plan, you need to raise this and work your way through it with those responsible. Managing a renovation can be cumbersome and adding conflict into the mix will only add to your woes.

5. Finally, FINANCING & NEGOTIATION SKILLS

Are you a good negotiator and how are you at managing a budget?

Budgeting and negotiation skills are essential when it comes to a home renovation project. Keeping a tight rein on your budget from the start is crucial to avoid overspending and to ensure you have sufficient funding to see the project through to completion. If you're unsure about managing a budget, it might be useful to engage with an quantity surveyor. Shoping around for the best possible deals takes time but putting your negotiation skills to good use can pay off!

Do It Yourself Or Delegate?

In summary, if you're not confident in your ability to manage your own renovation project, hiring a project manager can be the perfect solution. A project manager acts as a buffer between you and the contractor, ensuring that the project runs smoothly and is completed on time and within budget. This is particularly beneficial for homeowners who are busy with work or have young children, as well as older clients who have the time but want to avoid the stress of having to manage a renovation project. Find out what our past customers had to say about their project managed home renovations projects here.

To conclude, there is no doubt that managing your own home renovation project can be extremely rewarding and it requires a significant commitment of time, knowledge, and skill.

Before you take the plunge, do your home and consider whether you have the time and expertise to take on the task in hand. If you're unsure, hiring a project manager may be the best way forward and help you achieve your renovation goals without the added stress.

You may find our project management page and our project management process useful.

If you would like to know more about our project management services, we would be delighted to chat to you.