Renovating a home can be a stressful time. It can add value to the property and help to keep energy bills to a minimum, but more often than not practical considerations mean it ends up a logistical nightmare that requires careful planning to see through to a successful conclusion. The good news is that while there is so much to consider in terms of budgets, materials and coordinating the tradesmen, the modern world makes it easier than ever to project manage elements of the process remotely.
Project Management
Ensuring that there is someone on-site to deal with the day-to-day renovation issues is one way in which it can be carried out remotely. This is also the ideal solution for those who are busy with work. The benefits of this type of help are well known to the self-employed who opt for the services of an umbrella company to deal with everyday issues such as invoicing and taxation.
When a project manager is appointed it is a good idea to sit down and plan every aspect of the renovation in advance. This involves deciding on the materials to be used, the type of work that is to be carried out and the budget available for completing the work. Prioritizing work is also a good idea. Urgent tasks requiring the most financial outlay should be tackled first in case unexpected costs arise further down the track – then less urgent non-essential tasks can be factored in at a later date.
Budgets
Control of the budget is essential. Aside from the cost of materials and manpower, it is important to consider a contingency fund. This will cover any emergency work, additional materials or any problems that may occur. Obtaining written quotes for the work in advance will help to plan what is needed so that funds can be set aside.
If possible, have a separate account for the renovation. This makes it much easier to see what is being spent and when meaning the monies can be managed much more effectively. Do not forget extras such as the cost of fixtures and fittings and the decorating costs afterward.
Finding Tradesmen
Getting reliable tradesmen is always a challenge but when a good one is found then it can bring additional peace of mind to the project. Always opt for qualified and experienced professionals that have a membership of the relevant trade guilds. Word of mouth recommendations are also important: Ask friends, colleagues, and family to see if they have any experience of people with the appropriate skills. Do not simply hire the first one that you meet. Ask them for references and if possible talk to previous clients. Most good tradesmen are happy to show previous examples of their work.
Check to see if they have any professional accreditations or are affiliated to any trade associations. This is often a sign of quality as they are checked for standards of service before they are permitted to join. If the project does need to be managed remotely then a professional tradesman will not need to be overseen every moment of the day and the homeowner can carry on with work and daily life with few interruptions.