How to Keep Renovations on Track and on Budget
Renovations are life-changing
when they are done right; your home is transformed into your dream property,
and your refurbishment goals are finally realised. However, they can easily go
very wrong and become a stressful and demanding endeavour when they are delayed
or end up draining your bank balance unexpectedly.
Here is a guide on how to
keep your renovation exactly the way it should be.
Draw Up a Budget:
And Stick to It
It may seem like the simplest
piece of advice, but in order to stick to a budget, you first need to have one.
A lot of people don’t draw up a sufficient enough financial plan
for renovations, or only develop a rough idea which they might amend along the
way. However, a clear and strict budget is the only way you’re going to
successfully keep a renovation on track, and within budget.
Your budget should include
everything you need, the absolute maximum you can afford, and any spare
finances you may be able to contribute should things play out differently than
expected.
Consider all materials,
labour costs and cosmetic finishes, too.
Hire People
You Can Trust
If you fail to research dependable
workmen and contractors, then you’re going to risk a slapdash job that they may
take their time with. It’s crucial to research professionals with a great track
record, like Touchstone Lofts, if you want specialists in loft
conversions, or Wandsworth Sash Windows if you’re considering having sash windows, so you can trust the
people you hire are able to work to deadlines and have work completed on schedule.
Also consider hiring an
individual to be in charge of the schedule, if you simply can’t handle the
pressures of renovation planning all by yourself. Or you could even ask friends
or family to help you keep everything on track.
Having expert companies that offer
refurbishment services and also understand how important deadlines are is key.
Encourage
Clear Communication
With so many people working
on a renovation, it’s so easy for mistakes or delays to be made due to lack of
communication. For some areas of renovation, you’re going to need a team of
people from many different work backgrounds; a new kitchen, for instance, will
see you needing to promote communication between the kitchen fitters, plumbers
and electricians all at once.
Be sure that not only do you
know what is going on at all times, but that it is also communicated between
all relevant parties during the process.
Leave Room for
Flexibility
If you don’t
have any room for flexibility, then your renovation could come to a full stop
if a problem occurs. Flexibility includes having extra
funds to rely on should you need to change something. It also includes
having a backup plan for any design features or anything which might need to be
changed. Although it’s obviously essential to have a clear design in mind for
your renovation goals, it’s also important to be flexible where needed and understand
where you might need to compromise in order for deadlines to still be met.
Triple-Check Everything
You may have measured once, but measure again! Get a second
opinion on all your measuring, too. Double-check your budget, your plans and check
that you have ordered everything you need to. Keep on top of lead times, double-check
expected completion dates, and also that everything is on schedule during the process
itself.