Tips for making the process as easy as possible
Renovating or constructing a new home marks not only a significant financial investment but an emotional one as well. While captivating before-and-after images often glorify the transformation of worn-out properties into modern marvels, the intricate process behind achieving these results often remains unseen. The extensive dedication of time, money, and commitment, coupled with the countless challenges that inevitably arise, often goes unacknowledged.
As spring emerges, bringing with it a surge in renovation projects, we draw upon our extensive experience in home renovations to offer valuable insights into navigating the process. Having encountered the full spectrum of renovation scenarios, we're excited to share our top tips for homeowners embarking on this transformative journey.
1
CURATE A COMPETANT TEAM
The foundation of a successful project lies in assembling a skilled and trustworthy team. While cost might be a consideration, prioritise expertise over budget. Opting for seasoned interior designers, architects, contractors and even a project manager might seem expensive initially, but their impact will prove cost-effective in the long run. Scrutinise online reviews, verify licenses and insurance, and establish comprehensive contracts detailing timelines, payments, and penalties for delays.
2
SET A CLEAR SCOPE AND BUDGET RIGHT AWAY
We cannot emphasise enough the significance of this aspect; Before anyone steps foot onsite, establish a well-defined budget and scope of work. Deviating from these foundational elements can lead to unnecessary stress and spiralling costs. While alterations might be inevitable, avoid them whenever possible, as they often trigger a chain reaction of delays, increased expenses, and heightened stress levels.
3
FACTOR IN 'WORST CASE'
Prudent planning calls for anticipating worst-case scenarios. Consider incorporating a 15 to 20 % budget contingency and a corresponding timeline buffer. These allowances cushion against unexpected challenges that can emerge during the renovation process. Older properties for sure will throw up some unexpected issues, but each project will come with its own unique problems to solve.
4
EARLY MATERIAL DECISIONS
Streamline decision-making by finalising material, fixture, finish, and appliance choices early on. Verify with your contractors technical aspects and quantities and get it to site ready for installation. You'll be hit with large delays if you only decided what flooring to put down a few days prior to your team wanting to lay it; stock availability and delivery lead times need to be factored in otherwise you'll be paying for a team to be standing around. Thorough research ensures informed selections, prevents rushed decisions, and minimises the risk of budget and timeline disruptions. Crafting a project specification, tracked through spreadsheets or software, aids in managing this overwhelming aspect. Hiring an interior designer to help you make these early decisions will ensure you make them with confidence, visualising the project as a whole.
5
INVEST IN CORE MATERIALS
Shelling out for things that remain invisible isn't exactly a joyride. With that said, we strongly recommend against cutting corners on the essential components of your home, such as the foundation, structure, insulation, waterproofing, mechanical systems, and more. While there may be areas where budget adjustments are feasible, compromising on these foundational aspects is a risk not worth taking. Prioritising these fundamentals is pivotal in creating a home that stands strong, reliable, and watertight throughout your lifetime.
6
STRATEGIC COST CUTTING
When facing budget constraints in a renovation, prioritise essentials and choose budget-friendly finishes initially. Simplicity in paint choices and opting for moderately priced fixtures and appliances can save costs. Later, as your budget permits, consider upgrading. This strategy lets you complete your project within budget while keeping room for future improvements, achieving your goals while allowing for financial flexibility.
7
CLEAR PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
Mixups can very easily happen and clear communication is essential to manage everyones expectations. Who's doing what and when? Who's ordering what? What has arrived to site? And so on...
Resist the urge to send texts and call your contractor out of working hours; doing so could lead to two undesirable outcomes: A) You might inadvertently annoy them by reaching out during their off-hours, which could strain your professional relationship. B) There's a higher likelihood of missed communication since impromptu messages can easily be overlooked while your contractor is socialising or running errands. Remember, maintaining a professional rapport involves restricting casual communication like texts or calls to working hours. For after-hours contact, opt for emails. Then perhaps block out a designated slot in your schedule for a weekly update session—perhaps on a Monday morning to kickstart the week or a Friday afternoon to recap. This time will serve as a comprehensive overview of the project's current status.
Nevertheless, it's recommended to establish a centralised document and corresponding folders, or alternatively utilise a project management platform accessible to all involved parties for collaborative editing and updates. Once this system is in place, your task primarily involves notifying the stakeholders of any modifications. This comprehensive resource can encompass contact information for all team members, revised design documents, precise product specifications, lead times, product storage locations, delivery estimates, and more. Implementing this approach effectively streamlines communication, preventing unnecessary complexities and repetitive exchanges.
However, it's worth highlighting that if you've enlisted a project manager, a significant portion of these responsibilities should naturally fall under their purview, further diminishing the burden on your end.
8
BE KIND
Sharing a cup of tea, some biscuits, and a warm smile can wield surprising power. It's easy to underestimate the impact of kindness in any situation, including home renovations. The truth is, people are naturally inclined to go the extra mile for those they genuinely like. It's as simple as that. While embarking on a renovation journey, it's essential to recognise that stress and unexpected challenges are par for the course. These hurdles can stem from various factors, not just the contractor's performance. They may arise from miscommunication, unforeseen issues hidden within walls, delayed deliveries, and more.
It's crucial to understand that skilled contractors are committed to delivering their best work and having a successful day on the job. They aim to meet your project's goals and ensure your satisfaction. With this perspective in mind, it's essential to approach any issues that arise as opportunities to collaborate and find solutions together. Rather than placing blame, view challenges as opportunities to work as a team and overcome obstacles collectively. Building a positive and cooperative relationship with your contractors can lead to smoother project progress, better communication, and ultimately, a more successful and enjoyable renovation experience for everyone involved.
9
HAVE A QUICK CHAT
In line with the previous point, while emails serve as a valuable tool for documenting details and maintaining a paper trail, they have a downside: they lack the ability to convey tone. Unfortunately, a poorly phrased email can unintentionally come across as harsh or impolite, even if the intention was merely to convey a few quick points due to time constraints. This miscommunication can be especially problematic when the email's subject matter pertains to a complaint or addresses issues that have arisen during a project.
In such situations, relying solely on emails can exacerbate tension and discord during an already stressful project where maintaining cohesion among team members is crucial. In these circumstances, it's often more effective to opt for direct communication methods, such as picking up the phone or scheduling a face-to-face meeting. Engaging in a conversation allows for a more nuanced exchange of information and enables participants to clarify intentions and understand each other better. Once the discussion has taken place and everyone is on the same page, it's prudent to follow up with an email for documentation purposes, ensuring that key points are captured in writing while preserving a more harmonious and effective project atmosphere.
9
SITE VISITS - BUT DON'T MICRO MANAGE
Regular site visits enable progress checks, but striking a balance between vigilance and contractor independence is essential. Establish trust in your team's abilities by upfront communication and early documentation of budget and scope. Should issues arise, consult your project manager – be it an interior designer, architect, or builder – to avoid misunderstandings and costly mistakes.
10
STAY CALM AND VISUALISE
The journey of home renovation rarely proceeds without challenges. Amidst the stresses of budget and timeline constraints, maintain a positive outlook by envisioning the end result. Cultivating a calm and composed attitude helps manage stress and keeps the ultimate goal in sight. Remember, the journey through a home renovation is an investment in both your space and your well-being. By adopting these strategies, you'll not only streamline the process but also ensure that the destination – a transformed, improved living space – is truly worth the effort.
At Magpye Creative Interiors we create unique space for unique clients. To enquire about working with us to create your dream interior please get in touch.
Katie
Katie Longshaw-Pye
Creative Director | Magpye Creative Interiors
Ribble Valley
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