Common challenges of a renovation project

A renovation project is often overwhelming and time-consuming if you’re not prepared. And you may also encounter the following challenges:

1. Time management

It’s only when problems arise that one realises the importance of good time management and planning. Delays in labour and late deliveries, among other issues, can drive up costs and result in poorly finished rooms.

2. Mapping out your ideal vision before executing it

As a homeowner, you may not have the time or skill to sit down and draw up all the changes you would like to make to your property. Perhaps you got too excited and decided to start renovating on the fly, without a concrete order in mind. But starting a renovation project without a well-thought-out design plan is a recipe for disaster.

3. Budgeting for unanticipated expenses

It’s not possible to see into the future and running out of money during a renovation is a nightmare that may cause you to cut back on finishes. This usually happens when you do not give yourself a healthy margin for any unanticipated expenses.

Top 5 Tips for a Successful Renovation

How can you be more prepared? Here are some of my TOP TIPS for home renovations:

1. Plan every detail in advance of the work. Making decisions or changes once it’s in progress will slow down the process and may increase the labour cost and professional fees.

2. Trades often need all the materials on site before their work can begin, so checking the lead times for everything and staying organised is of paramount importance.

3. Have a detailed design, i.e. plans, elevations and photorealistic images (the latter is very useful in renovation projects) that you can share with the professionals. This way everyone will know what’s expected of them and you’ll avoid having to redo the work (unless you change your mind).

4. Unexpected issues almost always crop up, so factor this into your contingency plan. Rotten floorboards, lack of insulation or very poor insulation, leaking pipes, old electrics, and nests of all kinds- do happen more often than not. 

5. New work must adhere to building regulations, including electrics, ventilation, and drainage, so hire qualified and experienced professionals to avoid potential problems with resale and other related issues.

If it all seems daunting, hire specialists: bathroom or kitchen designer, interior designer or builder to manage the project.  We always recommend working with reputable and experienced professionals who can help make the process as smooth as possible. 

Many, like us, have their own teams of trusted professionals. You can also opt for a personal recommendation, search the online register of the British Institute of Interior Design (you can also find us there) or find builders through the Federation of Master Builders.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Click here to book a Project Design Audit with me.