Tackle the project:
A new renovation project always start with a list of questions due to a bunch of uncertainties. Where will we start? How long will it take? How much will it cost? Will I recover the capital that I invest in my renovation project when I sell my property? How will it look? What fabric/materials will be used? The list is endless. Even though the list of things that can go wrong is also endless; get your positive pants on and start thinking creatively and innovatively about this process.
First things first – define the scope:
This step is so important because it will determine a lot of other variables. Start by focusing on a specific area such as the kitchen and dining room or the guest bathroom. Renovation of these areas normally add a lot of value although it is also some of the most expensive projects to tackle, because of the number of fixtures and fittings required and the fact that high quality finishes, that are preferable to opt for, are quite costly.
Know and stick to your budget:
Your budget also has an effect on the scope of work. You can only afford items that fit in your budget. We all have a wish list, but if you can only afford the second hand Toyota it does not help if shop at the Rolls Royce dealership. Your interior is part of your lifestyle and should reflect who you are. People normally live in the house that they are and drive the car that they want people to think they are.
Time:
Be realistic about time frames. It is better to spend more time on planning in order to iron out problems before they occur. Errors cost money and take time to rectify. The more detail available before implementation the less uncertainties there will be. It does not help to have unrealistic deadlines that will compromise the quality the work and it value of your investment.
Project management:
The three items discussed above are the cornerstones of project management and are interrelated scope-budget-time. You will need to repeat the process from the start in order to refine your project plan.
Get a professional:
We all have our strengths and weaknesses and we need to acknowledge it and rather outsource what we can. Registered Plumbers are specialist in sanitary installations and should take responsibility for their expertise. Interior designers or interior architects are specialist in interior renovation projects and will assist you in determining the detail and ensure that in the end you will get what you want.
One of the questions that we asked in the beginning was How will it look? Well interior consultants will enable you to visualize your ideas and to plan a project from start to finish. Interior architects are governed by a regulatory body that will protect in the interest of the client. In order to register as a consultant, one has to have formal education expertise, comply with rules and regulations and partake in continuous professional development CPD in order to stay registered.
In a nut shell – Choose the right consultant:
The visual nature of the interior industry makes it very easy to evaluate, you can actually shop around for the consultant that you want by looking at portfolio of work and asking for references. It is also important to feel comfortable with the person that you work with in order to get the desired result. In the end the consultant will be someone that is willing to walk the extra mile with you to ensure a return on your investment. They will embark with you on the design journey and ensure a pleasurable experience from defining the scope to implementing your budget conscious designs.
Remember things will go wrong no matter how accurate you plan – there are too many variables, so be sure you have someone on your team willing to walk the extra mile and above all have a retainer for when things do go wrong – that your entire project does not fall flat mid-execution due to budget constraints. Be sure to document your journey – reflecting on how far you have come from where you started will be one of the most satisfying feelings, apart from enjoying your new space.
HCreation, May 2020
Image from homebunch.com
