4 Tips to Managing Home Renovations

As published in the Inner West Courier, May 12, 2015 www.newslocal.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer – page 52

1.  Take off the rose coloured glasses

Don’t underestimate the challenges of managing your own home renovations. It can turn into a stressful nightmare if you don’t manage it effectively and objectively throughout the process. Stories of cost blowouts and lengthy project timelines are common.

2.  Be realistic with your expectations

The planning permission approval process can be complicated. Objections in the inner west are at all time highs as renovators try to maximize space on small land areas with unrealistic plans. Seek Advice.

3.  Don’t compromise when choosing a builder

With home renovations booming, good builders are not short of work. Don’t risk settling for one you are not entirely convinced about. Obviously they must be licensed. (same applies to tradespeople. Ensure they are reputable). Have they done projects similar in scope to yours in the same local area? You are more likely to have better results with a builder who has an affinity with the types of houses where you live and experience working with the local Council. Be sure to confirm if they provide a detailed scope of works resulting in fixed price building quotes and ensuring guaranteed completion dates. Are you comfortable with them? You are going to be seeing a lot of them over a period of many weeks or months!

4.  Seriously consider engaging a Project Manager

If you simply feel you will not be able to dedicate the required time and effort into managing your own renovation, engage an expert to do it for you. While some might see them as a luxury, a Project Manager’s expertise will most likely save you money over the course of your renovation. More importantly they will buy you time you don’t have and provide peace of mind by overseeing all elements of your renovation or new build, from architectural design to Council approvals and construction.