Renovations can be a fun task — but they can easily feel daunting when you’re working against the clock! You (or someone else) might need to move into your property by a certain date, or you may just want to minimise unnecessary expenses. Whatever the reason, having the right strategy (and mindset) makes a world of difference and makes sure you achieve your envisioned goals in your target time frame.
If you are facing a renovation project but have limited time, keep reading for our top 6 tips for renovating on a tight schedule.
Create a Thorough Plan
When it comes to renovations, planning is key, as it makes sure you have a clear direction in mind — and can work towards achieving your desired goal accordingly. As a general guideline, you’d want to take care of the following:
Assessing what you’d like to renovate (you may want to keep in mind renovations that can hurt your home’s resale value)
Setting a budget
Learning about and solidifying needed permits
Ordering materials
The list can be adjusted to your specific project’s needs — and if you don’t know what to add (or cut) from your plan, consulting a professional can help.
Seek Professional Help
When in doubt (or, for that matter, lacking time), asking for help is a good idea. Each type of professional can offer a different perspective. If you want to ensure that your space is liveable and takes your style preferences into account, speaking with a professional interior designer could be useful. If you want to understand the potential costs required to meet your renovation objectives, chatting with a quantity surveyor could be priceless.
For help with how to manage your project, you can consult an RIBA Chartered Architect over a 30-min video call to discuss your renovation objectives and seek expert advice on what to do (and how to do it). They can help you navigate your project requirements and ensure you meet your objectives.
Take Advantage of Technology When You Can
Virtual tools not only help you plan your project online, but various project management software can also help you set deadlines and track progress. Additionally, you can conduct ‘virtual site inspections’ over video call to see the progress of the renovation in real-time, even when you don’t have the time to drop by.
If you're shopping for furniture and decor, you can browse through e-commerce platforms and virtual showrooms.
To save even more time and take advantage of expert curation, book an interior designer for a Shopping List, where they can serve as your personal shopper and search for items that suit your style and budget.
Set Realistic Goals
While renovating, we tend to aim for perfection — and rightfully so. But with a limited timeframe, it is important to be practical about what can be achieved. The idea is to set realistic goals that can actually be accomplished within your tight schedule. In fact, if you compromise the *right* parts of your renovation project, you have the potential to speed up the process without hurting the outcome.
Opt for Time-Saving Techniques
When working around a tight schedule, certain techniques (and materials) can help save time. For example, prefabricated components can be installed a lot faster than custom built-ins, while certain materials require less preparation and finishing work than others. Speaking to an experienced third-party builder, could give you time- and money-saving advice on construction methods.
Keep the Space Organised
Do you ever feel more productive in a clutter-free workplace? The same applies to renovation areas; clutter actually tends to slow down the renovation process. This means staying organised throughout the process can actually speed things up.
Keep the workspace organised, with all tools tucked into their designated spaces. Make sure all the materials are well labelled so they can be reached quickly. Also, you’d want to double-check if everything that will be needed during the renovation is easily accessible.
Final Words
Renovating your home is already a challenge on its own; add in a tight schedule, and it can be stressful, too. With the right preparation, you can make sure you complete your dream renovation within the limited timeframe — and end with your desired results! However— before you get to it, make sure you check out the top renovation mistakes new homeowners make (and avoid them when possible!).
Looking for some support on your renovation plan and not sure where to start? Chat with one of our Project Advisors for FREE, and get guidance on which experts you should speak with to make your project a success!