A new renovation project always starts with a list of questions because of all the uncertainties at the beginning the project. Where will you 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 can be endless. The number of things that can go wrong are also endless; but cast away all negative thoughts. It is time to get excited and start to be creative.

Let’s start at the beginning.

Define the scope

To define the scope of work is important as it will determine a lot of other variables. Start by focusing on a certain area such as the kitchen and dining room or the guest bathroom. The renovation of kitchens and bathrooms normally add a lot of value to the property, although it is also some of the most expensive projects because of the number of fixtures and fittings as well as the quality of finishes.

Know your budget

Your budget also has an effect on the scope of work. You can only afford items that fit into your budget. We all have that ‘wish list’, but if you can only afford the second-hand Toyota, it does not help if you shop at the Rolls Royce dealership. Your interior is part of your lifestyle and should reflect who you are. People normally live in a house that reflects who they are and drive the car who 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 of the work and value of your investment.

Project management

The three items discussed above are the cornerstones of project management and are interrelated into the Scope-budget-time. You will need to repeat the process from the start in order to refine your project plan.

Get a professional

We have our strengths and weaknesses and we need to acknowledge it, rather then outsource what you can. Registered plumbers are specialists in sanitary installations and should take responsibility for their expertise. Interior designers or interior architects are specialists in the field of interior renovation projects and will assist you in determining the detail and ensure that you will get what you want in the end.

One of the questions that we asked in the beginning was ‘How will it look?’ Well, interior consultants will assist you to visualize your ideas and plan a project from start to finish. Interior architects are also governed by a regulatory body that will protect the interests of the client. In order to register, a consultant needs to have formal educational expertise, comply with rules and regulations and partake in continuous professional development activities (CPD for short) in order to remain registered.

Choose the right consultant for the job.

The visual nature of the interior industry makes it very easy to evaluate. One can actually shop around for the consultant that you want, by looking at their 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.

Remember things will go wrong no matter how accurate you plan – there are too many variables, but you will need someone who is prepared, to take your hand and walk that extra mile.