Last Updated on October 12, 2023 by Showrooms Online
Quality Renovation Content, of Value for Homeowners
At Showrooms Online, our mission is to publish quality content of value for homeowners who are in the early stages of planning a new custom home or want to do a major renovation of their existing home.
The start of any new home or improvement project begins with research online. The lead time to actual project start is typically weeks or months and can be even a couple of years. Initially, it is helpful to learn with low involvement since you are really not sure what you want or if you will decide to proceed. Our mission is to guide you through this phase.
Image by Gino Crescoli from Pixabay
Once you are closer to taking action a whole industry stands ready to help.
Knowledge and Understanding
A homeowner will undertake a major renovation project once or twice in a lifetime. Your design-build contractor is doing this every day, every year. There are few major purchases that are made with such a large gap of knowledge and understanding between the client and the supplier. You do not need the skills of the builder. What you need is a working understanding of your role as the client and an appreciation of the skills of your contractor.
The construction industry has more disagreements and friction than any other major service or product in the economy. This conflict is common, but unnecessary, between good owners and quality contractors. It can be avoided with knowledge, understanding and a well managed project team.
Planning a renovation?
Use the information from the Canadian Home Builders Association.
“Getting informed is the first step in doing it right. Having a plan and understanding the contracting process are keys to finding the right contractor and getting the results you want.” CHBC
Project Management
The Project Manager is responsible for the overall coordination.
- Planning and scheduling
- Budgeting and cost control
- Design
- Hiring and supervising of sub-contractors.
- Monitoring costs and schedule
- Communications with all parties on the renovation project.
- Resolving any issues that arise.
- Managing the timely purchase of materials and equipment.
- Overseeing quality control and safety compliance.
- Obtaining all necessary permits, inspections and approvals.
The project starts with a definitive scope of work. At that point, the project already has a likely final cost and an expected length of time to complete. This is true even if you have not yet figured out what that cost and completion time are. Great project management can save some money and complete the project a little earlier. However, there is no limit as to how poor management can exceed the budget and delay the completion.
The risks are all in the direction of extra costs and time delays. Changes after the start of the project will cause the worst of these issues. Every project needs a contingency fund to allow for extra costs, even if you never spend it.
The Owner
The Client also has responsibilities. The client plays a key role as a member of the project team. There are key responsibilities the client should anticipate:
- Participate in the preparation of a definitive project scope of work . Clearly articulate your renovation expectations to the project manager and other members of the project team.
- Review and approve the project plan, budget, and schedule. Plus, approve any changes or modifications made during the renovation process.
- The client provides regular feedback and timely decisions on various aspects of the project such as materials, finishes, fixtures, and other components.
- The client will communicate with the project manager on a regular basis. This ensures that the project stays on schedule and works toward the desired end result.
- The client manages payment schedules, change order approvals.
- The client participates in regular site visits and inspections with the project manager, helps correct any issues, and confirms that the renovation is meeting their expectations.
The client’s active participation and communication are a key to a successful home renovation project. The client’s role is to make timely decisions, while the project manager is responsible for executing the project plan and ensuring that everyone is working towards the same goal.
Hire the Right Contractor
Even a homeowner who has the experience to understand all that is required benefits greatly by hiring the right design-build contractor in the first place. Most of the advice online on how to do this is valid but not actionable by an inexperienced person. I have tried to write articles on this several times but really do not know how to teach someone else how to do it. I would in fact suggest that you hire a renovation consultant and get some help in selecting a contractor. A reference from someone that you know to be experienced is another alternative.
Choosing a Renovator to Contact a previous blog on Showrooms Online
