For a stress-free remodeling project delivered on time and within budget, an experienced project manager is the most powerful tool you can have.
Countless industries utilize project managers to push things along and make sure they run smoothly, but fewer are more essential than home remodeling. At any given moment, there could be 10 jobs going on simultaneously during a renovation. That’s why, without proper planning and management, many home improvement projects run behind schedule and/or over budget. Luckily, the reverse is also true. Home remodels that are well managed with efficient processes in place waste less time and money in the long run, leading to a more enjoyable experience for homeowners.
Let’s start off by reviewing what a project manager is. In general, a project manager oversees schedules, scope, risk assessments, stakeholder communication, resources, quality control, and material procurement. More specifically, in renovations, this will look like scheduling contractors, ordering materials, obtaining permits, and making sure the project runs smoothly.
Sometimes project managers only come on board for active construction to supervise the contractors, deliveries, and timelines. But at Refresh, we opt for a more comprehensive approach. Our Remodeling Consultants work with homeowners from start to finish coordinating concept designs, adjusting scale to fit their budgets and vice versa, arranging for permits, and of course overseeing construction.
Diligent and thorough planning procedures are the key to a successful renovation. This helps mitigate snap decisions being made last minute, as well as scrambling for contractors or trying to replace sold-out materials.
Having a trusted professional on your side to make your dreams come true is all well and good, but what you really need is someone who can tell it to you straight. Some of your ideas or wishlist items may not be realistic for your home, lifestyle, budget, or all of the above. An experienced project manager will bring better alternatives to the table.
If you don’t have a strategic financial plan for your renovation, it’s easy to overinvest quickly. It happens all the time. Building smart budgeting into your plans from the very beginning ensures you’ll know where your money’s going, if you need to cut back, and where you can splurge so you can feel prepared to make well-informed decisions.
The short answer? Yes. Their fees may be hourly, flat rates per project, or built into the final cost of your renovation. But no matter what the arrangement is, they’re not working for free – and nor should they! An experienced project manager can be an invaluable resource during a renovation, as they bring an immense amount of skill and knowledge.
Beyond making sure the renovation runs smoothly from concept to completion, they can offer cost-effective solutions, on the spot problem-solving, and a wealth of industry contacts that you can benefit from. The efficiencies they’ve cultivated through their years of experience save time, which we all know saves money too. So yes, you do pay for project management; however, project managers are worth their weight in not just gold, but peace of mind too.
Lead contractors often wear multiple hats so it’s easy to find quality project management. This can be great because they know your project inside and out. However, communication may become tricky as they’ll be busy keeping everyone on track. That’s their job, after all!
At Refresh, part of our approach is appointing a dedicated Remodeling Consultant to every project. They act as a project manager, bridging the gap between homeowners and the teams working behind the scenes. They provide clear communication and a high level overview of the inner workings without overwhelming you with too many details. Over the years, we’ve found this approach to be successful to streamline communications and ensure your project remains organized from start to finish.
Look no further! Our Remodeling Consultants are eager to learn about your project and help bring your ideas to life. Simply get in touch to arrange a free consultation to get started.
All Refresh Renovations franchises are independently owned and operated.
If you would like to find out how Refresh Renovations can support you with a high quality, efficient home renovation, get in touch today. Your local Refresh Renovations consultant will be happy to meet with you for a free, no obligations consultation.