Stress-free renovating: how to keep track once work is underway

Renovating is a demanding process, especially during bigger projects. You need to choose materials, coordinate deliveries and contractors, and maintain your personal life in the meantime. Effective planning helps you avoid misunderstandings and keep your schedule and budget under control.

Renovating goes smoothly when everyone knows where they stand. That’s why it’s best to choose one clear point of contact: this could be your contractor, architect or construction foreman. Regularly schedule short meetings on site that follow a fixed structure. You should always start with the current state of the work.

This should be immediately followed by areas of concern: what is obstructing progress, what decisions are needed before the next site meeting, and how do changes impact the price, timing or quality? Don't forget about inspections for electricity and ventilation, and make sure certificates such as your EPB are in order. Document any decisions, actions and deadlines in a shared planning tool. This keeps communication clear.

Proceeding in a logical order reduces stress during your renovation. Start from the top: repair the roof, install insulation and ensure airtightness. Follow this up with facade and joinery work to prepare for insulation, windows and doors. Only once the outside of the building is ready should you start on electricity, plumbing, ventilation and heating. Finishing work such as plastering, flooring, interior joinery and painting comes at the very end. 

Keep a close eye on your budget and take note of when you need to pay advances and interim invoices. Be sure to schedule a break or two, because renovating can be a marathon sometimes. Try to celebrate the completion of each stage, for example. Those small successes provide a boost and keep your motivation high, even if it all takes a bit longer than you hoped.