It doesn’t matter how big or how small the project is, “on time and on budget” are the words our clients most want to be able to say at the end of a project. However many homeowners may love their new space at the end of a project, in the end, their satisfaction will always depend on whether the project was completed within the timeframe agreed on, and whether the final cost was what they were expecting to pay.
By preparing a detailed scope of work and committing to a design plan ahead of the start of the project, you are able to obtain firm quotes, efficiently schedule trades and order fixtures and materials ahead of time so that costly delays are not incurred while waiting for items to be delivered.
Some materials can have lead times of several months and that can significantly delay a project and also risks not having trades available when you need them.
While small adjustments can be made as the project progresses, big changes incur delays and additional cost. Spending time up front to plan and explore options before work begins is essential.
Prepare a budget spreadsheet that clearly lays out the categories of costs, eg plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, and the budget for each. Don’t forget to include services that you need to are not technically part of the project but are necessary after a renovation (eg vent/duct cleaning; carpet cleaning; new furniture items.)
Add a “change order” column and a “revised budget” column that shows the change to the budget when additional items are added. Show clearly what costs have been paid against each line item and what is left to pay. Update and check the spreadsheet regularly so that you can see whether your cost to complete the project is staying on budget.
There are always unexpected costs – eg. discovering structural damage behind a wall or some outdated plumbing that needs to be upgraded – and very often there is a few additional add on items that clients will decide to include in the scope of work. We recommend adding 10% of the project budget for contingency costs.
It doesn’t matter how big or how small the project is, “on time and on budget” are the words our clients most want to be able to say at the end of a project. However many homeowners may love their new space at the end of a project, in the end, their satisfaction will always depend on whether the project was completed within the timeframe agreed on, and whether the final cost was what they were expecting to pay.
By preparing a detailed scope of work and committing to a design plan ahead of the start of the project, you are able to obtain firm quotes, efficiently schedule trades and order fixtures and materials ahead of time so that costly delays are not incurred while waiting for items to be delivered.
Some materials can have lead times of several months and that can significantly delay a project and also risks not having trades available when you need them.
While small adjustments can be made as the project progresses, big changes incur delays and additional cost. Spending time up front to plan and explore options before work begins is essential.
Prepare a budget spreadsheet that clearly lays out the categories of costs, eg plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, and the budget for each. Don’t forget to include services that you need to are not technically part of the project but are necessary after a renovation (eg vent/duct cleaning; carpet cleaning; new furniture items.)
Add a “change order” column and a “revised budget” column that shows the change to the budget when additional items are added. Show clearly what costs have been paid against each line item and what is left to pay. Update and check the spreadsheet regularly so that you can see whether your cost to complete the project is staying on budget.
There are always unexpected costs – eg. discovering structural damage behind a wall or some outdated plumbing that needs to be upgraded – and very often there is a few additional add on items that clients will decide to include in the scope of work. We recommend adding 10% of the project budget for contingency costs.
It doesn’t matter how big or how small the project is, “on time and on budget” are the words our clients most want to be able to say at the end of a project. However many homeowners may love their new space at the end of a project, in the end, their satisfaction will always depend on whether the project was completed within the timeframe agreed on, and whether the final cost was what they were expecting to pay.
By preparing a detailed scope of work and committing to a design plan ahead of the start of the project, you are able to obtain firm quotes, efficiently schedule trades and order fixtures and materials ahead of time so that costly delays are not incurred while waiting for items to be delivered.
Some materials can have lead times of several months and that can significantly delay a project and also risks not having trades available when you need them.
While small adjustments can be made as the project progresses, big changes incur delays and additional cost. Spending time up front to plan and explore options before work begins is essential.
Prepare a budget spreadsheet that clearly lays out the categories of costs, eg plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, and the budget for each. Don’t forget to include services that you need to are not technically part of the project but are necessary after a renovation (eg vent/duct cleaning; carpet cleaning; new furniture items.)
Add a “change order” column and a “revised budget” column that shows the change to the budget when additional items are added. Show clearly what costs have been paid against each line item and what is left to pay. Update and check the spreadsheet regularly so that you can see whether your cost to complete the project is staying on budget.
There are always unexpected costs – eg. discovering structural damage behind a wall or some outdated plumbing that needs to be upgraded – and very often there is a few additional add on items that clients will decide to include in the scope of work. We recommend adding 10% of the project budget for contingency costs.
