Making a home “yours” can be difficult because of time, cost and the thousand of possibilities. Putting together one room, let alone a whole house, can be daunting. Here’s how I approach a renovation.
The new hue tackle box:
1. Evaluation. What’s the ideal for the space? How much money and time do you have to invest in the project?
2. To-do list. Includes what needs to be researched, a list of contractors, and resources to gather the materials you’ll need. Once the cost estimates are in, you can start making the tough choices on what is feasible.
3. Assign and timelines. If you are your own project manager, keep copious detail of costs, task leaders and deadlines. If you hire a project manager, they’ll keep you posted on all the details of the task and if you are a task leader, you’ll have roles and deadlines to fulfill, too. Staying on budget can be tricky with unforeseen problems arising, so remember to put in at least a 15% contingency for time and budget.
4. Creative. The pretty part. In step 1, you’ve decided what look you are going for. Now it’s time to gather all the choices to make that dream come true. This could include new tile, lighting, paint, flooring, art, furniture, draperies and accessories.
5. Task master. An effective project manager makes sure each team member is doing his/her job as it fits within the larger picture. If one person is late it can throw the whole project off, so it’s important to stay on top of the progress and keep everyone involved informed if the deadlines or budget changes.
More tips to survive the renovation:
-Expect things to go wrong. Big things. Little things. They always do.
-Buy more than you think you’ll need. Better to be safe than sorry.
-Always have a plan b.
-Figure in extra time. Problems add delays to the project, so it’s best to figure in some cushion.
-Play around. With colors, textures, furniture arrangements. What looked good on paper – or in your head – may not work when it’s “in.” Allow yourself room to explore. Make sure you can return items that don’t work.
-Be patient. As of this writing, I’ve lived in this house for nine months. I’m still replacing items as I go. Since I’m trying to shop vintage, it’s imperative I’m patient, but even when/if I buy new, I’m looking to save, so I have to be patient for the sales. Don’t give yourself false (fantasy) deadlines for having a room/house put together.
© Malena Lott, 2010. May not be reprinted without permission.
