Do you know how it feels when you are wasting your time? Yeah, you certainly do. This could also happen in your apartment renovation or house construction project. Materials take time to arrive. Jobs take longer than expected. Plans that you have put together do not work well.
In order to not redo the work, it is good to know when to show up on the project. It is those critical moments that count.
Time well-used can make the project move faster. On the other hand, poorly spent time can cost a lot more money and generate a lot of stress. So, check out tips below that will help with not having those wasting-time problems and assist with meeting the deadlines.
1. Have a project in hand
A lot of people start working on the new house before thinking about the project. The result is that, during construction or renovation, many changes and adjustments will have to be made.
If you have a ready project in hand with all the details (including materials, finishes, colors, etc.) of how you want to see your final result – take it to the team that will be working for you.
This greatly diminishes the chance for something to turn out differently than planned. When you only explain how you want the final result to look and have nothing in writing, sketches or plans, the engineer may not what you see. Words are only words, after all. People tend to forget, not pay enough attention, etc.
With the real project in hand, the team can plan steps to take, purchase of materials and keep the expenses under control.
If you need help with planning your project, it makes good sense to consider hiring an architect. This could be of great time and money-saving even for a small project.
Read also: Why hiring an architect makes sense for a project? – in this article. And, How to decrease the construction impact on the environment? – in this article.
2. Follow a defined sequence
When starting a project, it is ideal is to know how long each stage will take and the sequence of each stage. This helps avoid rework. In general, a well-managed construction and renovation project should follow this sequence:
- Demolition of whatever needs to be demolished;
- Removals of construction waste;
- Structural changes (including walls, new rooms, etc.);
- Installing key holding constructions, such as slabs, for example;
- Works with/on the roof;
- Works with doors and windows;
- Works with sewage and pipes;
- Electricity and wiring (plugs, wiring for lights, power board);
- Flooring and tiles;
- Installation of crockery, granite/marble countertops, and metal;
- Painting;
- Installation of lights;
- Woodwork.
3. Plan purchase of materials
An organized sequence of steps as above allows you to purchase materials in the right quantity and at the right time. By having a plan, you avoid the work to be stopped if you are suddenly lacking material or equipment that is needed to continue (floor laying mortar, for example).
This will help you also save money on many unexpected small trips and on purchasing materials in small quantities.
Read also: How to properly plan a renovation project? and avoid troubles – in this article. And, How to plan on a limited budget? – in this article.
4. Give preference to scheduled deliveries
If you do not spend all your day on the project, it is good practice to choose stores that can plan with you day and time of delivery. In some cases, it is possible to select from multiple delivery times during the day. Do not forget to verify materials and equipment delivered.
5. Work with a local construction warehouse
No matter how well you plan, something unexpected could always come – be it a bag of cement or something else. Do not want to rush to buy? If there is a construction warehouse next to your project, open an overdraft account with them.
Then allow a trusted worker to order materials if an unexpected comes. Just do not forget to keep an eye and count what has been used. It is always good to keep track of everything that has been used on the project.
6. Hire quality professionals and pay in stages
Look for qualified professionals with good references. Always sign a contract with each of them. Even if it is a simple one-page document. The very fact of suggesting a contract will already make a difference and may scare away poorly committed workers.
Always pay for services in stages. If you pay in stages, you spend money according to how the job gets done. You also have greater control of progress and quality. Always remember to check what was delivered and ask for the repairs if necessary.
7. Take time to check the quality
In order not to have to rework it is important to be on the project in critical moments. Carefully review all details that indicate the job has been done and that the quality is good. Errors and deviations may take place. But if those are recognized early, they may be corrected without much rework, the extra time and extra money.
And remember – there is no need to rush the project. There are stages of work that take time. For example, the recommended drying time of a plaster wall is 25 days.
8. Organize project finances
Before starting a renovation or construction it is important to have an idea of the total cost of the entire initiative.
Take time to make a simple financial plan. This could be a spreadsheet, which will show all expenses planned and how much money has already been spent on the works and materials that have already been used. This plan should show weeks and months, show more or fewer details, depending on the type of construction or renovation that you are undertaking.
Such simple financial planning will allow you to know exactly how much you will spend and when it will happen. It will help avoid unforeseen expenses and loans. Or worse, interruption of work due to lack of money.
9. Take breaks
Even with all these tips, there will be waiting time. Take advantage of these breaks to see if everything is going well with the project. Send necessary emails and update financial spreadsheets.
And remember: problems can happen even if you have planned well. Keep a positive attitude and enjoy the final result, which will come when you are done!
10. Avoid waste of materials
We have already discussed that planning and organization are essential during renovation or construction.
Yes, there are projects, in which minimal amounts of materials are thrown away. Reducing construction waste improves project execution time and reduces the final cost of the works. Limiting waste, first of all, concerns construction waste such as cardboard, metals, wood, plaster, plastic, leftovers of concrete and cement.
What can you do to minimize and possibly totally avoid construction waste:
Do not let your project develop by itself
The right attitude is the first step. Many people see the work is all messed up and let it go. Or you think that this fact has nothing to do with the final result. Apparently it does. Demanding an organized and tidy work to take place is your right. It will also help avoid trouble as the project goes on.
Plan all that can be planned
Providing a well-designed main architectural and complementary projects (structural, hydraulic, electrical) is the second step. Having such plans on hand, one can correctly calculate the quantity of material and buy only what is necessary and at the right moment.
Keep the place well organized
The place where the materials (cement, iron, wood, and tools) are stored is called a construction site. Okay, in a small renovation project, this place is going to be a corner of the house, a balcony or a garage. It doesn’t really matter. If you are building a house or just renovating it: organizing and storing materials and equipment is very important.
Choose suitable materials
Choosing the right material for the type of work you plan to do is very important. You can make the roof crumble if you use a poor quality wood. Constantly keep an eye on quality. Not always the cheapest material will give you the cheapest final result. Make sure you use materials that are suited and certified for the type of work you are planning to do.
In addition, you can use sustainable materials. Some materials may cost a little bit extra, but they will save you money as you start using your house. You can also look for used and demolition materials to use in your work.
Keep an eye on execution
Another important detail to pay attention execution of the project. Keep an eye on how the team is working on the project, how they use materials, etc. It is necessary to plan well the renovation, pay close attention to the details and hire qualified professionals to do the work. Remember that if the project goes out of control, lots of waste is produced.
Plan well and stick to it
Be sure of what you want to do before starting the work. Changing your mind halfway leads to having to undo and redo parts that have been already finished. This produces a lot of waste in time, money and resources.
