For many, there are few things more stressful than remodeling the home, whether they do it themselves or hire others to do the heavy lifting. From techniques that are not easy to pull off as the YouTube video suggests to the contractor who disappears before the project is complete, it can indeed be a hair-pulling journey that seems to have no end. The good news is that with a level head and some careful planning, you can take charge of the process and create a space that fulfills your needs in both form and function with estate management software for a remodeling project.
Gather Your Team – Arguably the most important variables in a successful and easier remodel are the people doing the work – from the architect and contractors to vendors and interior designers. It may be tempting to go with those submitting the lowest bids, especially given the rising costs of housing materials, but doing so without in-depth research could mean the difference between a masterpiece and a house of horrors. When vetting candidates you want to ask for references (and actually contact them) or at least take into account their online reviews.
Remember, personality is a factor as well. Perhaps you have met with the best architect in your area and found their ego is as massive as their talent. Or maybe you’re considering a designer who is so polite they may not tell you when your “vision” will manifest as an eyesore. Neither scenario is ideal, so you’re going to have to get clear on what’s more important to you. Clearly, expertise is critical, however, you are going to be involved with these people for weeks, months, or longer, so you must have at least a decent rapport with them. Whether you prioritize talent or temperament is up to you, just make sure there is a balance you can live with. On a related note, it’s also important that your team members work well with each other, so if they have a history of positive collaboration that’s definitely a check in the plus column.
Map It Out – The surest way to invite stress into your remodeling project is to get started without parameters in place. Once you’ve chosen a team, collected your estimates, and decided on a concept, the next step is to create a detailed budget. Yes, it may seem like a drag to crunch numbers (and possibly have to skimp on things you want), but it will be a lot worse to realize halfway through that you don’t have the money to finish.
Even if money is not a concern, you must be clear about the scope of the work and keep track of any changes once things get underway. Perhaps you decide you want to make the new guest bedroom even larger, or incorporate more nature-inspired features into the design of your kitchen. This is not just about finances, but logistics and additional requirements (i.e., building permits and necessary materials) that can result in angst-causing red tape and delays.
Digitize It – Finally, it’s a good idea to use technology to help manage your remodel. An all-in-one platforms like EstateSpace turns novices into expert project managers, providing both a bird’s eye view and detailed work schedules. You can upload blueprints, permits, invoices and so on, as well as photos to document the progress so it’s all at your fingertips. This data can then be easily shared with, and updated by, team members to whom you grant access; moreover, everyone can use the secure messaging feature to chat about milestones, delays, or other issues, which reduces the chances of miscommunication and the app fatigue that results from sifting through multiple email and text threads.
Bottom line, you can have the best team in the world, but ultimately you are the project manager – the one most invested in, and responsible for, the success of your remodel. A stress-free experience may be too much to ask for, but with due diligence and the right estate management software for a remodeling project, you can minimize frustration and focus on the excitement and satisfaction of revamping your living space. You might even enjoy the process.
