How to Execute Home Renovations on a Timeline

Execute Home Renovations on a Timeline

We all need a schedule to keep us in check, but often times we make timelines for things we have no idea how long they will take. This is a part of every new project from remodeling a house to building software. Keeping a deadline is a struggle, and there are a lot of reasons why. Here are 5 tips to help you set a schedule, but still know when to break it.

1. Break the project down into smaller pieces.

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one." Mark Twain

Try to do this as much as possible. Our recent bathroom remodel has really been a collection of super small projects including Demolition, Framing, Shower Plumbing, Drain Plumbing, Installing our Bathtub, Tile installation, Mudding and Texturing, Painting, Vanity Installation, and we still have our Grout Sealing & Trim Installation, Toilet Hookup,, and Light Fixture Installation projects left. It looks HUGE as a list, but when you focus on your next task it becomes much more manageable.

2. Use commitment devices

A commitment device is something that inspires or prods you to complete something on time. For many people a membership to a gym is a commitment device to work out. In some ways a blog is a commitment device that helps us keep moving on projects.

3. Give yourself room to breathe

Here is one I don't always do right. Without room to breathe you can get over worked and make mistakes. Letting your mind and body breathe is important too. Try to build in days where you can focus on something other than what you are doing. This can be as simple as 30 minutes a night that is yours to do with as you please. The main idea is to allow yourself room to catch up during a longer project.

4. Get enough sleep

There are times when we have to stay up to finish a project, but most of the time our internal deadline for part of the project isn't necessarily the only viable one. If you get behind on a project the first reaction may be to just sleep less. This will most likely make you less productive when you are working.

5. Talk to each other.

The hardest part about renovations is probably the human aspect. This means communicating expectations and what you think you can accomplish is vitally important. Whether you are hiring someone to do all the work, or you are going the DIY route be sure to over communicate through every step of the process. The longest delays come from communication gaps- not on the job mistakes. Redoing something that is wrong is always takes longer.

At the end of the day remember what the purpose of renovation is for you. For us we renovate for a lot of reasons: we love to do it, we like to change stuff from ugly to beautiful, and we like building value. Because these are our goals we really try to have fun while we go about the process. We have had our share of frustrating moments and tears, but in the end we continue to do it because it give


By Andrew J Toburen
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6984420