2024 0 comments
If you're considering a home remodel in Oregon, project renovation management can feel overwhelming, especially when other areas of your busy life are not tapering down. That's why, as your local design and remodeling firm, we've built an expert guide to project managing your home remodel in Portland. Whether you’re planning a whole home remodel in Tigard or another part of Portland, understanding what you need in a renovation project manager will save you time and money.
In this expert guide, we’ll discuss the five most critical tips of renovation management, breaking them down into the most commonly asked questions, the steps to problem-solve each question, and the expert guide to project management in Portland that you need.
How to Project Manage a Home Renovation?
Project management in a home renovation goes beyond just overseeing construction. It involves coordination, detailed planning, and ongoing communication to ensure each phase of the project flows smoothly. If you're considering managing your Portland home remodel yourself or are looking for help, here are five steps to project managing your home remodel.
1. Define the Project
It's important to understand the difference between project and process management. The project is the final product, while the process is comprised of the steps to get there.
Before hiring subcontractors, clearly outline what areas of the home you’re remodeling and your specific goals. The right remodeling contractor in Portland, Oregon, will painstakingly work with you to examine and define the project. Often, your builder can help you project manage your remodel because the nature of remodeling and building allows the right builder to come alongside you as an advisor. At Creekstone Design + Remodel, we often fill this role for our clients.
2. Define the Budget
It's not enough to just know your budget. Project managing your Oregon remodel means that you know the total you want to spend, have a line item for each piece, and are working with a remodeler who knows which subcontractors to hire to give you the quality you deserve within your price range. Our team works tirelessly to break down every budget component so that you know where your money is going.
3. Define Your Team
Start by selecting a trusted, vetted, and experienced Portland remodeling contractor. Their expertise will drive key decisions, including selecting materials and subcontracting specialized tasks like electrical or plumbing work. Hiring a builder who knows how vital subcontracting is to the overall project means that you have talent working at every level of your remodel. Our service area covers Portland, which means that we have partnerships with the best subcontractors in the area.
4. Define Your Timeline
You know you've found the right Portland remodeling contractor if you give a detailed timeline explaining the process and how your team can deliver your remodel on time. Make sure it includes time for design revisions, material procurement, and any potential delays due to subcontractors' availability or permitting. How long your Portland remodel will take does depend on different variables, but your builder should be forthright about them.
5. Define Communication Standards
You deserve open, honest, and fluent communication. Many Portland home remodeling contractors use tools like construction management software, which can provide real-time updates and help track progress. Suppose your team is avoiding your phone calls, not answering your questions, and dodging your emails before you begin construction. In that case, you can expect the same communication standards throughout the remodeling process.
What are Typical Steps for a Home Remodeling Project?
This is the next question homeowners often ask us. While we don't go into detail here, we have a quick outline below. Here’s a breakdown of the typical stages in a Portland home remodeling project:
1. Initial Consultation
Start with a consultation to discuss your vision, needs, and budget. At Creekstone Design + Remodel, this is where we educate clients about the difference between your assumed journey and the actual remodeling journey, setting realistic expectations.
2. Design and Planning
This is one of the most critical phases because it's when your goals and ideas are first built into something tangible. Many contractors offer 3D modeling and virtual walk-throughs to give clients a better understanding of the final look. It's important to give your team all your ideas and needs so that the design can match your lifestyle and tastes.
3. Permitting and Approvals
Permission is required for most Oregon remodel projects. Your remodeling contractor will be able to apply for the necessary permits and approvals, giving you less of a paperwork headache.
4. Demolition and Construction
The demolition phase begins once designs are approved and permits are in place. Construction follows, starting with foundational work and moving to framing, electrical, and plumbing installations.
5. Finishing Touches
After structural work is complete, finishing elements like paint, tile, and cabinetry are installed. This is where attention to detail becomes critical for achieving a polished, high-quality result.
How Do I Pack My House for Remodeling?
It sounds minor, but it's a major question with a home remodel. Packing your home for a remodel is often an overlooked task, but it's essential for protecting your belongings and ensuring smooth progress. Here’s how to do it efficiently:
1. Declutter First
Before packing, sort through your items and get rid of what you no longer need. A remodel is a perfect time to reassess what’s necessary in your home.
2. Label and Organize
Group your belongings by room and label boxes clearly. For example, if you’re doing a whole home remodel, pack items from each room separately and label them accordingly.
3. Protect Valuables
Move fragile or valuable items to a safe area, away from construction zones. Consider renting a storage unit if you have limited space.
4. Figure Out Where You're Living
Find a short-term rental or, for smaller projects, an unaffected part of your home to live in. Life still goes on during the remodeling process, and your comfort is our highest priority.
How Do I Calculate My Budget
Money is important enough that it gets its own question! Budgeting for a home renovation involves more than just a rough estimate of material and labor costs. It requires thorough planning and realistic projections. Our cost guide can help you define the costs and plan for the future. Here’s how to calculate an accurate budget:
1. Determine What You Can Spend
Clearly define what’s included in your renovation. Will it be a kitchen remodel, a bathroom update, or a full home renovation? Portland remodeling contractors often work on projects with budgets in a range. Not every remodeler will fit your budget, but it's also important to know a realistic budget.
2. Find the Right Builder
Find the Oregon remodeling contractor who understands your budget and is willing to work with you to remodel your home within your stated budget. The right builder acts as a guardian of your budget and gives ideas and insights.
3. Know Your Project
The size and scope of your Oregon remodel will influence your budget, the number of subcontractors hired, and every other detail. Often, the right builder can work as a home renovation project manager, but some homeowners prefer to find a separate entity for this part. It's important that every single member of the project understands the scope of the goals and the project to keep communication clear and clarify any unknowns. Our focus on education and communication has helped us become one of the best remodelers in Portland.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Remodel?
Timing matters, so let's talk about it. Here’s how to decide when to schedule your home renovation:
1. Weather Conditions
In Portland, spring and summer are ideal for exterior renovations due to the milder weather. Winter is typically better for indoor work, like kitchens or bathrooms. Your local design-build contractor will be able to work through this with you.
2. Contractor Availability
Many homeowners schedule renovations during the spring and summer, so the best remodeling contractors in Portland are often booked months in advance. You may find more availability in the fall or winter. However, you'll want to get on your builder's schedule early on in the year to ensure your project can be accommodated.
3. Material Costs
Material costs can fluctuate throughout the year. For example, lumber prices might be lower in the winter when demand is slower. You shouldn't wait to begin your remodeling project in hopes that the market for material costs will drop dramatically.
4. Personal Schedule
If you're thinking about beginning a home remodeling project on your Portland home, you're likely aware that it will be a months-long investment. Your daily schedule will be impacted in some way, whether or not you're the one project managing this home remodel. Think about the timeframe when it will be easier. Many of our clients take a long vacation or getaway in the summer while their homes are being remodeled.
Reach Out
If you're considering a whole home remodel or any number of our services, reach out to Creekstone Design + Remodel to see what we can build for you.
Contact us today if you're ready to talk about a remodeling project for your Portland home.
