Project mananging my home renovations, one room at a time
Posted 01-18-2009 at 09:44 AM by leedrozak
When we bought our 100 year old farmhouse, we knew there was going to be loads of remodeling projects for us to complete. At first glance when we moved in it was very overwhelming, but then I took a step back and decided I project manage in my business so I am going to apply the same to this “project”.
I pulled out my project outline and went to work
I pulled out my project outline and went to work
- Define the Scope – At first the scope was vague, renovate the house and bring it into up to date. Then I remembered my own advice to other, give detailed and attainable goals and make your scope specific. So now it is: Remodel each room according to needs while keeping with the true nature of the home. I will not bore you with the room to room detail but they are there for direction.
- Determine Available Resources – Of course you need a budget but being in a rural are we needed to find home improvement stores, construction vendors and home needs stores. And they needed to be accessible to us do-it-yourselfers.
- Determine Your Timeline - There is some flexibility here since our goal is to get the project done within the next three years. But we needed to prioritize which rooms where in dire need first and which areas would be affected by other rooms so as not to have to redo completed areas. Note to self: major projects should be done in the spring or summer and not dead of winter.
- Assemble Your Project Team – This is especially true for do-it-yourselfers. We need to coordinate the plumber, heating guy, electric guy and our schedules so that things are not sitting idle while waiting for your contractors. We were very careful on this since we are mostly weekend renovators.
- List the Big Steps and Small Steps – I broke everything down – major room renovations, small touch up jobs. If it needed done it went on the list. Nothing is more satisfying then crossing it off your list.
- Create Your Baseline Plan – This is where I brought the husband in. We looked at everything I had compiled at this point and out can the honey do list. Keep mind that my plan spans three years so number 7 is just as critical.
- Plan for Project Adjustments – Right after we started we made adjustments, no more room gutting in the winter. This is more my clean freak mentality than anything else. But it also took into consideration that hauling wood and drywall in the snow and ice was not a fun thing. So we tweaked our plan by rearranging the projects, back on task now.
- Document Everything – I keep everything I purchase in a book along with everyone contractors number so that all information is easy to find. This came in especially handy when I missed the mark on some measurements and had to reorder a cabinet. Right to the book, place the order, no problem. And for tax purposes, I will keep this handy record of improvements.
- Keep Everyone Informed – Why, well because what you’re doing with the electric may not jive with the framing. I learned that by keeping everyone in the loop when I make my changes it is easier because I only have to make a revision once. And that I am not the expert on many tasks so why act like I am, get the right advice the first time.
Total Comments 2
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GREAT post - this is an excellent method for breaking down a big to-do into smaller, more reasonable chunks and keeping the project on task. Thanks for taking the time to share this (and best of luck with the renovations - sounds like a big project, but also sounds like a lot of fun
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Wonderful post. it is easy to get started on a project without thoroughly planning. I too have noticed that planning and managing projects through the break down of smaller to dos is very beneficial. Such a great reminder that planning makes a project run smoother!
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