I have managed dozens of large home renovations. Here are 3 of the most important lessons I learned to master project management.

I plunged into the world of interior design by managing large renovation projects and redesigning entire properties and learned a lot about mastering project management!

Here are three valuable tips and core principles I’ve learned that can help master project management!

1. Research

Knowing all the important details is important for good project management

When I team up with my awesome private clients, I dive deep into their world, deciphering their wishes and quirks for their space. From imagining how they’ll live in that kitchen to tackling any design hurdles, I make sure to consider everything—from the household crew (pets included!) to future plans like growing old graciously in that spot.

Questions that I ask include:

• Who is the primary cook in the kitchen?
• Do you entertain frequently?
• Where do your children do their homework each night?
• Where do you feed your pets?

But when it comes to planning a whole-home revitalization, it’s also about deciphering the project & budget priorities.

Its very important to chat with trades and get estimates for all design ideas. This is where the budget details get hammered out, and the design gets polished.

The main goal here is to gather all the information we need to make the best use of the client’s investment and budget.

The more clients know about costs, the more informed their design decisions will be. Once they understand what everything costs, they can prioritize what’s truly important and what can be adjusted for their family’s needs.

It’s crucial to know the costs before finalizing the design and starting the renovation. This thorough approach ensures we master project management by aligning the budget with the design, leading to a smooth and successful project execution.

2. Scheduling

Efficient scheduling is critical to master project management

Another important aspect to master project management is scheduling. During a renovation, there are lots of moving parts, and they somehow all relate to each other. For example, the walls need to be painted but only after the drywall is repaired. Prior to completing the drywall repair, the electrical changes need to be done first as the electrician will be cutting into the drywall to move outlets.

In this example, if the electrician is delayed, then both the drywall repairs and the painting need to be pushed back and rescheduled. Scheduling messes can easily spiral out of control, leading to significant project delays.

For families living in their home during a renovation, completing the project as soon as possible is crucial to minimize disruption to their household, making it very important to stick to the schedule.

It’s essential to plan out the process in detail before any aspect of the project starts, especially demolition.

To confirm scheduling, you need to ensure every trade and contractor understands the overall timeline. I find it helpful to create large, detailed calendars to share with everyone working on the project. This way, everyone stays informed and aware of what will occur before and after they are scheduled to be on site.

By mastering project management through meticulous scheduling, we ensure a smoother renovation process and timely completion, keeping stress levels low and satisfaction high.

3. Good Communication

Keeping everyone informed keeps projects moving

Although efficient scheduling and good communication go hand in hand, it’s crucial to emphasize just how imperative good communication is to mastering project management. The communication between the designer, contractors, and homeowners needs to remain consistent and free-flowing throughout the entire project.

The more informed all parties are about the details, the smoother the process will go. This is why, once my design is finalized, a Master Plan document is created. This Master Plan includes all the details for the design, such as which fixtures will be purchased, where they will be installed, when they need to be installed, the colors for the walls, technical drawings, the electrical plan, the cabinet plans, and more.

Every trade employed on the project receives a copy, and QR codes for downloading the plan are posted throughout the job site, ensuring that anyone visiting can easily access a copy to clarify the next steps. I have learned that sharing the Master Plan and having it readily available cuts down on avoidable project delays and mistakes.

By keeping everyone informed and maintaining open communication among all parties, projects are completed faster and more accurately. This level of communication is key to mastering project management, ensuring a smooth, efficient renovation process, and delivering top-notch results.

It is always so lovely to share my experiences with renovations! Contact my team and I with any questions you may have!
Much love, Kristina

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P.S. Take a peek at my current favorite kitchen design piece — a solid granite apron sink with chiseled front!