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Phase 4: The Project
Phase Four is where the real work starts, the real mess is made, and the real results begin to appear. Let the fun begin!
Whether you’re a one-woman-show (or one-man-show), or working with contractors, this phase covers what you need to know to stay on track and on budget.
Plus, you’ll discover time and money saving strategies that allow you to manage your own project and save hundreds or thousands on a general contractor.
After you’ve secured your contractors and tradespeople, you can easily manage the workflow yourself-with the tips and processes I’ll share to keep you organized.
We’ll cover exactly how to keep your project on time and on track when working with contractors/vendors.
And I’ll share battle-tested tips and strategies to help you handle the unexpected – because the unexpected WILL happen!
Stumbling blocks such as…
- Work delays and rescheduling
- Slow shipping or items out of stock
- Professionals who push you towards a different vision
- “Oops, I’m in over my head here”
Are ALL manageable challenges and shouldn’t stop you, or cost an unexpected small fortune to fix!
Part 1:
Breakdown The Plan
You’ve got your ideas mapped out… it’s time to create a breakdown of all the steps needed to complete your project:
- What steps need to happen in what order? (What’s first, next, etc.)
- What supplies/materials do you need to have before each step can be completed?
- How much time is needed to complete each step?
Key Pro Tip: Always give yourself more time than you think you need!
Part 2:
Your Project Calendar
Without a calendar, you could be setting yourself up for disaster!
Here’s how to create a calendar that works:
- Begin adding the workflow steps from your project breakdown to your calendar
- Leave enough time between steps to complete them (and consider a little extra padding in case one step takes longer than you expected)
- Schedule your contractors/vendors, and delivery of your supplies/materials, based on the timelines in your project plan
Key Pro Tip: Order your items/supplies so they arrive before the step they’re needed for is scheduled to begin (keep in mind some supplies may be included in the quotes from your contractors/vendors, and you want to confirm they’ve ordered them and when they will arrive!)
Part 3:
On Plan & On Budget
Put on your “Manager” cap! It’s up to you to manage your time wisely – and help your contractors/vendors manage their time, too.
A few tips to help:
- Keep open communication with all contractors/vendors before, during, and after their work. Actively ask for updates and reconfirm dates, timelines, and costs along the way.
- Your quotes should not change during the project unless there’s a major new issue that comes up (example: if you’re rewiring your electrical system or re-plumbing your house, there may be unforeseen challenges that affect the costs, and your contractor/vendor may create a “change order” for this).
- Don’t panic, just adjust your plans to accommodate, when the unexpected happens!
- Schedule changes
- Contractors being delayed or not quite on time
- Shipping issues with items you’ve ordered or other delays
- Don’t be afraid to speak up! If something doesn’t look right, or seems off from what you had in mind, say something SOONER rather than waiting until the end! Adjustments are easier to make while the contractor/vendor is still working. And you deserve to have a space you LOVE at the end of your project.
Key Pro Tip: Plan to be present while your contractors/vendors are working. Don’t assume they can read your mind. Keep an eye on the work as it’s progressing. (You aren’t “hovering”, you’re staying available for questions!)
Continue With Your Course
