Renovations have a habit of going off the rails. Timelines drag on. Costs balloon. And it can cause all sorts of problems…
Anxiety builds while you’re stuck in limbo, probably forking out for temporary accommodation, and certainly wondering when things will finally wrap up.
But how does this happen?
The problem often starts right at the beginning, with poor planning and unreliable subcontractors.
A missed task here, an overlooked detail there, and suddenly you’re months behind schedule and thousands over budget.
It’s a migraine that far too many homeowners experience.
Take Jess, for example.
How Poor Planning Turned Jess’s Renovation into a Nightmare
Jess had big plans for her kitchen reno and couldn’t wait to start hosting epic dinner parties for her family and friends.
But that dream soon turned into a drawn-out nightmare: months after the proposed completion date, she was still stuck in a temporary rental, anxiously waiting for her builder to get it together and finish the job.
So why had the project gone south?
Turns out, her builder missed a few crucial details during the planning stage.
Notably, they had overlooked a local council regulation, which ultimately delayed the project’s approval. They also failed to account for the electrical upgrades required to meet the current safety standards.
These small oversights snowballed into major delays, leaving Jess with mounting financial strain and a near-constant headache.
Unfortunately, Jess’s situation isn’t unique; it happens more often than you’d think.
So how can you avoid becoming the next cautionary tale?
A Smarter Renovation Starts with Reverse Engineering
At Admor Constructions, we avoid common renovation pitfalls by reverse-engineering your project.
In other words, instead of starting at the beginning, we work backward from your dream outcome, mapping out each step to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
By visualising the final result before construction begins, we catch crucial details early — the same kind that Jess’s builder missed — and tackle them before they become problems. Then we break the project into manageable phases, ensuring each piece fits together perfectly, like assembling a puzzle.
With clear milestones along the way, you’ll always know what’s happening, helping to keep everything on track and free of costly surprises.
But planning is only part of the equation.
Reliable Subcontractors: The Backbone of a Smooth Renovation
The other key factor in a smooth renovation is working with reliable subcontractors who are committed to delivering quality work on time.
That’s why it’s critical for a builder to have strong relationships with trusted trades, who will ensure their project is a priority. Make sure your builder adheres to:
Effective management: By setting clear expectations from the get-go and maintaining strong communication throughout each phase of the project. This keeps everyone on the same page, reduces misunderstandings and errors, and helps prevent delays.
Timely payments: When subcontractors feel valued and respected through prompt payments, they’re motivated to deliver their best work — on schedule. On the flip side, delayed payments can lead to frustration and setbacks, which is why a good builder will make sure their tradespeople are paid on time, every time.
By managing subcontractors effectively and ensuring they’re motivated through prompt payments, a professional builder will keep your renovation stress-free from start to finish.
Bottom Line: Pick the Right Builder, Avoid the Headaches
To choose the right builder for your renovation, you need to find someone who can manage the complex network of trades involved in a renovation and oversee the entire project with precision.
Because delays don’t just hurt your budget; they impact your well-being.
Of course, there’s more to a successful renovation than that.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide:
5 Mistakes People Make When Planning a Major Home Renovation
It’s completely free, and it will help you avoid the common pitfalls that so many homeowners fall into. Download it now to make sure your renovation is smooth, timely, and stress-free.
*Disclaimer: Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. These stories are based on real events, and any resemblance to actual persons is coincidental.