The True Scope of Home Reno

This is why it is very important to understand the scope of any renovation work. Many individuals start out with high hopes of turning their homes into luxurious abodes, only to falter halfway. You may have the whole thing planned out, but things can go sideways in minutes. More often than not, the inability to grasp the project scope is to blame. So, what exactly is this scope of work?

Simply put, the project scope refers to the list of work that must be done to achieve your renovation goals. It can include design strategies, action plans, materials required, trades to be hired, a fall-back plan, etc. This is crucial as it gives you an idea of what must be done, how to get it done and when to get it done. Think of it as a checklist for remodelling your home. You want a tick mark next to everything on the list before your project takes off.

Familiarity with the scope of the work is one of the most under-emphasised points of home renovation projects. It sets the tone and ensures the delivery of the desired results. This means the renovation will continue as planned even if the timeline gets skewed due to unfortunate circumstances.

Familiarity with the Work:

Knowing the exact scope of the work involved gives you an idea of what must be done. You begin to ask yourself, 'Am I going to focus only on the kitchen or other rooms as well?’ ‘If it’s just the kitchen, do I focus on functionality, aesthetics, or both?’ ‘Will changing the cabinetry be enough, or should I get new appliances?’ This helps you understand the steps involved, resources required, estimated delivery timelines and more. Armed with this knowledge, your plan begins to take shape.

Avoiding Scope Creep:

Proper management helps you stick to the plan. You don’t get side-tracked into other activities that are not on the list. For example, your kitchen renovation may begin with some cosmetic changes, such as replacing benchtops or doors, but end in a full-blown renovation, including changing flooring and removing walls. You may be tempted to work on items outside the project scope, like the flooring or the walls. It may seem like a small thing at first, but before you know it, you’re working on your living room—which wasn’t on the plan at all. Good project management prevents this by keeping you focused on the job at hand.

Project Management:

As you begin to understand the scope of work, the need for good project management becomes apparent. If you’re hiring companies like KIND Kitchens, we’ll handle all project management issues. On the other hand, for DIY home improvements, you’re the de facto project manager. You’ll need to organise and manage the work effectively, which brings us to the next point.

Anticipating Possible Issues:

Renovation work can be a nightmare. You can go for days without any hiccups and suddenly have multiple problems crop up at once. If you understand the scope of the remodelling work and have proper management in place, anticipating issues won’t be a problem. You’ll be well acquainted with the most common pitfalls of overseeing renovation work.

Having a Contingency Plan:

Picking up from the previous point, having a backup plan is practical and cost-effective. Say, you’re having your kitchen renovated, but the sink you’ve ordered is delayed. If you are unprepared, this can lead to costly delays as other activities need to be postponed. However, if you have a fall-back plan, you can continue with other trades until your sink becomes available. Or, have a backup choice for a sink. The backup plan was extremely important, especially during the pandemic when orders have been largely delayed.

Have a Time and Cost Buffer:

Even with the best management plan and team on hand, there is no guarantee that unforeseen situations won’t occur. This includes the plumber getting sick and being away for a week or someone accidentally damaging the newly installed benchtop. Make sure you have left a buffer or “slack” in the time and budget.

• Avoids Time and Cost Blowouts: The amount of work that goes into renovations depends on how well-planned your work is. Scope creep and lack of planning can quickly get out of hand, resulting in additional costs. Very soon, you’ll be out of budget and nowhere near the end. However, knowing the project scope and having good execution management keeps you on track. You’ll get the best value for your money.
• Prevents Low-Quality Results: Building on the previous point, getting sidetracked can have dangerous consequences. The unexpected situations may deplete your budget and patience very quickly. You might have to opt for cheaper substitutes for materials and less reputable traders, which affects the final results. Understanding the work to be done and creating a proper plan and a budget prevents this situation.

KIND Kitchens is the go-to expert for all kinds of renovations in Melbourne. We have the experience and the team to deliver stunning results that meet every specification. More importantly, our approach is very client-centric, meaning your decisions have the greatest say. We listen to your requirements and ideas before drawing up a plan. We will present the option to you if we feel an alternative solution is possible. The goal is to help you make informed decisions regarding your home’s aesthetics and functionality.

So, don't hesitate to contact us if a renovation project is on the cards. Together, we’ll create timeless interior designs and spaces for your home. For more information about our services, you can get in touch with any one of our four showrooms in Bentleigh, Blackburn, Chadstone and Hawthorn.