The Importance of Having a Renovation Calendar
There are many moving parts to ensure a renovation project is successful. I believe there are 4 essential components to a successful renovation. One important component is having a renovation calendar. For the examples in this blog, the project that is used as an example is one that is actually going on as we speak. 1. A design for your space. This is your idea of what you would like to achieve.
For this kitchen renovation project, there were no walls being moved. The biggest impact/change will be brand new kitchen cabinets, new counters, and some cabinet reconfigurations.2. A drawing of the design. By having a design, everything is planned out prior to construction starting.
3. A budget to go with the design. Creating a budget for all materials as well as labour ensures you stick to a budget.4. Someone to carry out the design. Whether you are doing the work yourself, you are hiring someone, or you are doing a combination of both, it is important to have a renovation calendar in place.
Renovation Calendar
What does one look like?
There are many ways to create a renovation calendar. Some contractors like to create a timeline in list format. I'm an extremely visual person, so I like to use a 'month at a glance' formatting. Here is an example of a construction calendar that was created for a kitchen renovation project. As there are no major structural changes being made, my client will be getting a brand new kitchen in just over 3 weeks! It is important to note: while the construction time is just over 3 weeks, I started working with my client near the end of October. The total time for this project will be around 65 days.
Working Backwards
For this particular kitchen renovation, custom cabinets were being built and installed. The way this calendar was created was to work backwards from when cabinets were going to be delivered and installed. Once I had the date of cabinet delivery, all work that was needed prior to cabinet delivery was scheduled in and trades were booked.
- Demolition
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Drywall repair
- Painting
Planning Ahead
Once I knew when cabinets were being installed, all of the work that comes after was also scheduled in and the trades booked.
- Counter templating for quartz counters
- Floor install
- Counter install
- Backsplash install
- Appliance delivery and install
- Final millwork
- Final cabinet touch-ups
- Final clean
Putting It All Together
Renovation Calendar
I truly believe that when you have a renovation calendar that you share with your client as well as your trades, you are setting yourself up for success. The age old saying: Failing to plan is planning to fail is one I truly believe in. Communication is truly a key in keeping the stress down during a renovation. Having a renovation calendar is one way, and one important step, that I believe every renovation project should have.
A little update
As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, this is an active renovation that is currently going on. Here are just a few shots of the progress so far:
We have 7 more days to get this all done and ready for my client to move in prior to Christmas! Stay tuned.