In part one of our ‘surviving the builders’ toolkit, we gave you some practical tips for minimising mess during your home renovation project. In part two, we offer some advice that will help building work running as smoothly as possible…

#1 – Give your builder a key

Probably the worst thing about having work done on your home is the feeling of intrusion. However much you invited the builders into your home, and regardless of how much you like and bond with your building team, it’s still odd having people in your home day after day.

Consider giving your builder a key and remove yourself from the responsibility of having to be at home to let them in. At least you can escape the chaos, even if it’s only for a couple of hours, when it all gets a little overwhelming.

#2 – Keep movement to a minimum

To keep as much of your home as liveable as possible, try to keep everything your builders need in one place and close to where they are working. Make parts of your house ‘off limits.’

Assign your building team a ‘designated area’, where they can assemble and access the equipment they need for the work. This minimises movement and ensures that muck and grime are not trampled around the rest of your home. 

#3 – Order what you need ahead of time

Building projects can hit delays because of a lack of organisation on the homeowner’s part. While many companies promise next day delivery of appliances, tiles and even towel rails, there’s no margin for error if you want your project completed on time and on budget.

A missing oven can result in an extra day’s labour. Order what you need ahead of time to avoid unnecessary delays and potential added costs.

#4 – Remember the day-to-day living

Don’t assume that you can cope without anywhere to wash or cook for 2, 4 or even 6 weeks. More often than not, your building project can take longer than originally planned (especially if you decide on extra’s). It’s best to have a contingency in place from the beginning of your build. Your building team might even be able to help you set up a temporary cooking station or washing area.

#5 – Maintain normality when the builders aren’t around

Although your home is a building site, try to do the things you would normally do when the builders aren’t around. This restores some sense of normality to family life, even if it’s only for 12 hours or so. It’s an opportunity to reflect on where your building project is heading. Remember, when it’s all over, you will have a transformed home to enjoy.

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