BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO RENOVATION Part 8: Project management

All building projects need someone at the helm who’s responsible for overseeing the works and steering things to a successful conclusion. This management role is sometimes undertaken by clients, but as aficionados of TV property shows will know from bitter viewing experience, it’s not uncommon for projects to veer off course, with costs escalating and timescales scattered to the four winds. So is it realistic to self-manage your own renovation project, or would you be better off hiring a professional?

Where to start

The goal of the project manager is for the agreed work to be completed on time, within budget and to the required standard. Just how massive a mountain this turns out to be will depend on what sort of project you’re undertaking. One key factor is whether you plan to appoint a main contractor, or employ your own workforce. This is because an integral part of the contractor’s role involves taking responsibility for site management — things like deploying trades, ordering materials, and liaising with suppliers and building control. It’s perfectly possible