How to plan a finishing and decor project from the start
From defining your needs and budget to the visit, design, execution and handover: steps that organise a project and reduce surprises.
Any finishing and decor project succeeds or stumbles in the planning stage, before any work starts on site. These steps help you organise the project.
1. Define your needs before the look
Write down who will use the place and how: family size, entertaining, working from home, storage. Aesthetic ideas come after the function is clear.
2. Set a realistic budget
Divide the budget between finishes, furniture, lighting, kitchen and bathrooms, and leave a margin for the unexpected. Give priority to what is hard to change later, such as flooring, electrics and plumbing.
3. Ask for a site visit and accurate measurement
Drawings based on approximate measurements lead to changes during execution.
4. Approve the design and materials in writing
Review the 3D visualisation and material samples, and agree on a schedule, handover stages and payments in a written offer.
5. Follow the execution regularly
Periodic site visits reveal issues early. Ask for engineering supervision if you have no execution experience.
6. Take over the project with a checklist
Inspect the paintwork, fittings, lighting and doors before the final handover and note any remarks.
Execution time and cost differ from one project to another and can only be determined accurately after the site visit and the scope of work are defined.
Note: this article is general information for awareness and does not replace the site visit and technical study of the place.
