6 steps to follow when remotely managing a renovation
You might be moving back into your property after living overseas, or just trying to keep it maintained while you're away. Along with everything else on your plate, the property part can be stressful and emotionally challenging.
If you could find trustworthy, reliable local help to take the pressure off you, wouldn't that be amazing?
Time zone differences can make communication and coordination with tenants, property managers, or maintenance services challenging.
Trying to assess any damage, ask the right questions or cost improvements isn't easy when you're away. It's that back-and-forth and round-and-round that causes serious headaches.
A local person on the ground managing the details could be a game changer!
You know your property needs a new kitchen or bathroom, but asking your property manager to make decisions about layout, materials and colours?
It's way more than most property managers sign on for.
Trusting them to handle day-to-day operations, like tenant screening, rent collection, property maintenance, and inspections is one thing.
Asking them to take on difficult diagnostics, project manage a reno or decorate on your behalf might even be taken as a joke.
Imagine your overworked PM with a desk piled high getting a request like that!
That's why we just let it go. I know, I've been there. It's too much, too hard and we don't know where to turn.
Meanwhile, any damage is getting worse, your moving deadlines are looming and financial pressure may be building. The last thing you want is to allow the costs to grow because you did nothing.
Renovating a property while living overseas can present some unique challenges, but with the right help, and the right planning and organisation, it's definitely possible.
Here are 6 steps to follow for success:
Define your goals
Source help locally
Establish a budget
Plan and communicate
Make timely payments
Visit if you can
Define your goals: Determine what you want to achieve with your property renovation.
Do you want to enhance functionality or update aesthetics? What about increasing energy efficiency or improving comfort and well-being? It might be that you need to adapt to the changing needs of your family or that you want to increase property value in preparation for sale. You may just want the necessary steps taken to maintain property value so that you can keep renting it out.
Renovation goals and objectives depend on your individual preferences, budget, and the intended use of the space. Making sure that you can communicate your goals clearly to others is an important first step.
Source help locally: If you're living overseas or interstate, it's essential to have someone locally who can oversee the renovation process on your behalf.
Have you ever considered that an interior designer could be your representative?
An interior designer can easily put together a reliable team. They usually have existing relationships with trades and are equally used to working with clients' own builders.
You know that having trustworthy professionals to execute your renovation plan is crucial.
You can ask an interior designer to help put together a plan detailing how they'll tackle the areas you want to improve. They can also create a clear vision for the end result, manage the process, source materials and decorate to your individual taste.
Establish a budget: Assess your financial situation and set a realistic budget for the renovation project. Consider the costs of materials, labour, permits, and any unexpected expenses that may arise.
Setting a budget helps your designer allocate your funds wisely and prevents overspending. It allows you to have a realistic understanding of what you can afford and helps prioritise your design goals.
Allocating a budget enables you to make informed decisions about where to invest your money and where to cut back, ensuring that you stay within your financial limits.
Plan and communicate: Video calls are a great way to see the space, discuss ideas, make decisions, and provide feedback on the project's progress. Regular progress updates are imperative. Your designer can provide regular progress updates for you to review the renovation's advancement.
Ask for photos, and videos to ensure the work is being done according to your expectations.
Make timely payments: Arrange a reliable method of payment for your renovation expenses. Ensure that funds are accessible and can be transferred to your team in a timely manner. Consider using secure online payment platforms and transfers.
Visit if you can: If it's feasible, plan at least one visit to the property during the most critical stage of the renovation. Especially if it's a large one. This will allow you to assess the progress in person and provide more detailed input if needed.
Remember, renovating a property remotely requires extra diligence and coordination. Be prepared for potential delays and unexpected challenges, you may not be aware of local issues and challenges.
Hiring a professional interior designer experienced in managing projects for long-distance clients can significantly alleviate these difficulties.
Hue and Space have worked with many remote clients and clients returning to Melbourne after living away. We understand the challenges and will work with you to alleviate the stress that comes with managing properties remotely.
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