The Renovation Process

Understanding the sequence prevents delays and ensures quality. Here's what happens week by week.

Week 1-2: Demolition & Rough Works

• Protection of floors and common areas
• Hacking of walls (if any)
• Debris disposal
• Rough electrical and plumbing routing

What to Check: Proper protection installed, accurate hacking per plan, no damage to structural elements

Week 3-4: Construction & Infrastructure

• Build new partition walls
• Electrical wiring installation
• Plumbing pipe routing
• Ceiling framework construction

What to Check: Electrical point positions, water point locations, ceiling height maintained

Week 5-6: Finishing Rough Works

• Plastering and skim coating
• Waterproofing application
• Tiling works start
• Ceiling boards installation

What to Check: Surface smoothness, tile alignment, waterproofing coverage

Week 7: Carpentry & Final Finishes

• Carpentry installation begins
• Kitchen setup
• Painting works
• Door installation

What to Check: Alignment, gaps, paint quality, door operations

Week 8: Final Installations & Touch-ups

• Electrical fixtures and switches
• Plumbing fixtures
• Glass and mirrors
• Final painting touches
• Thorough cleaning

What to Check: Everything works, no visible defects, site cleaned

Can't be on site daily? Here's how to stay in control remotely.

Essential Communication Setup

• WhatsApp Group: Create with contractor, key workers
• Photo Protocol: Daily progress photos required
• Video Calls: Weekly virtual walk-throughs
• Documentation: Google Photos album for all updates

Daily Site Management Protocol

Morning Check-in (9 AM)

• Contractor sends photos of workers on site
• Confirms day's work scope
• Raises any issues requiring decisions

Afternoon Update (2 PM)

• Progress photos of ongoing work
• Any variations or changes needed
• Material delivery confirmations

End-of-Day Report (6 PM)

• Completed works documentation
• Tomorrow's plan confirmation
• Any urgent matters requiring attention

Remote Monitoring Tools

• Security Camera: Temporary WiFi camera for live monitoring
• Time-lapse App: Daily progress visualization
• Project Management App: Track tasks and milestones
• Cloud Storage: All documentation in one place

Catching issues early saves time and money. Here are critical inspection points.

After Hacking (Day 2-3)

• Walls hacked according to plan
• No damage to structural elements
• No cracks in remaining walls
• Debris properly bagged for disposal
• Floors protected from damage

After Electrical/Plumbing Rough-in (Week 2)

• Count all electrical points against plan
• Verify positions (not behind furniture)
• Check water point accessibility
• Ensure proper pipe gradients
• Conduits properly secured

After Tiling (Week 4)

• Tiles level (use spirit level)
• Consistent gaps between tiles
• No hollow tiles (tap test)
• Proper floor gradient to drains
• Clean, consistent grout lines

After Carpentry (Week 7)

• All doors/drawers open smoothly
• No visible gaps or misalignment
• Soft-close mechanisms working
• Interior finishing acceptable
• All handles and accessories installed

Problems are inevitable. Here's how to handle them professionally.

Issue 1: Timeline Delays

• Common Causes: Material shortage, weather, manpower issues
• Prevention: Order materials early, avoid peak periods
• Solution: Enforce penalty clauses, escalate if needed
• Red Flag: Delays beyond 2 weeks without valid reason

Issue 2: Budget Overruns

• Common Causes: Scope creep, hidden conditions, upgrades
• Prevention: Detailed quotation, resist changes
• Solution: Use 10-15% contingency fund
• Red Flag: Contractor asking for money outside schedule

Issue 3: Quality Issues

• Common Causes: Rushing, poor supervision, cheap materials
• Prevention: Regular inspections, clear specifications
• Solution: Document defects, withhold payment
• Red Flag: Contractor avoiding site visits

Issue 4: Neighbor Complaints

• Common Causes: Noise, debris, corridor obstruction
• Prevention: Proper notice, strict hours, daily cleanup
• Solution: Immediate response, contractor liability
• Red Flag: Multiple complaints from different neighbors

Proper material management prevents delays and damage. Here's the optimal schedule.

Delivery Timeline

• Week 1: Protection materials, hacking tools
• Week 2: Cement, sand, electrical/plumbing materials
• Week 3: Tiles, waterproofing materials
• Week 4: More tiles, ceiling materials
• Week 5: Doors, toilet fittings
• Week 6: Carpentry materials (progressive)
• Week 7: Paint, finishing materials
• Week 8: Fixtures, final fittings

Storage Management

• Designate one room for materials
• Ensure proper ventilation for chemicals
• Stack tiles properly to prevent cracking
• Protect materials from moisture
• Lock valuable items (taps, switches)
• Take delivery photos for documentation

Delivery Day Protocol

• Someone must be present to receive
• Check quantity against order
• Inspect for damage immediately
• Document with photos
• Get delivery receipt signed