Managing a renovation can be exciting, but it's also easy to get frustrated when deadlines start to slip. Sound familiar? What was theoretically going to be three months stretches to five. And what seemed straightforward ends up having more layers than an onion.
But what if we told you that there is a way to keep track of time without going crazy?
In this article we explain why construction delays occur, how to anticipate them and the key factors to keep in mind to manage your project wisely... and without stress.
Why is it so difficult to meet the deadlines in a reform?
It is not by chance that works take longer. There is a combination of factors that, if not well managed from the beginning, generate bottlenecks that result in delays. Some of the most common ones:
- Delays in administrative licenses or permits
- Lack of coordination among industrialists
- On-the-fly changes to the project or finishings
- Delays in the arrival of materials
- Unanticipated technical problems (structural, old installations, etc.)
The difference between a work that flows and one that gets stuck is not so much in the unforeseen events - which always exist - but in how they are managed.
Keys to manage construction time without going crazy
Here are some practical tips that we apply in all the projects that we run from Buildpat:
1. Start with a realistic timeline
No idealized timetables. The first step is to accept that any reform takes time, and that it is better to plan with margins than to live with frustrations.
2. One partner, multiple solutions
The more professionals you have to coordinate directly, the more likely it is that something will go wrong. Working with a company that centralizes the execution and interlocution saves you a lot of time (and nerves).
3. Ask for weekly checkpoints
A simple progress summary every week (by email, WhatsApp or call) allows you to have real visibility of the project without being on top of it all day long.
4. Avoid constant changes
Modifying finishes, materials or layout once the work has started is often synonymous with delays. Try to make key decisions before you start.
5. Leave a 10-15% time margin.
No matter how well planned the renovation is, leaving a "temporary cushion" is key to avoid being overwhelmed if something is delayed for a few days.
6. Make sure that all industrialists are coordinated.
Plumbers, electricians, carpenters... they all depend on each other. A good coordinator makes sure they don't step on each other's toes or wait for each other.
The importance of a Project Manager or a company with a global vision
Having a professional who has a complete vision of the project is what makes the difference. At Buildpat, for example, we act as an integral project management figure:
- We act as a bridge between customers, technicians, industrialists and suppliers.
- We plan the phases of the work so that everything fits together like a puzzle.
- We handle unforeseen events with agility to prevent a delay from dragging down the entire schedule.
- And above all, we free the customer from having to make daily operational decisions.
We've seen it a thousand times: when the customer tries to carry everything, they burn out. Our job is to prevent that from happening.
What if you are not in Barcelona? Tips for expatriates
Many of our clients do not live in Barcelona or are here seasonally. That doesn't mean they can't have control.
These are some of the tools we use with them:
- Weekly reports with photos and videos of progress
- Video calls at key moments (start-up, structure, finishes, etc.)
- Shared dashboards (Trello, Notion) to view planning and decisions
- 24/7 contact with our team by WhatsApp or mail
In short: you can live a reform without being physically present... and without losing your mind.
Conclusion
Managing construction time does not mean having absolute control. It means having enough structure and visibility to not suffer from the process.
With the right equipment, a renovation doesn't have to be a nightmare. On the contrary: it can be an exciting and satisfying experience.
Are you planning a renovation and want to avoid delays and headaches?
Let's talk. At Buildpat we manage the entire process so that all you have to do is enjoy the result.
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