Behind the Scenes of a Successful Home Renovation with Barbara Ramsey

Today we're thrilled to welcome Barbara Ramsey, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in commercial construction. She’s also one of our BuildHers and has created a beautiful home for her and her family. She learned a lot in the process and is here to share these valuable insights that can benefit anyone considering a renovation.

Barbara kicks off the discussion by diving into the early stages of her renovation journey. She explains her decision to purchase the property and how she immediately engaged in site establishment and discovery Her key takeaway here was that early engagement with design and construction professionals can significantly expedite the renovation process and help proactively address potential challenges.

Selecting the right builder is a pivotal decision in any renovation project, and Barbara sheds light on her criteria for making this choice. She emphasizes factors like a builder's previous work, program availability, and references. It’s important to consider more than just price, you need to find a partner who can align with your project's goals.

We then explore the construction phase, highlighting the importance of efficient communication and collaboration between the homeowner and the builder. Barbara stresses that maintaining clarity in project expectations and keeping the builder engaged throughout the process can significantly contribute to a successful build.

We also discuss strategies for minimizing variations during the project. She underlines the importance of comprehensive documentation and clear briefs, citing an example where specifying an item in the brief prevented a costly variation. Detailed documentation and briefs can help prevent surprises and keep the project on track.

The reflections Barbara shares in this episode provide valuable lessons for anyone embarking on a home renovation journey. She underscores the significance of early planning, effective communication, and meticulous attention to detail in achieving a successful renovation project.

LINKS:

Find Barbara’s blog post: https://www.buildhercollective.com.au/blog/