The Renovation Balancing Act: Mastering Time, Cost and Scope
When planning a renovation project, there are three critical factors to balance: time, cost and scope. Known as the Triple Constraint in project management, these elements are interconnect and adjusting one inevitably impacts the others. If you want your renovation to be successful, it’s crucial to understand how these constraints play out and how to make informed decisions.
Something that has always stuck with me from one of the courses I took for my Project Management Certificate is the idea of setting expectations for any project and that you can’t have it all. Of course, we all want a project to be done quickly, get everything we want, and for the lowest price… but that just isn’t feasible if we don’t want to sacrifice quality. What we learned then, and what I apply to our projects now, is the concept that you can only choose two of those end results. So let’s dive in!
Scope, Cost and Time
The three elements that play into all the projects we work on (design or otherwise) are scope, cost and time. How long is the project going to take? What is the scope we are achieving? What will the cost be? As mentioned, we all want a high-quality result, in the fastest time frame and at the lowest cost, but this just isn’t achievable. You always need to forgo one in order to prioritize the remaining two. So what does that look like?
Scope + Cost
In a situation where you have a large scope but a low budget for your interior design project, you are going to need more time. It just can’t come together quickly and still result in a quality product. This typically looks like:
Taking the work on yourself instead of hiring it out.
Waiting for the items you want to go on sale.
Hunting for the best items at the best price.
Trading services or calling in favours.
It’s totally doable to get those nicer items and not break the budget, but getting to the finish line is going to take longer as a result. We have clients that hire us for projects like this - typically experienced DIYers who understand that they’ll be living in a construction zone or unfinished space for a longer period of time. They’ll take the design plan and wait to acquire items when a sale comes up, starting their project once they have the initial items in place.
Cost + Time
In the situation where you want it done quickly and at a low price point but don’t want to sacrifice quality, you are going to need to evaluate your scope and realize that you’ll have limitations because quick and low budget is a recipe for disaster in a renovation. This can look like:
Updating smaller details in a space vs. the entire space, such as changing out hardware, lighting and backsplash in your kitchen, instead of a full renovation
Sourcing items that are in stock only, limiting the options available.
Choosing a less collaborative option like e-design.
Adjusting the plan on the fly to accommodate what is available and when.
From our perspective, this type of project that doesn’t work well with our full-service design offering because we need to spend the time creating the design in collaboration with you and that is neither quick nor cheap. But depending on the scope, it can work well with an e-design offering for a project that’s more of a cosmetic update. I would never recommend this be your choice if you’re doing a full renovation though - it just isn’t worth it in the long run to sacrifice quality.
Scope + Time
If you want your full project to be done quickly and still get that high quality result, you’re going to need to increase the budget. This can look like:
Paying rush fees to service providers to bump up your project in the schedule (if available).
Incurring increased shipping costs to receive things as they come available and expediting as much as possible.
Paying increased rates to trades to get the work done quicker via overtime or additional workers.
This option has its challenges, especially for large renovation projects. For many of our clients who want this option, we can expedite the implementation aspect but will spend more time on the planning aspect. This means having a solid plan in place, ordering the items right away and having them stored so that everything is ready before we start the renovation. If you’re wanting both the planning and implementation to be quick and of high quality, this is more feasible for smaller projects or one where you’re more hands off, turning it fully over to a design / contractor team and trusting the process.
Balancing the Triple Constraint
Of course, there are always subtleties to this and it is generally a balancing act to pull it all together on a project. In most of our work, we most often allow time to be the factor we play with in order to keep scope and cost aligned with client priorities. Rarely does a project go exactly as planned, so being prepared to adjust one or more of these factors will help you navigate unexpected challenges.
A clear understanding of your priorities is essential. Ask yourself:
Is meeting the deadline non-negotiable?
Are you willing to increase the budget to achieve your vision?
Can you reduce the project’s scope without sacrificing your overall goals?
Additional Considerations
Contingency Planning: Always budget extra time and money for unforeseen issues like hidden surprises that are only found once the walls are opened or supply chain delays. A general rule of thumb is to set aside 10-20% of your budget for contingencies.
Communication is Key: Maintaining open communication with your contractor and designer is critical. Regular updates and transparency help you make informed decisions and avoid surprises.
The Emotional Factor: Renovations can be stressful, especially when unexpected delays or costs arise. Managing expectations and focusing on the big picture can help you stay grounded throughout the process.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the Triple Constraint and its impact on renovation projects will empower you to make thoughtful decisions and achieve a successful outcome. Remember, you can’t have it all—but with clear priorities, open communication, and a bit of flexibility, you can create a space you’ll love.
We’d love to guide you through this process and the design of your home. Let’s connect to discuss!