Hiring a Home Renovation Project Manager: Points to Remember

Raf Howery, founder and CEO of Kukun, brings a uniquely hands-on perspective to renovation management. A self‑described “serial renovator” and driven entrepreneur, Howery founded Kukun to usher the remodeling world into the digital age, transforming it from a fragmented, offline experience into a seamless, user-friendly platform.

In this CEO-led guide, you’ll get the insider insight behind the Do’s and Don’ts of home renovation project management, drawing directly from Raf’s own renovation journey and Kukun’s commitment to modernizing the industry. Expect strategic planning advice, financial discipline, and leadership-driven methods to ensure your renovation stays on schedule, on budget, and on target with your vision.

Here’s your refreshed, SEO-optimized guide on the do’s and don’ts of home renovation project management, ensuring your project stays on track, on budget, and aligned with your design goals.

Do’s: Best Practices for Home Renovation Management

1. Plan Thoroughly Before Starting

Begin with a detailed roadmap, timeline, scope, key milestones, and financing plans. Include designer input early to finalize critical decisions in advance. Early planning avoids costly changes later.

2. Hire the Right Contractor

Thorough vetting matters: check licenses, insurance, references, and avoid contractors who pressure you. A reliable contractor is the foundation of a smooth renovation.

3. Set a Contingency Budget

Allocate at least 10–15% of your renovation budget for overruns, especially important amid ongoing cost inflation (40%+ material increases since 2020).

4. Break the Project into Phases (Agile Approach)

Adopt a sprint-style methodology: focus on one room or phase at a time, complete it fully before moving on. This prevents overwhelm and helps control costs.

5. Track Financials Closely

Use spreadsheets to detail forecast costs, committed expenditures, and remaining budget. Reconcile invoices regularly to maintain transparency and control.

6. Communicate Regularly

Keep contractors, designers, and stakeholders updated. Weekly (or even daily) check-ins avoid surprises, ensure alignment, and help address issues early.

7. Double-Check Orders & Timelines

Verify measurements and product specs; mistakes in early orders can delay projects by weeks or months.

Don’ts: Pitfalls to Avoid During Renovation Projects

1. Don’t Rush Into Work

Avoid beginning until quotes are in and you’ve selected contractors several weeks in advance. Rushing can lead to sloppy execution.

2. Don’t Let Scope Creep Erode Budget

Avoid adding on features mid-project without revising the scope and price. Excessive changes inflate costs and delay timelines.

3. Don’t Ignore Permits or Compliance

Skipping permits or ignoring safety codes increases liability risk, and most jurisdictions strictly enforce regulations for structural or lead-related work.

4. Don’t Overestimate DIY Capabilities

Know what you can realistically handle yourself and what calls for professional help, especially structural, plumbing, or electrical work.

5. Don’t Neglect Final Punchlist and Detail Checks

Finish with a walkthrough and address remaining issues before final payments. Attention to detail defines client satisfaction.

CEO-Style Project Management: A Step-by-Step Checklist

Phase	Action
Pre-Planning	Scope, timeline, final finishes, contractor selection
Contracts & Budget	Final contract, milestone payment schedule, contingency buffer
Execution Phase	Sprint planning, regular check-ins, order confirmations
Financial Review	Monthly reconciliation, invoice tracking, budget forecasting
Quality Assurance	Final walkthrough, punchlists, unresolved issues logged
Post-Project Review	Gather feedback, document lessons learned for future projects

FAQs (CEO Perspective)

Do I need renovation software or is Excel enough?
For smaller projects, a structured Excel-based system with regular check-ins works well. Larger, multi-phase projects may benefit from project-management tools, but only if you use them consistently.

How soon should I choose a contractor?
At least 6–8 weeks before the project starts. This allows time for permits, scheduling, and material sourcing. Rushing compromises quality.

Is 15% contingency enough?
Yes, for most small-to-medium renovations. For larger or more complex projects, 20–35% may be prudent to absorb unexpected issues.

Can I make changes mid-project?
You can, but do so formally. Reevaluate the scope and budget before approving any additions. That clarity avoids budget overruns.

Final Thoughts from the CEO’s Office

Effective renovation management (like any good business) is about strategy, structure, and communication. By planning early, budgeting wisely, tracking progress, and maintaining alignment across teams, you’ll not only stay on time and budget but also elevate the quality and satisfaction of your renovation.

Do’s and Don’ts for Managing Home Renovation Projects: Insights from the CEO of Kukun was last modified: July 23rd, 2025 by Raf Howery

Written by Raf Howery. April 17, 2016

Raf Howery is the founder and CEO of Kukun. Howery, a self-professed "serial renovator" and entrepreneur, started Kukun to transform the home remodeling industry from an offline, fragmented, and frustrating undertaking to an online, modern, and user-friendly experience.