Three target dates are added to your project dashboard once you have accepted your renovation proposal. These are based on the estimated timelines discussed with your renovation planner and they are kept up to date by your project team as you hit key milestones through the renovation process.
While we're happy to move at your pace through the design and build process, if you're keen to hit your project's target dates, here are our tips to keep each stage on track:
1. Target Design Approval
This is the date by which you should aim to approve your final designs, scope of work, and materials list in your project dashboard.
Tips to stay on track
Book your site survey at your earliest convenience: The sooner we complete your site survey the better. Our designers need this information to understand your space and create accurate 3D models of your home.
Prepare for each design call: Familiarise yourself with our Beams Design Guide, browse the Beams Product Catalogue and complete dashboard tasks as they are sent to you, like sharing your design inspiration.
Think holistically about what you want: Consider how you want to feel in your new space, not just how it looks. Discuss priorities with anyone you live with to ensure you're aligned. This helps to avoid last minute changes that may delay sign off.
Collaborate with your designer: Our designers have an average of 15 years industry experience and will make recommendations about products with shorter lead times or solutions that simplify the build process and avoid third party regulations, for example.
Avoid too many off-catalogue items: While we're happy to source off-catalogue options that you have your heart set on, we'll recommend products from the brands and suppliers we have existing relationships with to ensure a smooth procurement process.
Request samples early: If you’d like to see materials in person, let your designer know on your first design call so that they can make arrangements as early as possible.
Aim to complete one design call per week: Keep up momentum with your designer by arranging your design calls no more than one week apart.
Stay engaged: Keep an eye on your emails for updates and regularly review your project dashboard to keep yourself informed and prepared for upcoming decisions.
2. Target Break Ground
This is the date your contractor and build team will aim to start construction on-site.
Tips to stay on track
Prompt payments: Aim to complete your materials payment with 1-2 days of approving your designs and your construction payment at least 1 week before break ground.
Make time for your contractor kick-off meeting: After you we receive your materials payment, our Build team will match you with a contractor. We'll reach out asking for your availability and work schedule to set up an on-site kick-off meeting where you can meet your contractor and address any questions in time for the first day on site.
Sign the Home Improvement Contract (HIC) as soon as you're ready: You will receive this after your kick-off meeting. This confirms your contractor match and moves the project forward.
Share details or complexities about your home early on: You know your home best so if there is anything you think your contractor should know that could impact the project, such as hidden conditions or access issues, raise them early on so that a workaround can be planned for.
Confirm logistics: Finalise details like parking arrangements and delivery staging areas to avoid last minute delays.
3. Target Completion
This is the expected date for your contractor to reach practical completion of the build on-site.
Tips to stay on track
Respect the work environment: Remember that your home becomes a construction site through the build and you should take guidance from your contractor to avoid any safety issues or delays.
Communicate with your contractor: If you or your contractor notice issues (such as materials that may have been damaged during transit), it is easier to address these earlier in the process.
Prompt change order approvals: A change order may be raised if you decide to change or add scope during the construction phase of your project. In order for Beams to action a materials order, return or additional payment to your contractor, we'll need your approval.
Create a thorough snagging list: Aim to compile a comprehensive list of any outstanding issues at the end of the build. It’s more efficient for your contractor to address everything at once rather than receiving a steady stream of new requests that will require multiple visits to resolve.
Remain flexible where required: Allow some flexibility in your timeline for unforeseen circumstances that might arise during the final build stages.
