One thing I do do for all my clients is a lot of ‘handholding’. Not always and not all the time, but when those inevitable waves of frustration, fatigue, and overwhelm hit—when stress builds, confidence dips, and decision-making becomes a struggle—it’s incredibly helpful to have a professional by your side. Even clients who have a clear vision of what they want often reach moments where a second opinion or a sounding board is invaluable.
During my own recent renovation, I didn’t have that support. I was both the lead designer and the project manager—juggling the design, costs, scheduling, and day-to-day decisions. While my husband was my sounding board at times, he was out of the house unavailable at work most days which left me to make most of the decisions on my own.
That experience reaffirmed for me just how important it is to appoint a designer and a client-side project manager. Not necessarily to manage the builder’s team directly, but to ensure your vision is realised fully, and that design decisions are implemented well. Their role is to deal with changes quickly and efficiently, to ensure materials arrive on time so the build progresses smoothly, and to help keep the budget on track. This kind of support is especially crucial if you’re working full-time—it’s not a luxury, it’s an essential.
I could have done with some handholding myself at times. People assume that because I do this professionally, I’d find it easy. But living through a renovation 24/7, while managing it solo, is incredibly challenging. So, if hiring a designer or project manager isn’t in your budget, I strongly recommend putting together a small, trusted support network. Choose one or two people whose judgement you value and who you can turn to when you’re unsure. They’ll likely be flattered to be included and you can always find a meaningful way to thank them once the project is done. Just avoid involving too many people—too many opinions can lead to conflict, confusion, and more stress.
Tips for Staying Calm Amid the Chaos:
- Take a break from the house. Even a short time away can help reset your perspective.
- Go out for a meal, even if the conversation still centres around the project—it feels different than being surrounded by dust and decisions.
- Book a massage, spa day, or a day out. Anything that gives you a breather and helps you decompress.
- Don’t feel guilty for stepping away. I often felt I had to be on-site constantly to answer questions, but that quickly led to burnout. Sometimes, clarity only comes when you step back.