Probably worthwhile using either a builder or a bathroom specialist rather than organising it all yourself or hiring a separate project manager.

You're also covered by their insurance or they chase up the sub contractors to fix any issues.

Also trades give preference to builders over everyday people...... they'll get one job from you but will get continual work from the builder.

Has he had any experience in this field, we have just recently observed 3 houses side by side under going reno's,

The house on the left is owned by a Tiler.

The middle house no building experience and he project managed his house

The house on the right, son is a builder. they both project managed.

Houses L & R went brilliantly and the middle project managed by the owner was a disaster, contractors left at different stages because they couldn't cope with him.

He also decided to measure and order new internal doors himself which were the wrong size, no come back on that expensive mistake.

Get a builder to save mistakes if hubbie hasn't any experience

his house and he wants to contribute? why not encourage him to organise the builder or bathroom specialist so they can manage all the tradespeople ....you'll both still have plenty to do with choosing all the tiles, fixtures and fittings etc but, as has already been said, a professional will be able to get much better reliability from tradespeople than any home owner...bathrooms need a whole team of interconnecting tradespeople who have to arrive and return in the correct sequence for a successful outcome...nothing worse than extended delays because one of the trades has better prospects elsewhere because a builder is a source of ongoing work with which a home renovator usually can't compete...and, in my experience, the trades are usually men who prefer to deal with the man of the family so your husband would still have plenty to do and you can appreciate him taking care of all the details

Have you got a second bathroom the household can use while the first one is being renovated? It will take so much longer if he project manages it as tradesmen prefer working for builders that can provide ongoing work, rather than owner-builders. People that think they can save money by doing a job themselves often don't understand the complexities and demands required of the job. Lots of decisions to be made in a bathroom renovation, so it is a brave (or naive) person who wants to project manage it as well.

Best of luck,

Dr Retro

of Dr Retro House Calls

False economy in my experience, but depends on your circumstances and experience

Best of luck PD

In theory it sounds good, and you think you will save money - right.

But, let me ask you a serious question - Would you let your husband services your car, including the brakes? So many people wouldn't dream of servicing their $30,000 car, yet have a crack at renovating their $500,000 home. As a qualified Builder it has taken me years to hand select my plumber, waterproofer, tiler, electrician and indeed my carpenters. This is the only reason our projects are run efficiently and are completed to the Building Codes. Bathrooms are the hardest room to get right, and the one room that is the hardest to fix if it's done incorrectly. They are also one of the most dangerous if it's an older bathroom with asbestos!

Encourage him to be the educated and informed client - better a builder is the project manager - a good builder will project the job anyway and their subbies don't get away with much where with a novice they can pull the wool over your eyes or take shortcuts you don't want.

Give him a go if he is set on it but set strict timelines and get him to agree to call in professional if they are not being met, non-negotiable, Write a contract with him.

We have been renovating bathrooms for more than 20 years, of late and with (reality tv ) a bathroom renovation appear to take a mere few days.

. It has now become unreal expectation, for a quick cheap bathroom renovations ( "I renovated my bathroom for $ 5,000" )

Bathroom renovation businesses and builders require a 25% to 30% for overheads plus profit.

And most work, if not all is sub contracted out, demolition, plumbing,electrical,rendering ,villaboard, waterproofing, tiling. (one very large renovation business dictates rates to trades, e.g render a bathroom for $ 600 including materials.)

Rather than to try and compete with the cheap, poor quality businesses,we have changing our business to advising/supporting/teaching home owners ( as your husband ) to renovate their own bathrooms, with our home inspections.

The key to a Bathroom Renovation...is Meticulous Planning...

Hi Jian,

What state are you in??

We could certainly help you?

Cheers Aaron

While it may provide a value able learning experience to project manage a renovation, it can certainly take longer and cost more, esp for any unforeseen issues. Personally, I would leave it to a bathroom specialist with lots of Reno experience and great references. Best wishes!

To be honest, it would be better to hire a professional. As everyone has already stated there is more to "project managing" than just telling them what to do and keeping the scope of works within budget. Trades do jobs based on the effort expended versus the benefit to them. Also they will always prioritise work for builders over a private client. Repeat business trumps one off jobs. Professionals can also possibly get you cheaper deals on tiles, trades, bath fixtures and have it done in a speedy manner. Usually within a week or two for a standard job.