Embarking on a home refurbishment or renovation project can be daunting to the say the least. There’s no end to tasks, large and small, that need to be completed and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the volume of work that’s required to finish the build.

To make things that little bit easier, we’ve compiled these tips to save you valuable time during a project.

Seek planning permission online

Before you even begin to get your hands dirty, taking care of the planning permission is your priority. Starting work before this has been organised could lead to major headaches at a later stage, as you’ll actually be breaking the law and could be forced by your local authority to undo the changes you’ve already made, should your application be rejected.

A good resource to consult is the UK government’s planning portal, which tells you everything you need to know with regards to planning permission and building regulations. You can also apply for the relevant permission and pay the fees online, saving you time and effort.

Find the right supplier for your materials

Sourcing quality materials for the build should be another big priority. When you’re pushed for time, as you’ll undoubtedly be during the project, finding an online supplier could take a massive weight off your shoulders.

Naturally, you’ll need to start with the most essential materials, including the likes of bricks, cement and timber. Finding an online supplier who can deliver to your site will save you the hassle of shopping for and collecting materials. Take a look at Wickes, who offer an outstanding selection, available at discount prices when you buy in bulk. As well as free delivery on orders over £50, they also offer a free returns policy, should you find yourself with surplus materials.

When it comes to taking care of the electrics and rewiring, in addition to basic materials like cable, you’ll also need an effective means of measuring voltage, current and resistance. You can buy multimeters, sometimes referred to as VOMs, from retailers like Rapid Online. They have an extensive selection of these devices, designed for different functions, so you’re sure to find a device that matches the nature of your build. What’s more, free UK delivery is included on items over £30, saving your valuable time that can be better spent on your build.

Outsource project management

As with any project, effective management is vitally important. Planning the build in as much detail as possible is the surest way of saving time and will take a lot of the stress away which is normally associated with refurbishment and renovation.

It’s worth considering outsourcing the task of managing the project to a professional. Undoubtedly, you’ll want to save as much money as possible that can be spent in other areas of the project; however, if you’re inexperienced, doing this could take twice as long and end up costing you more in the long run. What’s more, leaving the management to someone else will also free up your time to focus on crucial tasks which will impact the end result, such as the finalising the design aspect of the project and the choice of materials.

Take a look at the Channel 4 website, which includes some useful tips for self-build project management.