Today’s episode is a solo deep dive with host Brandon Smith, breaking down the eight core principles that separate a smooth, successful renovation from a nightmare project. Whether you’re a homeowner planning your dream build or a contractor striving to elevate your systems, these project management fundamentals—rooted in PMI standards—will help you avoid blown budgets, missed deadlines, and endless frustrations.
What You'll Learn:
How to set clear objectives that prevent scope creep and conflict
Why vague budgets backfire—and how to build realistic, contingency-ready ones
The scheduling practices that eliminate missed deadlines and angry clients
How to define roles so subcontractors stop stepping on each other’s toes
Ways to use milestones to track progress and boost trust
How to handle shifting priorities without derailing a project
Why accountability systems stop finger-pointing in its tracks
The power of retrospectives to improve every single project you do
Key Topics Covered: Project objectives & SMART goals Budgeting with contingencies Scheduling & estimating Defining roles & responsibilities Setting clear milestones Managing shifting priorities Accountability systems Retrospectives & continuous improvement
Featured Guest: Brandon Smith – Host | The Open Concept Podcast | New Vision Projects
About The Open Concept: Your go-to podcast for construction industry insights, trade business strategies, and leadership advice that actually works.
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