1. Don’t watch reality TV.
   If you start watching reality shows about home renovations and repair, you will become discouraged. These shows make things happen in 30 minutes or less. Your renovation will likely take months or even years, depending on the scope of work.
2. Draft a schedule.
   Whether it’s what you intend to do per month, per quarter or for the full year, at least you’ll have something that can help to keep you on track.
3. Be resourceful.
   If you don’t have enough help (or enough good help), check with your local staffing agency for recommendations. If they don’t work out, you can move on to someone else, and if they work out, you’ll get their services without paying a finder’s fee.
4. Verify wording.
   Ensure that your contractors are not only licensed, but that their certificates of insurance are compliant with your management and ownership standards. And don’t forget to get your lien waivers signed after projects are completed.
5. Expect the unexpected.
   Having to redo certain projects or smaller parts of projects is part of the process. Contractors are going to make mistakes — it is inevitable! How you react can make or break your state of mind. So…
6. Don’t throw in the towel!
   I recall three months into my current project, which is four years in the making, that I gave my termination notice. These kinds of things are not easy. Let your management company and ownership group know what you need to get the job done in the best and most reasonable way possible.
7. Use your imagination.
   Some of the most creatively effective ideas are derived from crazy mishaps. A sliding barn-style door, perhaps, can be used instead of a standard door for confined spaces in the bathroom. You never know unless you try… but, don’t forget to get permission first.
8. Ohmmmm!
   Keep your cool with vendors. They might send items that are incorrect or damaged. Maintain composure. Don’t freak out. A good project leader must always remember this: You are the “Chip or Joanna Gaines” who is running THIS show.
9. Make time for yourself.
   During the first six months of my current project, I recall spending 12-plus hours a day trying to keep things in line. I forgot about my personal sanity and the well-being of my family. This is just as important as the day-to-day business operations.
10. The end is in sight.
    Keep this in mind at all times to ensure a vision not only for you, but for your team. I assure you, management and ownership will be pleased in the end.

Gina DaSilva, Property Manager at Bridge Real Estate Group,Tampa, Fla.