Will Your Construction Project turn into a Goat Rodeo?

/ Blog & How-to, Condimentum, Design Advice, Projects, Technical, Uncategorized / By

Project planning? I just love the image of someone trying to get control of these critters and making them behave. The analogy of course, is the players who contribute to a construction project: The Owners, Builders, Architects, Engineers, Inspectors, Vendors, Neighbors etc.  Each party convinced they are doing their part perfectly…Call me @ 914 674 2950, let\’s discuss your situation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUC8SD-zntA&t=65s

So then, what\’s needed to avoid acts of needless drama?

  • 1. Do you have a good contractor, solid drawings and good written construction agreement?
  • 2. Are your finances in order- including a 10% contingency fund? Who developed your construction budget?  Don\’t become a dead-beat or get hurt by potential extras.
  • 3. Did you plan for your daily operations and payables: parking, storage, eating, etc . Will your plans conflict with the contractors needs for parking, staging materials, portapotty, etc? A simple discussion is usually appropriate to catch any potential snags.  Who is monitoring your construction?

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  • 4. Did you discuss with your contractors their on- site behavior, expectation and operations? Is smoking allowed? Radios? Parking? Dumpsters?

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  • 5. Are you properly insured? Call your insurance agent to discuss \”builder risk\” insurance. Once your home or building is renovated- it will be worth more. Are you covered for the full amount? Is your contractor properly covered? How about his subs?
  • 6.  Did you get a written construction schedule? Don\’t just start and not know when you can expect to end. Even a \”back of the envelope\” schedule with a few milestone dates .

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  • 7. Are everyone\’s contacts (emails, cell phones, yes addresses too)  available to those who need to know? contractors? Neighbors? Vendors? Service providers? Issues will come up- quickly !!! The ability to get to the right person (or their backup)  in short-order is critical.

Call Steve if you want numbers 8, 9 and 10…Steven Secon Architect 914 674 2950.

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