” Those that fail to plan, plan to fail”. Trite but true. Rookie mistakes stink.
So, actually there are more than these 7 rookie mistakes to avoid before you start construction! It is the fundamental need to prepare for your project before the construction begins. There is no way to go back to a point in time when you could taken these precautions to heart- so please consider them as gentle nudges. But you’ll have to call me to get the other dozen or so “fails”-914 980 5532.
1. Do you have good construction drawings and a solid construction agreement?https://seconarchitect.com/bidding-mistakes-for-the-hayseed/
2. Are your finances in order- including a 10% contingency fund? Don’t become a dead-beat or get hurt by potential extras. Who developed your construction budget?
3. Did you plan for your daily operations and payables: parking, storage, eating, pets, morning routines, 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.
4. Did you discuss with your contractors their on- site behavior, expectation and operations? Is smoking allowed? Radios? Parking? Dumpsters? Trash collection? http://seconarchitect.com/hiring-a-contractor/
- 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 . The schedule also applies to the home-owner- who needs to provide materials and decisions in a coordinated effort! https://seconarchitect.com/construction-schedules/
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…Call me @ 914 674 2950, let’s discuss your situation.
