Construction Timetables

Step 1: Do Your Homework.

First, determine your primary objective. For example: "Enlarge the kitchen and add a family room." This is not necessarily everything you would like to accomplish, just the main reason for the project.

Next, make a "wish list" of everything that you ideally would like your project to contain. Be sure to include even those items that you think may not be feasible.

Set the budget for your project. Be realistic! And bear in mind that, on a good project, actual cost may vary from budget by as much as ten percent.

Determine the time frame for your project. Again, be realistic. And remember that weather, strikes, back-ordered materials, contractor disputes and holidays can delay progress.

Consider logistics. These include time of year, living arrangements (Will you need to move out temporarily?), cooking alternatives (if a kitchen project), and other special considerations.

Last, but perhaps most importantly, if there is more than one decision-maker involved, make sure that everyone is in agreement before you proceed further.

Build Your Team!

One of the keys to success for any project is building the right team. The exact size and composition of your team will depend upon the particulars of your project and your own preferences; however, there are some general rules of thumb. Read More

Step 2: Work With An Architect.

For most projects, you will want to hire an architect. Other design professionals whom you may choose to work on the project will vary according to the type, scope and size of the project. If you do not know a good architect and are working with a contractor or designer, he or she probably works with one or more on a regular basis or can recommend someone.

Although services vary somewhat from one firm to the next, the following are typical of what you should expect from a good, full-service architectural firm.

Preliminary Phase: Before a single line is drawn, your architect should consult with you to determine your needs, objectives, constraints and concerns.

Design Phase: The architect will develop and submit a preliminary design proposal that reflects your tastes, needs and concerns.

Construction Documents: These working drawings are more detailed and complete than the design proposal, and are prepared once the final design has been approved.

Construction Phase: If you do plan to use a general contractor, you may choose to have the architect assist you with the solicitation and evaluation of bids, contract negotiation and other details of construction process. If you plan to act as your own general contractor, you may require even more assistance.

Step 3: Find the Right Contractor.

Finding the right contractor (or contractors, if you are the general contractor) is a tricky process.

Obtain recommendations from people who have recently completed a similar project. Seek advice from your architect or other trusted industry professional. Do not decide based upon price alone. Use your own judgment and trust your "gut instincts." Make sure the contractor you hire is fully licensed and insured.

Hire only contractors who will provide a written agreement that specifies materials, methods, time table and payment schedules.

Step 4: Be a Partner in the Process.

• A successful outcome demands that you remain actively involved in the construction process from beginning to end. No one has more riding on this than you do!

• Consult regularly with the leaders of your design and construction team.

• Monitor the construction, point out mistakes promptly and ask questions about anything you do not understand.

• Maintain good records of all finish selections, contracts, change orders, invoices, payments, etc.

• Keep an eye on the budget. Tracking cost overruns and extras will prevent a nasty surprise at the end.

• Resist the urge to make changes or add "extras." They can prove costly in terms of both time and money.

• Follow the chain of command and let each individual do his or her job.

Step 5: Tie up loose ends.

As your project nears completion, do a "walk through" with the leaders of your design and construction team. Together, closely examine the almost-completed work and make a list (commonly referred to as a "punch list") of any minor changes or corrections to be made. Once all items on this list have been resolved, the final payments are made—and your project is done! The key to surviving construction is to keep your sense of humor, maintain a healthy perspective and stay informed.

Construction Timetables

- Sheri Koones
A home construction project, whether it entails building, adding or remodeling, can be a daunting prospect and can involve many pitfalls. How to avoid these pitfalls? Follow our Construction Timetables, which will detail the "Five Steps to Success"* that are outlined in this article. Step 1: Do Your Homework.* First, determine your primary objective. For example: "Enlarge the kitchen and add a family room." This is not necessarily everything you would like to accomplish, just the main reason for the project. Next, make a "wish list" of everything that you ideally would like your project to contain. Be sure to include even those items that you think may not be feasible. Set the budget for your project. Be realistic! And bear in mind that, on a good project, actual cost may vary from budget by as much as ten percent. *Determine the time frame for your project. Again, be realistic. And remember that weather, strikes, back-ordered materials, contractor disputes and holidays can delay progress. Consider logistics.* These include time of year, living arrangements (Will you need to move out temporarily?), cooking alternatives (if a kitchen project), and other special considerations. *Last,* but perhaps most importantly, if there is more than one decision-maker involved, make sure that everyone is in agreement before you proceed further. Build Your Team! One of the keys to success for any project is building the right team. The exact size and composition of your team will depend upon the particulars of your project and your own preferences; however, there are some general rules of thumb. Read More *Step 2: Work With An Architect.* For most projects, you will want to hire an architect. Other design professionals whom you may choose to work on the project will vary according to the type, scope and size of the project. If you do not know a good architect and are working with a contractor or designer, he or she probably works with one or more on a regular basis or can recommend someone. Although services vary somewhat from one firm to the next, the following are typical of what you should expect from a good, full-service architectural firm. Preliminary Phase: Before a single line is drawn, your architect should consult with you to determine your needs, objectives, constraints and concerns. *Design Phase:* The architect will develop and submit a preliminary design proposal that reflects your tastes, needs and concerns. *Construction Documents:* These working drawings are more detailed and complete than the design proposal, and are prepared once the final design has been approved. *Construction Phase:* If you do plan to use a general contractor, you may choose to have the architect assist you with the solicitation and evaluation of bids, contract negotiation and other details of construction process. If you plan to act as your own general contractor, you may require even more assistance. *Step 3: Find the Right Contractor.* Finding the right contractor (or contractors, if you are the general contractor) is a tricky process. Obtain recommendations from people who have recently completed a similar project. Seek advice from your architect or other trusted industry professional. Do not decide based upon price alone. Use your own judgment and trust your "gut instincts." Make sure the contractor you hire is fully licensed and insured. Hire only contractors who will provide a written agreement that specifies materials, methods, time table and payment schedules. *Step 4: Be a Partner in the Process.* • A successful outcome demands that you remain actively involved in the construction process from beginning to end. No one has more riding on this than you do! • Consult regularly with the leaders of your design and construction team. • Monitor the construction, point out mistakes promptly and ask questions about anything you do not understand. • Maintain good records of all finish selections, contracts, change orders, invoices, payments, etc. • Keep an eye on the budget. Tracking cost overruns and extras will prevent a nasty surprise at the end. • Resist the urge to make changes or add "extras." They can prove costly in terms of both time and money. • Follow the chain of command and let each individual do his or her job. Step 5: Tie up loose ends. As your project nears completion, do a "walk through" with the leaders of your design and construction team. Together, closely examine the almost-completed work and make a list (commonly referred to as a "*punch list*") of any minor changes or corrections to be made. Once all items on this list have been resolved, the final payments are made—and your project is done! The key to surviving construction is to keep your sense of humor, maintain a healthy perspective and stay informed.