Begin with the end in mind

What would be a successful outcome for your construction project?

The obvious things that come to mind are having it built to your satisfaction and at an acceptable price within the agreed time. But what is the best way to achieve this?

The first step is to develop a detailed idea of exactly what you want to achieve. Develop detailed plans showing power, data, lighting, adherence to building regulations and if required fire escape routes.

Write a list of the electrical equipment in specific rooms, what finishes are required for the floor, wall, ceiling. What type of windows. What type of walls and doors. Lights and other services. The more detail the better. If you employ an architect or a consultant they may have a form that guides the process.

Develop room information sheets that details the finish in each room.

How many power points are required?

Look at the selection of finishes-where do they come from, can they be sourced elsewhere. Are they going to potentially delay the project?

Details matter immensely. Part of our role is to engage the client to understand and develop their requirements as this will directly affect the success of the project.

In real life these items will be governed by what is available on the marketplace and what is required for the look and feel.

Drawings need to be developed that reflect the information in the room information sheets.

Are there any changes to the structure of the building or is it a new build?

Does the new layout allow for fire escape as per building requirements?

When the design is sufficiently developed on paper to allow construction the next highest priority is to set up the project. It is here where most value is added and most money is lost.

Starting with a strong construction setup is key to a successful project.

The golden rule is to buy the whole project at the start by letting all the contractors clearly understand what is required from them in as unambiguous a way as possible so as to prevent any questions if things become difficult during the construction and close out phase.

Typical questions at the set up stage:

How have you arrived at your budget?

Is it realistic?

What is your contingency?

What is your strategy to control cost?

Has planning approval been achieved? On what basis?

Do you have a builder? Why has he been selected and have you seen his work?

The next step is for the work to be broken down into individual packages in order to insure that there is no element left out that will need to be paid for later.

The project timeline or program is important as this will have a direct bearing on the cost you incur during your build.

As the timeline is developed a detailed program will develop. Input for the timeline is again required from the client and this drives the project dates.

Are there any special items that may create complicating factors of time and price or workmanship?