How do you plan a new building?


Planning a construction project begins a long time before plans are drawn. One needs to define members of the workforce, project goals, and building processes that will be combined to form the design and the physical structure.

The more time you spend planning and preparing all of the needs of the design and construction, the less expensive and tedious it is to execute.

Here are the top construction project planning steps and tips to consider before you start a construction project.

Steps to planning a successful building project

building and construction

Choosing a design professional

You need to hire an architect or an interior designer who can help you create a detailed plan and scope of work. This usually starts with research and in-person evaluations which can take a few weeks depending on how many professionals you are reviewing.

Take the time to understand the services offered by different parties and consider whether they match your expectations. You need to communicate your budget at this stage so that the professional can align your project accordingly.

Create a plan

After choosing an architect or a design firm, it is time to make a plan that identifies a few ways to reach the desired goals.

These plans are referred to as schematic designs, and they feature a layout of the floor plan and simple views of the exterior. Design professionals take some time to work these plans out, and there is a need to take some time for a homeowner to consider them and make decisions.

If you want to make additional changes to the schematics, the initial design phase can take several months.

Interview contractors

contractor

It is wise to bring a contractor into the construction planning process after the final schematic design has been chosen. This information makes it possible for a contractor to provide preliminary cost estimates.

You may need a few weeks to set up interviews and receive cost estimates. You may also want to call references and visit job sites in addition to further research before settling on the contractor you will use.

Go shopping

At this stage, it is important to shop for material selections which will help you keep a handle on the overall cost of the project. Experts advise selecting every last item, such as doorknobs, windows, and roofing, ahead of time before the construction begins.

Give yourself time to choose everything and consult your architect or designer to finalize construction drawings.

Obtain permits

Depending on the scope and location of your building, seeking the necessary permits can take a while. Start by carrying out some research about the filing of permits and the length of the process, which will help you identify a potential start date for your construction.

Remember that permit fees can vary from a few thousand dollars depending on the location and size of the project.

Prepare to start construction

Once material selections have been made and permits submitted, you may encounter the need for value engineering if your selected materials exceed the budget allocations. Value engineering refers to changing the scope of work and materials to reduce overall costs.

You are expected to have materials and fixtures on order ahead of the start of construction.

Essential stages of a successful construction project

building

Conception

Every construction project starts with an idea or a particular concept. You ought to consult construction professionals to obtain information on feasible and viable plans.

Coming up with an idea is different from translating it into reality. You will need to thoroughly analyze the project concept from different angles to ensure that the scope and goals are realistic.

You can then assemble a dedicated team capable of developing your idea into something more concrete.

Planning and design

Once you have the right concept, you can then lay the foundation for implementing the concept through a planning phase.

This involves an in-depth explanation of the construction project that details timelines and milestones. Planning also involves getting estimates, outlining, and approving a construction budget.

On the other hand, the design phase involves the input of architects who can consider the construction objectives from the perspective of regulations and building codes in a specific region.

Preconstruction

This is the period you search for a contractor and obtain bids from them. You also need to find materials required for the construction, building contracts, and finance applications if you need them, in addition to building license and land settlement applications.

Procurement

You are expected to acquire materials decided upon, and it is very important because it involves the ordering and collecting of necessary materials. This is also the stage where you hire your main construction workforce, and a contractor does most of the work during procurement.

Construction


This is the pivotal phase where all materials and ideas prepared are used to bring the plans to reality. Remember that the work done in this phase determines the quality of a finished building.

It is essential to maintain a seamless workflow and maintain regular communication with the key stakeholders involved in the construction project.

Post-construction

During this stage, builders perform necessary maintenance checks to identify problems that may not have been apparent immediately. Ensure you designate a specific time frame to identify problems that can be addressed by your construction team.

This stage also involves cleaning up any debris and waste material left behind after completing a building project. It is aimed at ensuring you end up with clean surroundings into which you can start making your new house a home.

Conclusion

A new building can be a daunting task because there is a lot that needs to be done right. However, with the right planning, resources, and personnel, you can realize a successful building project within a reasonable time frame.

Creating a construction plan is important in helping you deal with the size and complexity of the building project. Experts advise that thorough planning increases the chances of a successful project.

By the time you have taken all the steps detailed in the explanation above, you will be a lot closer to starting your project with a clear vision of what to expect.

 

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