Construction is a serious business, given the mammoth amounts of money and time that are usually involved in any project. Unfortunately, not many homeowners and prospective property proprietaries seem to grasp this simple fact. The end result is a gazillion of problems, losses, and project delays that would otherwise be quite avoidable. Here is a quick preview of some of the common construction mistakes you should avoid.
- Not having a clear plan: It is important to have a detailed plan in place before starting any construction project. This can help to avoid expensive changes and delays later on. Take your time and think through the design even before breaking ground.
- Not budgeting enough: It is important to accurately estimate the cost of materials and labor before starting a project. Not budgeting enough can lead to financial problems and delays. Speaking of budgeting, remember to leave a bit of leeway or working room just in case things don’t go as planned.
- Skimping on materials: Using low-quality materials can lead to problems later on, such as structural issues or costly repairs. Invest in high-quality, time-tested, and proven materials and save yourself a lot of heartache later on.
- Not getting the proper permits: It is important to obtain the necessary permits before starting any construction project. Failure to do so can result in fines and the need to tear down any work done without a license. You can also be prosecuted in a court of law for undertaking a construction project without the requisite permit.
- Not using a contract: It is crucial to have a written agreement with any contractors or builders to clearly outline the scope of work, payment terms, and other vital details. Apart from avoiding misunderstandings later on, it also projects a touch of professionalism.
- Not allowing for contingencies: It is critical to allow for unexpected issues or changes that may arise during a construction project. Just like in budgeting, factor in a bit of leeway in your expected timeframe for the completion of the project,
By avoiding these mistakes, you can help to ensure that your construction project runs smoothly and is completed on time and within budget.
References: howstuffworks, rethinkingthefuture
