This post briefly outlines typical steps needed to complete a home construction project. Whether you are tackling a home remodel or building an apartment building you will benefit from following a predetermined process. For larger projects the process obviously gets more complicated. For now, we will identify the major steps that are common to most project sizes.
Your personal attachment to the project means your looking for the best way to ensure the project’s success. Your role may vary but the outcome you seek is generally the same whether you are the; owner, lender, designer, general contractor or broker. You do not want a project that fails to deliver close to what was anticipated.
For assistance we utilize various resources already available. One of those is information provided to CMAA members (Construction Management Association of America). CMAA has an extensive training program that we participate in. There are many other good resources.
Below are 5 Phases with 17 basic steps to navigate from the beginning to the end of most projects:
PHASE ONE – PLAN
The goal of this phase is to have a fairly good idea of what you are building.
- VISION – research property characteristics, create a conceptual design
- COST – produce construction cost estimate (later develop Master Project Budget after bid acquisitions [#11]).
- PLAN – Produce a suggested strategy for construction, confirming; code, cost, logistic and market ramifications.
- DESIGN – Review and incorporate the work produced by a licensed architect & engineer (hired by the owner).
PHASE TWO – INITIATE
The goal of this phase is to have all the necessary documents and information needed to engage with the people who will build the project.
- PERMIT – Procure all the necessary permits for the construction project.
- QUALITY – Create and manage a quality control program for the project to ensure; code, design and owner expectations are met.
- PRODUCT – Facilitate the review of all the products used to construct the project to confirm they are compliant with; code, design and owner expectations.
- SCOPE – Develop a scope of work for all subcontractors and vendors
- SAFETY
- Maintain safety compliance and monitor the project per industry standards utilizing a relevant Safety Program.
- Identify all hazardous conditions.
- Confirm safety policy is followed. One good way to do this is to consult with a third-party specialist or consult with Labor and Industries directly.
- SCHEDULE – Develop a project schedule framework for all contractors and vendors. Confirm each party can meet the specified deadlines.
PHASE THREE – EXECUTE
The goal of this phase is to have all the people involved in the project ready to start.
- BID – Orchestrate bid requests and awards to select subcontractors and vendors.
- CONTRACT – Recruit the services of an attorney to review the contracts with subcontractors and confirm contracts are on schedule or collaborate with the attorney to provide guidance on the practical provisions contained in subcontracts with the various trades.
PHASE FOUR – MONITOR
The goal of this phase is to have successfully completed all the construction.
- TRACK – Inspect and report on the following; project progress, product delivery schedule, quality control, inspections, document management
- CHANGE – Manage unexpected changes to the project plan; process RFI’s (requests for information) and review change orders for approval or disapproval.
- PROTECT – Formulate a plan to protect product from trade damage or other, including; delivery inspections, confirm proper storage, confirm proper masking and accountability measures.
PHASE FIVE – CONCLUDE
The goal of this phase is to have closed all agreements and start the use of the built project as intended.
- COMPLETE – Confirm subcontract scopes of work are complete, create and inspect punch lists, facilitate transfer of all; warranties and operations and maintenance manuals to the owner, confirm all systems testing are complete, confirm all permits are closed
- MARKET – Assist the owner in placing their property on the market by connecting them to agencies that specialize in; real estate, advertising, property management, staging, etc.
This outline may give the impression that you must complete a phase before moving on the next phase. While that may be nice it may not be practical. Often you are faced with outside pressures that require moving forward with somethings and/or holding back on other things. This tug-of-war is where we at Inclign live. Hence the fundamental reason for General Contractors. I hope this information guides you through successful construction. If you’re looking for a general contractor to manage your project contact Inclign today!