6 Things to Do Before Starting a Construction Project

Completing a construction project successfully takes a lot of time, effort and resources. Problems are bound to occur along the way. But the more prepared you will be, the better you'll be able to handle the challenges when they arise. The following is a list of things that you need to consider before starting your construction project.

1. Inspect the site

You should inspect the property before commencing your construction project. Does the property have access to necessary utilities such as water and sewage services? Is the land suited for the type of project you intend or does it need further preparations?

2. Hire a contractor

A contractor can make or break your project. Select a qualified individual from a list of potential candidates by conducting interviews, comparing bids, and asking for referrals. Hire someone whom you can trust to get the job done.

3. Establish fixed bids or time and materials

A fixed price means that you will pay the contractor a certain amount of money after the project is done. The contractor may have to compromise due to cost implications. In a time and materials contract, you will buy the materials and pay the contractor an hourly fee to install them. Although more transparent, it can lead to hefty bills especially in the hands of an unethical contractor.

4. Hire or buy equipment

The decision on whether to buy or hire construction equipment will depend on the nature of your construction project, your budget and the flexibility you require. If you can't afford the initial investment or don't intend to use the equipment on an ongoing basis, you may need to look for equipment hire companies. 

5. Budget

It is imperative to have a solid budget in place whether you're dealing with a small or large project. You should calculate the cost of buying the materials, labor costs, equipment hire costs and other additional expenses that might occur. You budget should match to the needs of the project. Contractors are experienced at making estimates and can help you come up with a solid budget.

6. Establish Timelines

You should set timelines to ensure that you complete the project on time. Sticking to a specific schedule will help reduce unexpected delays. Setting deadlines will also ensure that the contractor remains within the limits of the budget.

Starting your own construction project is both exciting and rewarding, but it's not a walk in the park. There are many crucial decisions to be made and many factors to consider before breaking ground. Focusing on the issues above will help you get prepared for any eventuality.


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