Setting Expectations for Construction
Being a general contractor for six months now, I did not follow the standard route of being a builder who starts hiring staff to help out.
I started my general contracting business having lifted a hammer about as many times as I can count on one hand. Though my design degree program was fantastic and insightful, wood shop was not required in my university for a design degree, nor was any real building experience. To do the work I love, the aspect of “build” was missing from my skillset. I knew what I wanted things to look like, but not how they were built.
My first attempt to really learn construction techniques was what I call the “Hermione Granger approach.” I got books, all kinds of dummies books on building, Carpentry 101, etc.. It helped a bit, but there’s just nothing like tried and true experience.
So, I started requiring that Construction Observation be included in design services. How could I possibly ensure that the design narrative was carried through to the end without being involved, and it would provide the benefit of my learning on the job site how to better produce designs based on how things really go together.
This approach helped, but I am an all-in kinda gal, so here I am, both feet in, taking an occasional day to swing a mallot and lift a paintbrush. I am visiting jobsites much more regularly to understand the materials that the crew are working with better, gaining insight on the time and cost that goes into the designs, and understanding the needs for legible drawings and what makes them legible.
Additionally, I’m learning what expectations homeowners should have when working with a general contractor, and having learned a few the hard way, here are some key insights to help you better understand the build process.
Estimating Is Not An Exact Science
Material changes
Task changes
Labor changes
Unknown issues
= Cost Changes
At Waldron Designs, you’ll be the first to know when any changes are on the horizon so you can make the best decisions about your investment.
2. It Is Unrealistic To Set a “Cut-Off” Date
Set a goal, aim toward that goal, but remain flexible.
Unkown challenges will change your project timeline.
We pride ourselves in thoughtful work, not rushed work.
Waldron Designs is vested in keeping your project on time and on budget.
3. There Will Be Days When No One Is There
Or it may feel like little progress has been made. We keep a daily log of what was accomplished each day, feel free to ask!
There is an order in which tasks need to be completed for a successful installation.
We try to be efficient with our scheduling to save the crew time and your money.
At times, we need to wait for fabrication.
Waldron Designs will let you know if we will have a lengthy pause in construction.
4. Substantial Completion is not “Finished”
Sometimes “finished” can mean ready for client use.
We want you to have access to your space as soon as possible, but we will not be completely done until all tasks are complete.
Waldron Designs looks forward to the successful completion of your project.
5. Construction Dust Takes Time to Settle
Construction can be dirty and dusty.
Along with our builds, we provide cleaning as a part of the service.
We will send a cleaning service to you, up to three weeks after job completion.
Waldron Designs wants to make sure your finished project looks amazing!
6. A Remodel Does Not a New House Make
Vashon is full of quirky homes, we appreciate this, but a new set of cabinets will not repair the plumb of your walls.
A remodel can help improve the structure and appearance of your home, but will not solve that foundation issue (unless of course, you’ve asked us to solve that first!).
Waldron Design will work with you to uncover what is possible when improving your home.
8. Delays Happen
We develop our schedules with cushion time for delays in mind. Sicknesses happen. Subs get behind with projects taking longer than expected.
We expect your schedule to change, and we will update you when it does change.
We will also let you know if these changes adjust the overall timeline or create significant delay.
We have two crews, and if we are able to pull one in to assist, we will. However, remaining staff is typically have their own schedule to keep.
Waldron Designs plans for delays to keep your project on time or ahead of schedule as much as possible.
7. Project Managers Know Your Schedule
Though the crew on-site may make optimistic projections on timing, your project manager and our main office will know best.
Your project manager is like your very own orchestra director, knowing how all the notes come together and when.
Waldron Designs has amazing project managers ready to get the job done.
Do you have any construction expectation tips? Please share in the comments!
