| As specialist builders of custom projects including
multi unit townhouse and apartment developments, luxury
homes, and buildings for Government departments, we
work with a range of design consultants (draftsman &
architects) of various levels of sophistication.
The following are two mistakes we often encounter which
could easily be avoided, to the benefit of the client:
Mistake No.1:
Clients focusing only at price when determining
who to design their project
Quite often, we are approached to tender for the construction
of a home or townhouse development by clients with plans
already designed by a budget drafting company. Typically,
such plans which are drawn by a budget drafting company
have very limited details and more often than not, insufficient
details required for the builder.
Implication:
The implications for clients in not providing builders
with plans of sufficient detail, is that it can potentially
result in costly variations and delays during construction.
Through not providing sufficiently detailed plans, this
is essentially transferring design problems to the builder,
who will in turn charge for variations to resolve these
issues.
Examples of issues which typically arise when plans
are not sufficiently detailed include:
- Inability to install ducted heating and cooling
due to insufficient provision for shafts and roof
space to install required ducting
- Design mistakes which will become apparent as construction
proceeds, giving rise to variations and increased
construction time
- Ambiguity in plans which the Builders will likely
request clarification on as construction progresses,
thus slowing construction and potentially giving rise
to additional costs via variations
A recent example we encountered was a set of plans
for a townhouse development whose total internal dimensions
were inconsistent with the external dimensions, and
whose working drawings were inconsistent with the details
of the structural engineering provided.
Our recommendation:
We always recommend to our clients that rather than
taking a short sighted view of only focusing on price
when comparing design consultants for their projects,
that they actively seek draftsman recommended by competent
builders who have built from the recommended draftsman’s
plans in the past, without issue.
We also recommend that clients ask to see some plans
from a prospective draftsman’s portfolio. If you
find that you do not have sufficient knowledge to determine
whether such plans are of an appropriate standard, consult
with a competent builder and ask their advice.
Mistake No.2:
Clients seeking advice from the Builder after plans
drawn, rather than during the design phase of their
project
If a client has completed all documentation (ie working
drawings, engineering etc) before speaking with us (or
other Builders), then they miss out on the opportunity
to obtain useful feedback from the builder on any potential
improvements which the builder may be able to offer.
Implication:
Through not incorporating the feedback of competent
builders, clients may miss out on:
- improvements to the plans which the builder may
be able to identify in advance
- suggestions the builder may have on how to reduce
costs without affecting the aesthetics of the building
- identifying any short coming of the plans before
they are finalised
Whether it be spending time with clients who are going
to build their dream luxury home, or a developer looking
for smarter more efficient design of their multi unit
or apartment project, our team is always able to provide
some valuable information which can be incorporated
into the design of their custom project.
Our recommendation:
Having the client, draftsman/architect and builder
work together from the initial stages of the design
process is the best way to harness all the synergies
available from having the key participants in the design
and construction process working together.
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