Undertaking the construction of any type of building or other facility is a major effort. There are many steps involved in doing things correctly, and the expense associated with rectifying mistakes is so large that the pressure to avoid errors is very high.
Because the process is so arduous and risky, it is beneficial to identify ways that you can utilize established methods of doing things so that you can avoid reinventing the wheel. There is no need to repeat the legwork that has proven effective for other people. This is a key reason why products like Aftec precast concrete walls are so popular. They and other modular items can be built to specifications and codes off-site at a lower cost, then assembled at the project quickly, saving labor and reducing the risk of weather delays and other disruptions.
Within that mindset, keep these strategies in mind as you take on a construction project.
Proper Design
Architects and engineers are essential to any construction project. Without them, we can’t be certain that the building will be safe or even meet local codes, so they must be involved from the earliest stages.
Take the time necessary to get designs completed with absolute certainty. Make decisions before you even talk to them about what the purposes and goals of the building will be. It may be frustrating to see the cost of hiring these professionals, but it is always cheaper to correct things on paper than in concrete. Allow enough time for them to get completed plans to you prior to your intended construction date.
Proper Permitting
Thanks to a number of mishaps over the years, states and most cities have a number of inspection and permitting requirements for new construction. These regulations were often born out of tragedies where fires or earthquakes needlessly caused the deaths of building occupants. Other cases simply involved settling, flooding, or other damaging changes to the building.
This is where your professionals will come into play again. The architects, designers, and engineers you employ will be able to navigate through this process for you. It will be beneficial to hire locally if possible since so many such regulations are promulgated locally.
Being A Good Neighbor
This is a little different from the other points, but it is just as relevant. The old saying is that my rights end where yours begin, and that has led to many different zoning requirements, local ordinances, and privately-managed deed restrictions. Any of these can easily be missed by your professionals because they are often established by very small incorporated areas or simply tied in with private deeds. Spend some time investigating these factors to make sure that what you plan to do will be permissible within that framework.
But don’t stop there. Remember that just because it isn’t the law yet doesn’t mean it won’t become the law later. If you build something that creates problems with light, noise, traffic, or odors, you may soon find yourself on the wrong end of a lawsuit or other legal action. Talk with your neighbors. Listen to their concerns and head off rumors that may have started. If there are concessions you need to make to keep them happy, do so. It will pay off in the long run.
A construction project of any kind entails a long list of legal, environmental, and social considerations. In order to complete it in a way that satisfies all the public and private entities that have a stake in the situation, you need to plan ahead so that you can minimize the cost and effort necessary to get the project completed in a satisfactory way.
