Preconstruction Activities Should Start With The End Result In Mind
If you are planning to do remodeling at your Cape Cod home the time and energy invested prior to starting the project can make or break its success. My experience has shown me that my most successful projects and my happiest clients are definitely a direct result of the preconstruction processes we use here at Custom Home Renovation Services, LLC.
Professionals begin with the end in mind!
Most contractors start preconstruction activities after a construction contract is signed. This approach can lead to schedule delays if products and trades people are not available when they are needed. Additionally delays can increase costs and can even delay your use of the new spaces. Many Cape Cod contractors are forced to work this way for three main reasons, all of which are based on how they choose to run their businesses:
They typically don’t spend enough time helping their clients differentiate and or choose the right products and finishes before expecting them make decisions and sign a construction contract.
They don’t ask for enough of a deposit at contract acceptance to be able to pre-order and take delivery of special order materials. As a result products are often order last minute and all too often, to their customers’ disappointment, substitutions have to be considered if the desired products are not available or cannot be at the job site on time.
They don’t know which trade partners will be working on the job yet because they plan to bid out the sub contracted work to the lowest bidder after they get the job.
At CHRS we use a different approach that we feel is in the best interest of our customers.
We don’t start by concentrating on selling the project; we concentrate on what the end result should be. Only then will we specify products and details and price the project.
By doing exactly the opposite of what I just described above our customers:
Know exactly what products they can get within their budget and the availability of those products. This helps limit surprises and change orders. As a result our customers can also be confident their choice of products will not affect the agreed project budget or completion date. In fact we preorder most products so we have them and can check their condition well before they are needed at the job site.
Can confidently make plans for when they can get back into their homes and begin enjoying the new spaces. If they are having work done on a Cape second home they can safely plan vacations and family events knowing their home and their new project will be ready when they are ready to use it.
Can rest assured that because we work with a select team of trade partners we know before we even begin construction who will be working on the project and the quality of workmanship and service our company and our customers can expect and will enjoy during construction. When our customers find it helpful we can even introduce them to our trade partners well before their work begins.
By first starting with understanding why our customers are motivated to do their projects, and what the end result should be or should do for them, our customers can have confidence in their construction specifications and the money they will be investing in their homes well before the actual construction begins.