Construction is a vast industry with many different steps involved in the process. Using a checklist can help ensure all the necessary steps are taken to get your project off the ground and running smoothly.
A typical construction checklist will include architectural drawings to represent the final design visually, giving the contractor and customer something to agree upon before work starts. It will also have a bill of quantities detailing all materials and tools needed for the build.
Establish the Scope of Work
A project’s scope of work is critical to ensuring that all tasks and deliverables are completed within a set timeline and budget. It also helps to avoid misunderstandings and disputes that can occur when the specific demands of a client aren’t met.
The document defines all aspects of the construction project, including technical specifications and delivery dates. It also establishes the administrative procedures for issuing change orders and payments.
A well-written scope of work can prevent project delays, reduce the likelihood of change orders, and decrease payment disputes. It should be clear, concise, and with minimal ambiguity to ensure all parties understand their obligations.
Select a Contractor
The contractor you select becomes your construction management partner throughout the project. For this reason, finding a contractor that matches your character and communication style is essential.
Ask shortlisted contractors for comprehensive quotes detailing commercial-specific costs, such as compliance with commercial building regulations, specialized equipment, and materials. Be wary of quotes that are significantly cheaper or low; these can signal a lack of experience, poor project management, avoidable mistakes, and unnecessary extras.
Also, request resumes from crucial personnel expected to lead the commercial project. Then, analyze and compare these to assess each contractor’s ability to deliver the quality you expect.
Develop a Budget
The budget is the financial roadmap for a construction project. It includes labor, materials, rentals, fees, and other costs incurred throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Thorough planning helps anticipate and address potential budget challenges before they arise. Value engineering provides ways to optimize costs without sacrificing quality. A well-defined change management process mitigates the impact of scope creep on the overall project budget.
Mobile forms and checklists in Fluix allow for real-time monitoring and tracking of expenses, allowing you to flag deviations to the original budget and take quick corrective actions. Continuous communication and education also help maintain stakeholder alignment. This leads to a more transparent, risk-averse project.
Develop a Design
The Design phase is the most influential step for a quality commercial construction project. It’s important to anticipate issues and develop a comprehensive budget before the project begins. This should include direct, indirect, profit and overhead costs and contingency funds.
This includes a schematic design, floor plans, and site plans. It’s also an excellent time to select contractors. This can be time-consuming, but it is essential for choosing the right contractor.
Miscommunication is expected during this phase, and the entire project can become more accessible to manage with a reliable communication channel. This can result in purchasing errors, shipping delays, orders of wrong products, etc.
Get Permits
All commercial construction projects require some permit. Even seemingly minor changes like demolishing a wall to open up space in an office or adding canopies may require a building permit.
To speed up the process, it’s best to work with a jurisdiction familiar with your type of project. A professional design team that knows the requirements can provide guidance and even complete the permit application for you.
Additionally, a construction checklist helps you to keep track of essential details. Whether your team uses a simple piece of paper or multifeatured project management software, keeping an inventory can help you avoid costly mistakes during construction.
Start Construction
Once plans are set and the team clearly understands what they’re expected to do, they can begin working. This is the start of the project’s actual construction and involves the physical work that will transform the site into a finished structure.
The work at this stage will depend on the scope of the project. Large-scale projects can take years to complete and require specialized equipment and expertise. Smaller projects might include a building restructure or additions.
The work during this phase includes preparing the foundation and other pre-construction preparations. This can involve removing trees, excavating the site, and laying pipes.