Every construction project has it challenges, no matter if you are a homeowner, a handyman or a general contractor. These challenges involve everything from client management to availability of materials. Conveniently, this is the list of the most important considerations that apply every time.
Building orientation
Provided that the building site has already been determined altogether with the location analysis, it’s also important to consider how the building needs to be oriented on the site. The right orientation must take advantage of the natural views which the location offers, but also the advantage of micro-climates, natural drainage, and topography. More importantly, it needs to take into consideration how the building use will affect the neighbouring properties. The Building Code of Australia specifies the minimum rear and side setback – the distance between the building and property boundaries – for both residential and commercial building.
Timelines
One of the most important parts of a construction project is to create a realistic timeline. Many projects have seen their early demise because a party was dissatisfied with the timeliness. What’s worse, even more projects get delayed because there’s no clearly defined timeline that should be followed. Unless your contract provides guidelines for separate stages of the project, it’s going to end up too lengthy and complicated to finish. It’s important that all the timelines are made before any construction work on the site begins, and to include as much detail as possible to ensure the work is carried out effectively. You can avoid these types of problems if you hire a reliable commercial construction company that can deliver engineered structural building packages. That way you will have an exact timeline for at least part of your construction process, and you can continue the follow up work without any delays.
Building and site access
It needs to be considered how vehicles will enter and leave the proposed site, as well as access the minor and major roads. This section also deals with road signs, the right of way, and traffic light considerations relevant for the site. For example, if a building is situated on a corner plot between the minor and the major road, it’s always preferable that the access is made from the minor road. As far as the pedestrian access is concerned, entrances and walkways to the building need to be designed to provide a convenient access to parking areas and neighbouring streets, with special attention to the needs of the disabled.
Cost monitoring
Although every large construction project includes a preliminary cost plan, a surprising number of contractors fail to fully determine the cost of their project, which leaves them unable to pay, which in return leads to the project being shut down or paused. Through working with leading construction cost consultant companies you’ll be able to accurately estimate and monitor the construction cost for all types of building projects. Apart from interpreting construction documentation and preparing cost plans, quantity surveying monitors budget expenditure, provides tax depreciation schedules and replacement costs for insurance purposes. During the construction phase, professional quantity surveyors can also provide monthly cash flow forecasts and assess monthly progress payments.
Type and availability of materials
Along with the possibility of using sustainable materials and building techniques, there is also a category of alternative materials, such as fly ashes as a substitute for cement; recycled aggregates, metal scraps, etc. While some of these materials are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, they still must be carefully selected based on their costs and availability. An important aspect of sustainable building is that the materials are available locally if the supplier provides transport. While some materials are easier to procure, not all of them contribute to energy efficiency. Ideal building material is sourced locally, provides satisfactory fire resistance, and has low maintenance costs during its lifecycle.
Material is not the only thing that needs to be taken into consideration when looking at type and availability, machinery equipment is essential in construction projects and they need to be researched thoroughly to make sure that they are available when needed and the correct type is hired for certain stages. Take a forklift for example, these will be needed to move products, materials (such as sets of stainless round bar, rods, etc.) equipment, etc. around the construction site, those in charge will need to make sure that the machine is fully functioning and has a full battery life for days/weeks of work otherwise it can cut out partway through and construction is then delayed. Site managers can go right here to find spare batteries that they can keep on hand in case they need to do a changeover so they are not left in the lurch because of an error. Constant backup plans will help projects be fulfilled to completion with minimal delay.
Timelines
Last but not the least, one of the most important parts of a construction project is to create a realistic timeline. Many projects have seen their early demise because a party was dissatisfied with the timeliness. What’s worse, even more projects get delayed because there’s no clearly defined timeline that should be followed. Unless your contract provides guidelines for separate stages of the project, it’s going to end up too lengthy and complicated to finish. It’s important that all the timelines are made before any construction work on the site begins, and to include as much detail as possible to ensure the work is carried out effectively.
While individual specifications of buildings differentiate greatly, there are a few universal considerations that every construction project needs to take into account. As building orientation ultimately impacts the access routes for occupants and visitors, monitoring of building costs and following the timelines ensures that the project is completed on time with minimal budget aberrations.
