By Greg Stopher — It’s little league season in Juneau and I’ve signed up to be a t-ball coach this year with six and seven year-olds and if there’s one thing I’ve learned already, it’s the importance of planning. Before practices I plan out age appropriate drills, I have a back-up plan in case kids forget gloves and I always have an extra snack, just in case. One thing I’ve learned, at this age, kids love their end of game snack.
The planning I do for my t-ball team is important just as it’s important to think ahead when planning any building project. As a builder I try to anticipate and plan for a few curve balls in every project, and for the unexpected foul ball from time to time.
It helps if the homeowners have a good idea of a project from the beginning and have identified a budget. Projects big and small have their costs. Having a good plan usually costs nothing. Not house plans, they actually do cost something. But what I’m talking about is a strategic plan to tackle a home project, addition, or new construction project. In Southeast Alaska, the cost of living and the cost of getting things done can and are usually a little higher due to a variety of variables. Without having a plan to tackle a project, projects can linger causing costs to escalate. Sometimes I feel like I’m reacting, not planning and I’m working with my clients to shift from reacting to planning. Added work, upgrading materials, and last minute changes can all drive the cost of a project through the roof. Everyone wants a dream kitchen, master suite, bathroom or home. And they want to keep a project on time and budget meaning a homeowner may need to make a few adjustments to their plan. Planning can help identify where these cuts or adjustments can be made.
First, define the project. The project could be a bathroom, a new roof, a moisture problem, or new construction. Whatever it is, have a good definition of the project you would like to complete. What are the needs and or purpose of the project? Do you need more space or an updated space? Does the roof need to be replaced or is there a moisture issue that needs to be resolved? Define what needs to be done and why. A good definition of the project will help tremendously with making decisions. I suggest making a list of “needs” and “wants.” The “needs” can include the nonnegotiable items – the things you absolutely must have. The “wants” can include items you’d like to have if they fit your budget. And you must have the flexibility to make some “needs” into “wants” in the event your budget does not allow for all of them.
Once the project is defined, it is time to determine the scope. What are the project goals? An example of a project goal would be to stop a moisture problem or to update a bathroom. What are the procedures that need to be taken to accomplish this goal? Is the scope defined as a new roof with 50 year shingles, new flashing, replacing 24 feet of rotted fascia board, stripping the old roof, and new underlayment? What happens if upon removing the old roof, rot is found in a small area of the roof? There may need to be some contingencies built into the scope. For instance if rot is identified under the old roofing, then it must be properly repaired. The scope of a project includes fine details or tasks that need to be accomplished, decisions to accomplish those tasks, materials to complete the project, and any contingencies that should be considered.
Specifications also fall within the scope of the project. For a roofing project a specification could include the use of Malarkey 50 year architectural shingles in a Weathered Wood color selected by the homeowner. That is very specific and well-defined specification and the contractor can easily determine the cost of that material. But when we get to countertops, specified as granite, this is not well defined to a contractor. Granite prices without installation can range from $10 per square foot to 12 times that, so some materials specifications need to be spelled out in greater detail. Also it’s important to know which products you want before the product is needed. Builders and remodelers will help with this but when it is time to install a bathroom vanity and the vanity yet been selected, it can cost more if the contractor has to return to install. A contractor should specify when the decision for the vanity should be made so it’s on time for installation. Plumbers can be delayed and costs can escalate if a bathtub is needed in eight weeks but a homeowner can’t decide on a tub.
Having a budget will determine what can be accomplished and put some constraints on a project. The bottom line is some compromises will need to be made if the budget doesn’t allow for that choice. Let me describe this with the view of a contractor or professional. A baseline of tasks needs to be accomplished, let’s say, for an addition on a home. Good builders and remodelers will start with a solid foundation, drainage, and solid practices for weatherization, insulation, or the real guts of a house that no one usually sees but is necessary to make the house solid, comfortable, and durable. There will be a price for this, which is the baseline price to accomplish these tasks correctly. Good builders and remodelers will not take shortcuts on the guts of a project to find money for upgrades later in the project.
There are a lot of questions when trying to complete a project. Your contractor will have answers on the “how to” and “why” but will need help from the homeowner to identify the goals or outcome of the project. Work with your contractor to plan a project and to be sure any surprises that come up during the project will be handled as efficiently and effectively as possible.
With proper planning, you can make your next project a home run!
Greg Stopher has over 16 years of experience in the construction field and earned a degree in Construction Technologies from the University of Alaska – Southeast. His company, Stopher Construction, LLC, is a general contracting company specializing in remodeling, custom finishes, additions and new home construction projects. He can be reached at 907-321-2350.