BUILD RIGHT
by Trevor Pringle, BRANZ
Principal Writer
When asked what is the difference between a building project that
proceeds smoothly and one that has a more tortuous path to
completion one word immediately comes to the fore. If this word is
applied to all projects then the construction is almost always easier.
W
hat is this word that makes
for a smooth-running
project?
Tip 1
(You’ll have to wait and see. First
read the other 19 tips.)
Tip 2
Insist on good documentation that
accurately describes the extent of
the project, the materials and details
to be used, and the expected quality.
Tip 3
Follow the documentation.
Tip 4
Read and be familiar with all the
documents – have a copy of all
documentation on the site, it is your
key reference.
Tip 5
Ensure subtrades are given a full set
of documents to price and work
from – not just the bits you think
are relevant to their work.
Tip 6
Respect the work of others,
particularly when working in the
vicinity of finished work.
Tip 7
Keep precise, up-to-date records of
meetings, site instruction
conversations and decisions made.
20 tips for running a
smooth project
Tip 8
Plan ahead – ensure work is
correctly sequenced to prevent
rework or modification to finished
work and to meet specific
milestones. Always prepare a
work plan.
Tip 9
If you make promises, keep them.
Tip 10
Be on time for meetings.
Tip 11
Be courteous to subtrades,
the designer and the building
official, but stand your ground if
you need to.
Tip 12
Regularly monitor on-site progress
– the aim is to identify and deal
with a potential problem before it
becomes a real problem.
Tip 13
Ensure progress payments are
claimed from the client and paid
to subtrades on time.
Tip 14
Regularly monitor the quality of
work in progress and completed
work (and make sure the main
contractor does the same for
subtrades).
Tip 15
Give sufficient notice of when work
will be ready for inspection by the
Building Consent Authority.
Tip 16
Don’t take it upon yourself to make
design and detailing decisions – if
you don’t think a detail will work
or cannot be built as detailed, refer
it to the designer for resolution.
Tip 17
Take particular care to accurately
set out the foundation since the rest
of the building depends on this.
Tip 18
Identify and order necessary
resources (equipment, labour) and
materials early on.
Tip 19
Programme material deliveries
so they arrive just before they
are needed.
Tip 20
It can’t be said often enough –
follow the documentation.
(Assuming you’ve read all the
tips and not just skimmed to the
bottom first, here’s the top tip.)
The No. 1 tip
Communication – clear, unambiguous
communication between all parties,
whether verbal or written. If there is
no communication between the
parties, there is no project.
J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 0 6 BUILD 23