Guide to Starting a Construction Project and Minimizing Delays

1. Pre-Planning and Approvals

Before instructing any builder, ensure your pre-planning documents are completed and approved by your local authority. These documents outline critical aspects of the project and prevent costly surprises later. Without these approvals, you risk delays and additional costs for non-compliance.

2. Hire a Design and Build Company

Consider hiring a design and build company like Astro Refurbs, which takes on the responsibility of managing pre-planning, budgeting, and construction timelines. With Astro Refurbs, you don’t have to worry about complex regulations or approvals. We set realistic budgets, deadlines, and handle any potential setbacks, helping to keep contingency costs under control. With expertise in managing even the most complex projects, we ensure smooth progress, from planning to completion.

3. Define the Project Scope Clearly

Clearly defining the project scope is crucial to avoiding delays and unexpected costs. Make sure your project plan details all aspects, from design to materials, and clearly outline what’s not included. Change orders mid-project often lead to extended timelines and increased costs. By nailing down specifics at the start, you minimize unexpected changes, helping keep the contingency below 15%.

4. Establish a Realistic Budget and Timeline

A comprehensive, realistic budget ensures there’s enough contingency (usually between 10-15%) to cover any unforeseen costs. Additionally, establishing a clear timeline with achievable deadlines prevents rushed work or prolonged labour costs. Regular communication with your contractor is essential to ensure everything stays on track.

5. Quality Contractors and Material Sourcing

Choosing the right contractors and sourcing materials early are key steps to preventing delays and ensuring quality. A reliable contractor will have experience and references to support their work, and they’ll handle ordering materials well in advance to prevent bottlenecks in the supply chain.

6. Preventing Construction Issues

Regular site visits and open communication with your builders are essential to maintaining quality throughout the build. It’s much easier and cheaper to address issues early than to fix them later. Companies like Astro Refurbs ensure that work meets the highest standards, with regular inspections to avoid any costly mistakes.

7. Minimizing Contingency Costs

The best way to keep contingency costs below 15% is to minimize scope changes and track spending carefully. With Astro Refurbs, we use our experience to anticipate potential challenges, allowing us to keep your project within budget and on time. By managing the entire process, from pre-planning to completion, we ensure smooth operations and cost efficiency.