These days, residential construction is a hardball game. Yet despite the pressure of budgets and deadlines, a well-managed building project can be surprisingly smooth, mostly predictable and even enjoyable. It all comes down to choosing designers and builders who value honesty, embrace reality, and tell it straight.
Below is a quick take on how to find and get the most from such a team. For a more detailed discussion, please see the link at the bottom of the page on selecting the right builder.
Seek the truth:
Pick people who will tell you the truth, even if it risks disappointing you. Having unreal expectations about how far your budget will stretch is the reason why most projects go south, and often it’s based on unrealistic, rosy predictions from an architect or builder who wants your business. In the end, truth will win out. At Mediterraneo, we’re up front about costs, timing and managing the process; we simply won’t low-ball a bid or cut corners to win a job because, ultimately, nobody wins if a job is built on false assumptions.
Prioritize:
Decide what matters most and how your house can support your aspirations. If you’re clear about what you want, it is easier to prioritize and decide wisely when reconciling your dreams to your budget.
Plan thoroughly:
Take time to plan. A builder with a clear, well-managed process will take more time up front to plan, sequence and schedule a project, which will save pain and money in the long run.
Meet regularly:
Talk is cheap. Meeting regularly to talk and work through problems is far more cost-effective than cleaning up after something goes amiss. Mediterraneo prefers weekly meetings and when we do meet, it’ll be company principals, not junior project managers, who address your concerns or check work on-site.
Involve a builder early in the process:
Involve your builder during design phases. Because they constantly deal with suppliers and subs — and are the ones who will ultimately raise the walls — builders can provide crucial budgeting reality checks, early on.
Ask questions:
Be fearless asking questions. Construction is complicated and its terminology can be daunting, so keep after your builder till you understand what’s going on. Besides, contractors who are good at what they do love talking about their craft, and they’ll have the experience and the patience to bring you up to speed.
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Selecting the right building partner will have a far greater impact on the success of your remodel or new construction project than any mix of materials, fixtures or finishes you could possibly choose. Thus, you should choose carefully. Our free “How to Select the Right Builder” primer will help guide your selection of the right partner — someone with whom you’ll enjoy the journey.