Problem Solving Suggestions

Here are some problem solving suggestions you may need during your construction project. Having these problems in no way reflects badly on your contractor or architect. In many cases, these things are not within anyone's control - they just happen.

1. Contractor’s crews are late or don’t show up

• Get a schedule from contractors showing durations for various crews

• Make calls a few days before crucial events to insure timely completion

• Ask the contractor if he has other subcontractors ready to take over

2. Incorrect work or disagreements

• Review drawings with both contractor and architect • Make sure the contractor has all the specifications regarding the issue

• Make sure the contractor’s work passes inspection

• Be available DAILY to answer questions as they arise

3. Payment disputes

• Have written agreement showing payments relative to completed work

• Make sure all changes to drawings are in writing

• Pay with checks so, that there is a record

• Hold on to all invoices and bills

• Receive lien waivers in exchange for each payment

4. Wrong material delivered

• Double check the order

• Check the description and part numbers

• Know the supplier’s exchange policy

• Schedule arrivals several days early so you can exchange if needed

5. Material delivery is delayed

• Order materials well in advance of the schedule

• Call a week before to confirm delivery dates with suppliers

• Have suppliers notify you days before an anticipated delay

• Provide delivery instructions and directions to jobsite

6. Bad weather

• Schedule project so that exterior work is done in warm weather

• Enclose the house quickly

• Lay a run of gravel from the road to the house

• Protect materials with plastic coverings

7. Theft and vandalism

• Secure and lock the house quickly

• Carry theft insurance

• Visit the site regularly, but at different times

• Ask local police for drive-by surveillance

• Don’t keep materials laying around where there is access to passers-by

• Place “No Trespassing” signs around the lot if jobsite is unoccupied

• Have liability insurance to cover intruder injury

8. You run over budget

• Have a priority list

• Have a plan of how to cut corners

• Have enough saved to cover the overage

• Add a financial variation into your budget

• Shop your prices aggressively

• Determine which jobs you can do yourself

• Determine which construction materials you can buy yourself

• Get some of the extra items at a later date

• Downgrade items where “designer” elements are not needed

If you can think of any problem solving suggestions (probably resulting from personal experience), or if something comes up that I haven't covered, contact me about problem solving by clicking here.

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