So I’m going to give it my best shot from a designer’s point of view.
Please feel free to add your comments.
Number one rule – DO NOT assume that everything will go the way you envisaged when putting your thoughts together for your home.
You need to be onsite as often as you can to see every little move the builder and his crew are making. You need to have a firm plan in your head for EVERY thing that is about to happen on your building site, externally and internally. Do not miss a thing.
The minute you feel something is not right, take it up with your builder straight away!
He is trying to do his job, if you are not around or easily available he will progress without you! This is where disappointment sets in from you the owner. The builder may have a schedule….but have you seen his schedule? Do you know he is about to do what you want?
Too many people leave it in the hands of the builder, the builder may have been told one thing, but you have other ideas. You must liaise with your builder at ALL times, don’t blink, you might miss something.
I can not stress this enough, to you all and my clients, it’s your home take charge, from day one. BUT be nice….do not get the builder off side, discuss issues openly and calmly, he will be more than happy to comply with you if he is spoken too nicely and has been given fair notice of what is to happen.
If you feel things are not going the way you wanted….stop work at once…. Get it sorted.
Now heres a tip from someone who’s been on more building sites than she likes to remember….residential and commercial, IF your said tradesperson is doing a good job….tell them, nothing will get you more brownie points than complements.
They will be more accommodating with your wishes if you pat their back occasionally, and all is fair, if someone is doing a good job they should be told. Like wise if it is looking not so good they need to be told that as well.
You will have greater respect from a tradesperson if you are there daily, pat them on the back for the great job they are doing….if that is the case, than if you breeze in when you can, nod your head in approval and fly back out the door….or off the block.
Any questions?
Michelle
