The luxury construction industry is no stranger to pitfalls and obstacles. In a space that demands perfection, much can go wrong. Small mistakes can carry heavy costs and the unique external factors of building for a luxury space (branding, specialty engineering, timelines etc.) can complicate what could otherwise be a streamlined process. This blog will outline a few of those common mistakes and along with it, how to avoid falling for them.
1. Incomplete Pre-Construction Planning
In some ways, the pre-construction phase is the most important part of your build. Both literally and figuratively, if you do not have a proper foundation for your build, it will fall apart. From rushed feasibility discussions to unresolved design details and as a result, incorrect permit procurement, these mistakes can affect your project’s ability to kick off.
Detailed feasibility discussions, early contractor involvement, and staying organized with clear documentation will be key to starting your project on the right foot.
2. Local Permitting and Inspection Pitfalls
An aspect of the pre-construction phase, understanding the permit and inspection system is incredibly difficult. Late agency coordination, incomplete documentation, and altogether incorrect permit procurement can be consequential to the success of your build.
Hire a local contractor, someone that has an acute understanding of your local jurisdiction. Start early! It will not hurt to begin thinking about what permits you need and integrating inspections into your schedule early on.
3. Architect and Contractor Misalignment
Misaligned values/communication between two of the most pivotal players in a build will present repercussions. Conflicts between design intent and build feasibility, late coordination for necessary trades, and communication silos where information is not shared equally can only cause misalignment. As such, team conflicts, wasted time and materials, and redesigns will lengthen and complicate your project’s completion.
Unfortunately, the ability to overcome this obstacle is primarily a matter of finding the right architect and contractor. Assess who you hire. Look at testimonials, past projects, and if you can, ask around! The desired team will have an integrated project delivery mindset, a structured communication and check in system, and hold accountability as needed.
4. Value Engineering Incorrectly
Raising efficiency while lowering costs: value engineering is an integral part of the process for both contractor and client. However, when done incorrectly or at the wrong time, value engineering can be detrimental. From requiring mid-construction demolitions, reworks, and changing trade systems, attempting value engineering in the middle of the project has a high chance of raising costs and extending project timelines.
Make sure to cross all your t’s with your contractor. Be thorough before the build starts. This is not to say value engineering can’t be utilized once the project begins, rather that the risk is much higher than the reward.
5. Sequencing and Scheduling
When building a project schedule, sequencing becomes one of the centering discussions. When sequencing or overlapping trades incorrectly and/or trades being out of order, the build can be damaged, frustration can brew, and timelines will be delayed.
Make sure each trade is scheduled in the correct order. One trade’s job may need to be completed for others to begin. Likewise, incorrectly overlapping trades, especially on the same aspect, will create chaos. Be thorough with your timeline discussions, ask questions, and if something seems out of place, voice concern. An adequate team will listen and either restructure or reassure you.
At Its Core: Communication
The ultimate counter to the pitfalls of luxury construction is communication. Voicing discomfort, aligning values, and creating an orderly function can and will be the ultimate countermeasure to common pitfalls. Here at MODAA we are a no nonsense contractor. We believe that creating open communication and listening to every member of the team is the only way to a successful build. With our values aligned in open and honest communication, with us, your vision finds its build.
