I immediately notify homeowner and make them aware of the problem found.
- Get the required permit needed if the issue comes up.
- Fill out a change order form so that any labor or materials will be covered that would end up being extra for the project as well as time.
From time to time unexpected things can come up that can not be foreseen. The important thing for me is to keep the customer informed and to have solutions. The second thing I try to do is manage curveballs in a way that will impact the cost to the customer as little as possible. There have been times I have managed to fix things where it really didnāt cost the customer or me anything. That is a win, win. Again, communication and honesty with the customer is everything, finding solutions, and just keeping things in prospective. Iām a professional, and Iām getting paid to do a job, manage the project, and find solutions when and if a problem comes up. Iām also there to keep the project on schedule and on budget if at all possible. Cureballs can cause things to get off rail, but my job is to keep things moving in the right direction and provide a product and service with a 100% customer satisfaction.
I prefer to go head on with curve ballsā¦ Immediately address the issue and keep the line of communication clear and efficient. With remodels curve balls are more common than in new construction projects. You get good at taking one for the team and more resilient as time goes on. A curve ball may come from the existing home, client, subcontractor, or material supplier but rarely the general contractor . The general contractor should be the clean up man and take the lead in situations such as this. In my experience it always works itās way out.
Communication is the key. Talk about the problem straight on and deal with it .
Our clients are informed of the possibility of curveballs from the beginning of our estimate walk through. If we are demoing anything, thereās a 15-25% chance weāre going to discover something that needs to be addressed. If we do find an issue we will contact all people involved and try to come up with a work change order immediately, but because weāve already addressed the chance of a hiccup, our budget will have some cushion and we wonāt be too stressed.
Whether it is a schedule issue, weather, or a change in the project we will gladly stand by our clients and collaborate to make sure we have the best solution for their needs.
We take it one step at a time and identify to root cause. Once identified we go ahead and make the best professional decision in both the clients interest as well as ours.
Good relationship between owner en contractor
Rarely
The best way is to have a solution based conversation with our client and present them with all the possibilities for resolution.
Usually by spending more time on the problem areas of the project to smooth any potential future setbacks.
āCurveballsā are unexpected events and interruptions that may come up during a project. For our work at Rising Sun Landscaping & Maintenance, curveballs usually come from differences between expectation between the client and contractor, so it is important that expectations are documented in writing and in drawings. This includes checking building and appearance covenants and restrictions for the property. Other curveballs may come from unexpected finds on the property, such as a buried debris. Another common source of curveballs is when a client sees their landscaping taking shape and has new insight into what they want ā so they change their minds. In all these cases Rising Sun Landscaping & Maintenance suggests that good communication and trust are critical. We can get through it together! We also donāt charge for minor changes along the way because our customerās ideas may alter slightly. When change is significant, your contractor should work with you to re-plan so you obtain exactly what you want.
Honesty. Our policy is to be honest about all things that come up and to communicate with the customer on all things. We also discuss all the options with the customer to make sure the budget is always a priority.
Explaining what needs to be done, and the best way to handle the job. Giving the client options but always with honesty, & integrity.
Most issues can be foreseen, with over 30 years construction experience there are not too many issues that can not be at least considered before construction starts, so at least the client will know there is already a potential for changes
Honesty and calm is the best and only approach and ensuring that the customer is well taken care of.
Engage the team to work together to drive economical solutions. Have reserve funds (contingency) to deal with surprises. Seek help and advise from the experts in the area of the problem. If your team is established early on practicing open communication and jointly making decisions throughout the project, it makes working through curve balls much easier. Structura recognizes that the success of a project depends on the implementation of an integrated team ā of owner, designer and contractor ā to establish common goals and objectives from the onset of the project. Over the past ten years, this client-focused approach has resulted in a staggering 85% of Structuraās business coming directly from repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals.
You should always prepare for the unexpected! Whether a new build, an addition, a remodel or a minor project, expect the best but be prepared for the worst. Concealed conditions or design discrepancies are part of the process, so itās important for a client to prepare their budget and schedule to deal with the unknown. Construction isnāt like manufacturing. Every project is the prototype and no two jobs are the same. Clients should go back to why they chose the contractorā¦ communication and trust. Hold each other accountable through realistic expectations and your project will be successful.
Face the curveballs head on. Donāt try and bury them. Get everyone involved immediately, and discuss it. Resolve it as quickly as possible. Letting things linger in the construction field is only going to make things worse. You need to resolve these things as you go.