Communication is number one. Whether this is with a sub-contractor, or building official, we sit down and figure out the problem and then the solution and finally its affect on the project.
You have to roll with the punches and think outside the box.
If the curveball is a matter of timingâŚwelcome to the current world of construction where the labor force and qualified crafts, trade and workers have been diminished by a decade of lost non-union construction jobs.
Patience and a good eye to cross check against the drawingsâŚYOU HAVE TO HAVE WORKING DRAWINGS. Without exhibited drawingsâŚyou have given full discretion to the contractor to build as he/she wants or can.
If the curveball takes place once demolition reveals pre-existing problems that were not apparent prior to going to contract for either designer or builderâŚdonât be stupid. These guys are the not the House Whisperers; nor can they read your mind if you think thereâs a specific problem that you forgot to pass along. In many cases, the law will require a licensed phase of work to fix any defects upon discovery.
It depends entirely on what the curveball is, really. I tackle each issue individually one step at a time.
Communicate with the interlopers, sometimes the lack of information makes people make snap, costly decisions.
We will analyze the determining factors, figure out a remedy and discuss the resolution before acting.
What is a curveball? If its a client change we call it a change order and additional cost. A construction mistake is identified and corrected immediately. When a problem we caused cannot be corrected we then identify how to compensate the client and take owner ship of the mistake. This completely avoids future law suits.
We evaluate all the options, then provide an educated analysis to the homeowner in order to provide them the tools to make the best decision for them.
50 percent of the time there are curveballs. It is very important to communicate with the homeowner on additional issues. If there are any change orders or additional labor, always add the change orders to the estimate and present them to the homeowner. Have them sign demonstrating that they fully understand the condition of the job and the additional charges.
Unique variables, as referred to above as curveballs, can only be addressed head on with creativity and care. With our many years of experience and over 1000 completed home remodeling jobs, we work diligently to address all issues and use foresight to avoid them from arising, all together.
Depends on the scope, but 1st and foremost, stay in touch with the client, let them know what is going on.
All parties should expect surprises along the way. Open communication and a contract that accommodates change orders are critical pieces. A skilled estimator will reduce the number of occurrences of surprises, but sometimes itâs just impossible to know whatâs in a wall cavity until you open it! The important thing is to have a process in place to handle the surprises when they arise.
I personally stop to see what I can do, and I get ideas from my employeesâŚ!!
If there is a curve ball, we bring it to the attention of the homeowner and let them know the issue and price before we move forward.
If unexpected issues occur, we inform the owner. If it is minor, we simply handle it. If it requires major redesign, then we renegotiate the original quote.
Such things can include change of materials, changes to layout/planning, labor, and unforeseen incidences such as acts of nature.
As long as you keep a healthy line of communication there shouldnât be any curveballs that canât easily be overcome.
Curveballs do unfortunately come up. The best plan of action would be to go over any item that could cause a head ache. For example: A Roofer cannot tell if the wood on a roof is bad until they tear it off. But the are ways to test the wood and also let the customer know the worst case of what the cost could be.
communication
Clearly explaining what has to be done, and the best way to handle the situation. Always give the client options, and always be honest.
I am straight with the buyer. They will have been warned of potential hurdles, and notified we can not cover every contingency without putting a price by it. So some parts are considered but not charged for, because if it did not become an issue, they would be over paying. So I have learned, its all about disclosure and proper expectations. People appreciate that and respond well to the process if they are properly educated of the possibilities and process.
Take them as they come. There is always going to be something that comes up. Is it a structural issue? Then you should definitely solve it. Is it something that affects the safety or integrity of the build? Again, do what you can to solve it. Is it something simple like a particular color is out of stock? Or a shipment is delayed? Just be patient and do something else. There is nothing to worry about if you are working with a qualified and skilled contractor. They will take every bump in the road and smooth it out.