How to Prepare for Your New Construction Project

There is undoubtedly a lot to take care of when you’re setting up for a new residential project. The main considerations are budgeting, choosing between concrete structure frame types and covering all of your bases to limit liability in case of any accidents or incidents caused by employee error.

Consider this your all-inclusive guide…

1. Create a Comprehensive Budget.

You can’t plan for a new project without understanding all of your projected costs. Be sure to allocate for spending on managers and superintendents, debris removal, post-construction clean up crews and services and general construction costs like special tools, shipping, bathroom facilities, security and staging. Maybe the greatest bulk of your budget will be allocated to construction — all of the items you need to get the project done and every single labor service you’ll need to hire — from excavation to roofing. Also be sure to plan to spend on any special needs required for any particular project and sales tax costs. Professional fees will also need to be covered including architects, design consultants, demolition, site preparations, outdoor non-greenery fixtures (hardscape), landscapes and utilities.

Projected costs for construction projects change over time based on consideration such as the rising costs of materials, inflation (thus requiring higher fees for workers and consultants over time), changes in regulation and other factors.

We all need to minimize our costs in the smartest way possible without cutting corners. Consider the following money-saving tips: hire a team who knows what they’re doing, weigh your options for sustainable elements in a price-conscious manner, reduce the number of reviewers assessing your project whenever possible to streamline work and reuse already existing home foundations whenever possible. You’ll always have greater success with working in a economically efficient manner if you’re open to alternatives and remain flexible.

2. Choose a Concrete Structure Frame.

The concrete structure frame you choose has a great impact on your budget as well as the scope of your project needs whether that’s in regards to materials, services, your timeline or other factors. Weigh the pros and cons of each type and then make a decision based on the specific site of your project, what you plan to do with the design and finally, supply costs and accessibility.

Structural Steel and Composite Slab on Deck Structure

This frame type needs very little form work and it doesn’t need a topping slab or leveling. Be sure to do as little work as possible below the unfinished floors for safety reasons (and thankfully, this will simultaneously lower your costs). It does need some extra considerations which will incur extra costs including thermal insulation and fireproofing steel members. Painting can also become expensive to keep up with over time.

Post-Tensioned Concrete Structure

This isn’t the most cost-effective option because its design features 1–2 elevated slabs. If the parking for the site is featured below the slab, you’ll also need to accommodate both insulation and a topping slab. You’ll quickly discover this frame type requires plenty of shoring scaffold, resources and labor as well as a post tension cable. But the resources extend beyond materials and costs, the post-tensioned concrete structure also requires a great deal of time. You have to wait until at least 70% of the design has been completed before you can remove shoring scaffolds and formwork and stress the cables for the next lift. However, it does offer one great benefit — you’re able to get super flat Ff numbers.

Precast Deck Structure

Choose the precast deck structure for extra fast installation and incredibly flat floors. It requires a slightly larger foundation as well as insulation between the topping and leveling slabs but you don’t need to form otherwise for the project or fireproof the structure. Do keep in mind that you’ll need more sizable lifting equipment for precast meaning you’ll also need to be sure the soil or mats are stable enough for the crane to operate safely and effectively.

3. Minimize the Risk of Liability.

Though we certainly hope accidents, injuries or deaths will never occur, they are always a possibility. Protect your project and firm by ensuring you’re able to use the unforeseeable employee misconduct defense in the case of employee negligence or liability.

Know the Law

This defense is honored by both the legal system and the Occupational Safety & Health Review Commission because it proves you’ve followed and shared all safety protocol so that if an employee is to act otherwise, it is completely of their own volition

The laws change slightly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction but most require the following: adequate work rules are established and clearly posted by the employer, there is clear and effective communication surrounding these rules, effective methods are in place for discovering any violations and effective enforcement is taken upon any and every discovery of any and all violations. Your entire firm should need to adhere to your company safety plan and all employees should be aware of all of the specific actions and precautions it entails — including general considerations and project specific rules.

Document & Make a Concerted Effort

Always document as much as possible when it comes to legal considerations. Train all employees and document attendance with a sign-in sheet. Also keep copies of your presentation materials on file to serve as sufficient evidence. Make sufficient efforts to discover, document and take action on any and all violations. Document any and all such discoveries including any discipline that follows.

Basically, you have to have all of the evidence prepared before the fact in order to prove you know and have shared all of the rules, you’ve properly trained and educated all of your employees and you respected the rules enough to take disciplinary action on any and all violations.

We always hope and plan for the best but in reality, anything can happen. Don’t assume that everyone will do their job and that everything will always be okay because a liability for an injury or death has the power to run your business into the ground. Don’t allow the irresponsible actions of an employee determine the fate of your firm.

There are so many aspects to consider before breaking ground on a site, but establishing the budget, choosing your desired frame and safeguarding your business will launch you with a healthy start.