Project Guidelines
Project Information
NOTE: this information is for reference only, Owner or Client need to check with local Building Department for their specific project.
When it comes to realize a project in your home, such is, remodel your entire house, your kitchen, your bathroom, build an addition, or any construction to get the concept or design that you always wanted, there are always codes in place for the specific need.
On this list I will share with you, on what steps to follow to manage your project and get the best results with the information available to this date.
1. Is important the you hire the right person for your project from start to finish, such is your, Architect or Designer, General Contractor or Sub-Contractors this will determine how your project move forward as smooth is possible and enjoying the process and not becoming a nightmare and problems along the way.
2. First step: is to hire and Architect or a Designer to start your process, you need someone who can provide you, a Full Set a Plans for submittal to obtain you permit, who can design your project and understand your needs and wants and provide advice whether you can build what you want, a 3D model for you for better understanding and see how is going to look when is complete, also someone who can give you options on what kind of materials or colors to use and be involve with you on the design in the project, this will help you to understand better and answer all yours questions and make sure everything is up to code.
3. Second step: Hire a Contractor, when you hire a Contractor or General Contractor you need someone who can understand the Building Codes and Regulations, a Licensed Contractor and insured will be ideal, that way if there is an accident on site during construction you will be covered, for any damages, unless you are the Owner-Builder. The Contractor should be able to communicate with you and the Designer and have meetings along the process this will make everything go smoother.
4. Permit Fees: The fees can vary depends in your project, sometimes the Building, Department can give you an estimate on how much a Permit will cost, this number is an approximate but most at the time is more then the suggest number, but at least give you an idea.
5. Budget: This is important because you want to have a good budget before start, there is always things along the way and hidden costs, you want to be prepare. The last thing you want is an abandoned construction for months while getting more money, whatever your quote is, add 15% more this will give you room for the extra things or surprises.
6. Begging construction: Before you start make sure you have this documents in place ( Permit Card. Set of Approved Plans. This are usually the two main documents but sometimes there can be additional. Now you can start, set a meeting with your Contractor and if necessary your Designer to make sure everyone is on the same page. If you are the Owner-Builder make sure you hire a Designer and probably a Project Manager, this will help you understand things along that way and make the right decisions.
7. During construction: Now that construction is moving forward, make sure that all the Inspections are being Approved and there is no cut corners from your Builder, at same time you need to keep having meetings with your Contractor and Designer, don’t skip them, because that’s when you can choose your materials and bring your opinion, and make sure you feel confortable with the materials you choose, because once is finish there is no way back, if there is something in particular the you like this is the time to let them know.
8. Final: If you follow this steps you will have a nice project moving forward and complete, ready to enjoy and feel like everything was worth, after all you want to be happy with the results.
9. people to hire:
-Architect/Designer
-Contractor/Sub-Contractors
-Project Manager
10. Departments fees:
-Building Department
-Fire Department
-Schools
Sometimes there can be more departments involved you need to check that on pre-approval, with your local building department, before start your process
Depends on the size of your project, Sometimes you need to hire an Engineer like- Structural, Soils, Topography and more.