As a professional engineer or building project manager, you might be inclined to jump right into a project that excites and fascinates you, but of course, the best projects start with the best planning. Even if you have years of experience working on building and structural engineering projects, taking the time to map out the main aspects of the project, especially the fine details, means that your client is satisfied, building your reputation and credibility as a professional.
Here are five essential tips you should consider when planning your next building project.
1. Establish a team of go-getters
One of the first things you need to consider when taking on a new building project is the team that you are going to work with; if you are an established building planner and project manager, you might have a team of go-getters, but if you are a consultant or have a small team of contractors working with you, you’ll want to ensure that you get the right people in place to bring your vision to life. Working in the best interest of your client, picking and choosing your team is vital to the success of the project and your client’s satisfaction.
Each time you consider adding a new member to your team for a building project, consider their years of experience, project management abilities, projects completed, budgets managed, and what they can bring to the table.
2. Review the approval processes in the area
It is not uncommon for engineers and consulting companies to bring in expertise from outside of the immediate area; after all, if the skills they need are not in their existing team’s wheelhouse, then it’s important to get the right people in the right positions. However, this can cause problems for experts who are used to working according to certain laws or restrictions in different areas of the country.
When you bring in a new member from another part of the country, ensure that they are up to speed on the differences of how to conduct permit applications, where they need to seek approval, who to talk to, and processes that need to be followed in order to see the project stays on budget and schedule.
3. Don’t forget waterproofing
With any major building project, there are a number of things that need to be considered, including external, internal, and landscape waterproofing. This is especially important when building projects focus on commercial structures, retail structures, industrial structures, marine construction, and residential roofs. Ensuring a structure is weather-tight, durable, and waterproof can add years to the life of a building, not to mention cut down on maintenance costs and insurance. The Wolfin and Cosmofin systems are considered the leading waterproofing system in the industry and can protect almost any structure.
Always check with local regulations related to waterproofing and fireproofing to ensure you are within the realm of your scope of work. Guaranteeing the moisture integrity of the building and ensuring that your client’s building is ready for whatever the Australian climate throws at it is a great way to approach any new building project.
4. Create a comprehensive plan
Together with your client and team of top performers, you’ll be ready to design and implement a building plan that checks all the boxes, crosses the t’s and dots the i’s. It’s important to check and double check permits, dates and deadlines, restrictions, and guidelines designed to help your building project, regardless of where you are in the country.
Working with experts and those in the know makes the job of any new building project easier and ensures things move according to schedule and budget. There’s no doubt that having a solid plan makes for a much more effective and successful project. Don’t overlook the importance of getting your plans, and your client’s wishes on paper.
5. Always work with best practices
As a seasoned engineer or project manager, it can be easy to overlook the details and jump right into action making phone calls and approving plans. However, it is always advisable to follow protocol and ensure you follow the plan laid out so that you get the best possible result. Some of the best practices that are recommended when planning a building project include considering the environmental impact of any project you start and finish, set a budget, and get everything in writing.
Whether you are building a new stadium complex or office structure in your city, these 5 tips can help you with your next building project. Make your lists and check them twice and you’ll be on your way to a better building project experience in no time.
If you’re considering a new building project, get in touch with the Projex Group today to discuss the possible waterproofing solutions, protective matting and pipe sealing that will be necessary for a secure and long-lasting building.