One of the biggest factors in a successful construction project lies in the relationship between your architect (design) and your contractor (execution). This is especially important in Maui, where the building codes with exacting standards and more people who want to move here than there is available land.
During the course of the project, there are two primary parties: the architect, who designs the project, and the contractor, who actually executes the finished project. Many new homeowners engage with the architect first, then the contractor. That’s not always an ideal scenario.
Unfortunately, architects and contractors aren’t always on the same page. The architect’s experience and knowledge give them the perspective of what’s possible to build, and what’s allowed under Maui’s building codes.
Here, we’ll examine this relationship and ways to ensure that it works.
Architect, Meet Contractor
The contractor’s experience focuses on what’s possible from a construction standpoint and what design features may or may not be right for a particular project. Frequently, there is a conflict between the architect’s vision and the contractor trying to translate it into construction. The architect’s design may be fantastic, but ultimately impractical when it comes to re-creating it on the construction site.
Bringing a contractor into the conversation, in the beginning, can make for a better end project and overall experience. Contractors can offer their input into the practical side of the process, and what may or may not work at the building site. Changes and corrections are much easier when made during the design process, and are easier and less costly.
Communication Is Essential To A Good Relationship
The relationship between your architect who designs your home and the contractor who builds it for you is the crux of a successful project. Without it, your dream home may make you wish you’d done something else.
Architects and contractors should have regular meetings (preferably with clients) to give regular updates. But it’s also important that the contractor can call the architect if there is an urgent matter that needs immediate attention. Followed up with an email confirming the points discussed, delays and mistakes are reduced.
Financial Considerations
When an architect designs a structure, the contractor knows how much it will cost to build it. Involving the contractor in the design process allows them to manage the client’s budget, and to identify financial issues early on to avoid expensive changes and re-working later.
Time management and planning is also a vital part of keeping the project within the scope of the budget. Improper time planning can lead to significant delays to completion. The architect and builder should also work together to make contingency plans for unpredictable events such as price increases on materials, natural disasters, accidents, and other potentials for the delay.
Pro Draft
If you’re interested in building or renovating a family home or a commercial property, Pro Draft is ready to help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, permits, and to answer all of your questions before the first day of construction. We’re happy to help and will work to ensure your project is exactly the way you envision.
We are also ready to work with contractors on nearly any type of building project. From CAD drawings to permits and rendering, we’ll make sure that your next project is successful.
Call Pro Draft today at (808) 579-9050 or 1-800-499-4699 from the Mainland