Plan to Succeed
A complete set of plans and specs will eliminate problems and help ensure a smooth project.
Never underestimate the importance of good plans and specifications to a successful new home build. These crucial documents need to be fully completed in order to generate a realistic price & construction schedule. Too often, however, they’re not quite finished or have a long way to go.
The plans are the visual representation of the finished home, showing what it will look like when complete. They include dimensioned floor plans, exterior elevations, cross sections, schedules and other important details that guide the builder & his trades prior to & during the construction. The plans should also verify any regulations that apply to the project, such as height limits, setbacks, solar access by neighboring properties, survey requirements, and whether the home is in a flood zone.
Specifications, or specs, detail in writing what types of appliances, fixtures, cabinetry, stone / tile, roofing, siding, mechanical systems, insulations and even the brand / model of paint that will be used in the home. They may even reference written quality standards. This information helps the builder create a realistic budget, delivery schedule and tells the homeowners exactly what they are getting for their money.
Having incomplete specs can be very problematic for the construction process, the builder & the homeowner. In areas where the homeowner just can’t make up their mind, a suitable & agreed upon allowance is fine. Though having more than a few allowances is asking for trouble.
A solid set of construction documents including clear & comprehensive specifications prior to the construction start is a recipe to win. A reputable builder with a great team of trade contractors to carry out the plan with best applications is the slam dunk & will save the homeowner time, money, energy & a variety of frustrations.
Specs are a complex subject, and this article only scratches the surface. Homeowners can help by making the decisions needed to clearly define the job before it starts. After all, it’s easier and less costly to move or change a window on paper than it will be after the wall has been framed.
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