How can you ensure contractors follow design plans?

由人工智能和领英社区提供技术支持

As an architect, you have a vision for how your design should be realized in the physical world. However, sometimes contractors may deviate from your plans, either intentionally or unintentionally, due to various factors such as budget, time, materials, or quality. How can you ensure that contractors follow your design plans and respect your professional expertise? Here are some tips to help you communicate effectively, monitor progress, and resolve conflicts with contractors.

此文章中的业界达人

由社区从 9 条内容中精选。了解更多

1 Establish clear expectations

Before you sign a contract with a contractor, make sure you have a detailed and accurate scope of work that defines the project goals, specifications, deliverables, timelines, and costs. This document should also include the roles and responsibilities of each party, the communication methods and frequency, the quality standards and inspection procedures, and the dispute resolution process. You should review this document with the contractor and clarify any questions or concerns they may have. By setting clear expectations from the start, you can avoid misunderstandings and disputes later on.

添加您的观点

Tom Caruso

Fitup Contractor
举报内容
Before you sign a contract with a contractor make sure your Architectural design and engineering team have produced drawings that reflect an accurate scope of work that defines your project goals. Deliverables, timelines and cost are directly impacted by the specifications of the design team. Most conflicts occur when the plans are vague or incomplete and the contractor has to make an interpretation as to what to build. The design phase is where the cost or budget should be considered. Not after you hire a contractor who prices gold plated toilets per the plans and then you wonder why the cost to build is so high.

已翻译

赞
Manwa Sam

Architectural Designer || Landscape Architect || Urban Designer
举报内容
Agree on a common production standard and established regional standards, check that both the architectural team and the contractor share the same standards and regularly check on quality of work with site visits.

已翻译

赞
Pete Vernon, MCP

Semi-Retired Code Consultant at Vernon Code Consulting
举报内容
There is a balance that is necessary in the documents between 'specific' and 'or equal'. It is best to include the specific standard of performance and appearance when opening the door to 'or equal'. If then Owner has 'preferred' or 'standard' manufacturer, spell it out. When vetting the bid, verify, and obtain Owner approval for any and all substitutions prior to award.

已翻译

赞
Ar j.Venkatesh

Architect
举报内容
Ar should Be a part of the team of contractors - Ar to Explain the desired goals with final perspective on achieving the desired Ar.Concept to Reality Vs Time lines + co-ordination of one & all is prime with regular site meetings and daily progress shared with desired picture photos related with progress with final aim against time - The Sole Architectural idea should be achieved as per requirements. Most of the time Language of communication should be re discussed with the team of contractors to eliminate misinterpretation.

已翻译

赞
Chris Wood

I’ve Done My Bit.
举报内容
What you thought the contract would include and what it actually included are sometimes different! Expectations mean nothing unless they are transferred into the contract so make sure that the tender design and scope and all references to standards and codes etc are incorporated into the contract, and that any late changes are included by addenda. Unfortunately that part is relatively simple compared to the robust quality procedure identifying deviations and ensure that what is in the contract goes into the as-built. If those guys rely on what they expect rather than what the contract says, you’re in for a rough ride. In my opinion, continuity of personnel between design and construction stages helps a lot.

已翻译

赞

加载更多内容

2 Communicate regularly and respectfully

Communication is key to ensuring that contractors follow your design plans. You should maintain regular and respectful communication with the contractor throughout the project, using the agreed-upon methods and frequency. You should also provide feedback, guidance, and support to the contractor as needed, and acknowledge their achievements and challenges. Communication should be constructive, not confrontational, and focus on the project outcomes, not personal opinions. You should also document all communication and decisions in writing, and keep a record of any changes or issues that arise.

添加您的观点

3 Monitor progress and quality

Another way to ensure that contractors follow your design plans is to monitor their progress and quality. You should visit the site regularly and inspect the work done by the contractor, comparing it with your plans and specifications. You should also review the contractor's reports, invoices, and receipts, and verify that they are consistent with the contract terms and the actual work done. If you notice any discrepancies, errors, or deviations from your design plans, you should address them promptly and professionally, and request corrections or adjustments as needed.

添加您的观点

4 Resolve conflicts constructatively

Despite your best efforts, conflicts may still arise between you and the contractor during the project. These conflicts may be caused by changes in scope, delays, cost overruns, quality issues, or personality clashes. To resolve these conflicts constructively, you should first identify the source and nature of the conflict, as well as the interests and needs of each party. Then, communicate with the contractor in a calm and respectful manner while listening to their perspective and concerns. Negotiate a mutually acceptable solution that meets both the project objectives and contract terms, while also respecting your design plans and professional authority. Document the agreed-upon solution in writing and implement it as soon as possible. Finally, evaluate the results of the solution while providing feedback and recognition to the contractor. By following these tips, you can ensure a successful project that meets your expectations and standards.

添加您的观点

Michael Bergen Sr

Building Code Official Full or Part time Employed
举报内容
Be open to contractor Value engineered Change Oder Suggestion that are then reviewed by your Design Professional Careful with Equipment substitutions

已翻译

赞

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

添加您的观点

Brandon Bardowsky

Sr Development Manager, Project & Development Services
举报内容
“Know Thy Scope” Scoping, scoping, scoping… It’s your project first before it’s the contractor’s. Own the design, own the scope and make sure it’s clearly understand. It’s my job as an owner or an owner’s rep to make sure the contractor understands clearly what he is bidding on. When budgeting high level, I always recommend a floor plan and a MEP narrative minimally… If I don’t have a good one on a project then I’ll write it myself. Always walk a TI with your contractors to ensure they know what they are bidding. Existing conditions always differ. Work letters from a lease almost always have “buried treasure” to unearth that can impact a budget. Create assumptions, price unknowns and vet it all later…

已翻译

赞
Michael Bergen Sr

Building Code Official Full or Part time Employed
举报内容
Just remember, the Contractor Only Makes Money by doing the job ONCE, DO-OVERS are always more expensive in Cost and Time/ Schedule This is where and how you find out is your Design Professionals are part of the Problem or the Solution

已翻译

赞

Architecture

+ 关注

给文章评分

我们借助人工智能创建了此文章。您认为这篇文章怎么样？

很棒不太好

举报此文章

查看全部

How can you ensure contractors follow design plans?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Establish clear expectations

2 Communicate regularly and respectfully

3 Monitor progress and quality

4 Resolve conflicts constructatively

5 Here’s what else to consider

Architecture

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

更多Architecture相关文章

更多相关阅读内容