You're facing mid-project design revisions. How do you handle client expectations effectively?

To handle mid-project design revisions effectively, communicate promptly with the client, clarify their expectations, and outline the impact on timelines and costs. Offer solutions that align with their vision while balancing practical constraints, ensuring collaboration and transparency.

Our @Milrose Consultants team will identify potential municipal delays, and any need to file for a supplemental or revision permit addendum. Typically, by mid-point you would have original AHJ approvals in place. Can you limit the scope of the revision and keep work going in the field? Will the inspector allow you to keep working and offer courtesy inspections so you can proceed with construction while you are in for additional plan check? Will this impact Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) or Certificate of Occupancy (CO)? Revisions happen frequently and it’s important to make sure you have the most proactive team support to make highly informed decisions that will avoid delay and additional cost.

When design revisions happen during the project it is important to identify the cost and scheduling impacts. Does the new work require changing already completed work ? Are there lead times associated with obtaining materials for new work that will ultimately delay the project completion ? Submit costs and scheduling impacts as soon as possible with the supporting documents and propose potential alternatives to maintain the original schedule as close as possible.

When handling mid-project design revisions, I prioritize clear communication, educate clients about the process, and promptly manage their expectations to ensure a harmonious creative journey.