How can you manage the costs and schedule of residential site planning projects?

1 Assess the site

Before you start designing, you need to understand the site's physical, environmental, legal, and social aspects. Conduct a site analysis that includes topography, soil, drainage, vegetation, climate, utilities, zoning, easements, and neighborhood context. This will help you identify the opportunities and challenges of the site, as well as the regulatory and technical requirements. You can also use this information to estimate the costs and schedule of the site work, such as grading, erosion control, stormwater management, and utility connections.

2 Communicate with the client

One of the key factors that affect the costs and schedule of residential site planning projects is the client's expectations and feedback. You need to communicate clearly and frequently with the client throughout the project, from the initial consultation to the final delivery. Establish the scope, goals, budget, and timeline of the project at the beginning, and update them as needed. Present your design concepts and alternatives in a clear and concise manner, and solicit the client's input and approval at each stage. Avoid making major changes or revisions without the client's consent, as this can increase the costs and delay the schedule.

3 Coordinate with other professionals

Residential site planning projects often involve collaboration with other professionals, such as architects, engineers, contractors, surveyors, and planners. You need to coordinate with them to ensure that your design is compatible and integrated with their work, and that you follow the same standards and specifications. You also need to share your data and documents with them, and review their deliverables for accuracy and consistency. By working as a team, you can avoid conflicts, errors, or omissions that can affect the costs and schedule of the project.

5 Monitor and control the project

Finally, you need to monitor and control the project's performance and progress throughout the project cycle. You need to measure and compare the actual costs and schedule with the planned ones, and identify any variances or deviations. You also need to evaluate and report the quality and status of your design and deliverables, and address any issues or risks that may arise. You need to take corrective actions or make adjustments as necessary to keep the project on track and within budget.

6 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?