The Change Reaction

With every project, no matter how big or small, there comes a point where a client may want to change something. While in most cases these changes are easily manageable, there are times where, without their knowledge, that requested change slows down the whole scope of work. So, how do you better prepare for the management of your project and how do you avoid wanting to make changes during the course of the work? Here are some tips to consider when starting…

Speak early, speak often!

What most people don’t realize is that the later you ask for a change, the harder it is to incorporate it without disturbing the timeline. If you like something, say you like it, if you love something say you love it, if something bothers you communicate clearly so that your contractor/designer can understand and support your needs through the process. I suggest communicating on a weekly basis with your hired team your feelings about the progress of your project.  Voicing both things that you do like and things that you don’t allow for open feedback and communication.  

Understand the Trade

Manpower is determined by trade availability and schedule. If scope is added to or changed it affects the whole crew and future line of up trade professionals. It’s important when signing on for a project that you understand that scheduling trades to complete work consecutively takes more than a few phone calls. It’s constant follow up ensuring they have the availability to come when they are needed. Requesting work be changed, stopped, extended or anything else can back up other trades and for sometimes a week or more, depending on what work is planned. Being committed to the process and your selections is critical if you want the project to remain on the designated timeline. If your requesting changes, be patient in the time it takes to redirect staffing to accommodate.

Know your budget

The estimated price given by your contractor or designer in the beginning of your project takes some time to arrange. It’s always best and more seamless to get costs ironed out upfront, so you have a better idea of what will happen during the process.  Adding scope during and at the end of the project, because you have more money to spend, can be frustrating for everyone involved. Its best to commit to an amount you want to spend and don’t waiver.