Steps to constructing your new house. Part 2.

In the previous article Steps to constructing your new house - Part 1 I discussed some of the steps required when constructing a new house. This article continues from that article.

More steps to constructing your new house

• Ensure all your finances are in place, including approval of loans.
• Arrange for water and power connections for the construction work.
• Appoint the contractor.
• Check all insurances are in place.
• Receive the surety or bond from the contractor.
• Notify the neighbours of when construction will be starting and how it will impact them.
• Ensure you have everything in place ready for the contractor.
• Have a kick-off meeting with the contractor’s team.
• Issue them with the latest copies of the construction drawings.
• Monitor the work. This includes:
  • Checking progress.
  • Ensuring all tests and inspections are completed.
  • Ensuring the site is kept clean and tidy and work complies with safety regulations.
  • Ensuring the work complies with the drawings.
  • Checking the quality of work.
• Continually review and update the budget ensuring that all variations and costs are captured.
• Before the project is completed make a check list of all the outstanding items and things to do before you can move in.
• When the contractor is complete, carry out an inspection and prepare a snag or punch item list of all defects which must be fixed.
• Arrange and complete all connections of the utilities.
• Arrange insurance for the completed house.
• Check that all security installations are operating.
• When the contractor has fixed the snag list items reinspect the work, checking that the items have been rectified and that no damages have occurred in the rectification process.
• Get all warranties and operating manuals from the contractor.
• Check that the contractor has completed all work and cleaned the site.
• Settle the final account with the contractor.
• Arrange for all work in your scope to be completed, such as, fitting curtains, installing television cables, completing data and telephone connections.
• Get the occupation permit.
• Inform the bank of the final costs.
• Return the builder’s surety to the contractor.
• Return any equipment you hired.
• Store ‘attic stock’ (spare stock) where it’s safe and can be found if required.
• Pay all the outstanding accounts and fees.
• Get deposits back that were paid to the authorities.
• File all project paperwork in a safe place where it can be readily found.
• Arrange for your furniture to be moved into your new home.
• Explain to the rest of the family how everything operates in the house.
• Finally at last – it’s time to sit back on your patio and enjoy the fruits of your hard work.
• At the end of the defects liability period inspect the house for additional defects. List these and get the contractor to attend to them.
• When the defects are completed reinspect the work and sign them off.
• Carry out regular maintenance as required.

Conclusion
In future articles I will discuss many of these steps in detail. Good planning and diligently following all the steps will ensure a successful project. For more information purchase my book: Build and Renovate Your Home With Your Eyes Wide Open. It provides invaluable advice which will save you money, help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your project is a success.

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​​For more valuable tips and advice read: 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volume 1 Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home' and'Volume 2 Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home'

​This is an extract from: 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1' by Paul Netscher. Available in paper or eBook from Amazon.com, Amazon UK, Amazon CA, Amazon AU and all online bookstores. To read more


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​© 2018 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.

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