Home building: What could go wrong?

Common challenges in home building projects include budget overruns, construction delays, quality issues, design changes, permit and regulatory issues, communication breakdowns, environmental factors, legal and insurance issues, post-completion snags. As a hopeful new home owner, add personal stress. Here’s how an architect helps:

Budget overruns

Issue: Budget overruns, unexpected costs like structural changes, material price increases, or permit delays can quickly add up.

Architect provides a high level of planning and design detail. Uses reputable cost estimators.

Construction Delays

Issue: Construction delays, weather conditions, contractor scheduling conflicts, or supply chain disruptions can all contribute to pushing back your move-in date.

Architect provides regular communication with the builder, progress monitoring and prompt issue resolution. Uses a contract with time overrun compensation.

Quality Issues

Issue: Quality, poor workmanship or the use of substandard materials can lead to quality issues in your new home.

Architect provides detailed specifications that include quality expectations and standards. Undertakes regular inspections throughout construction.

Design Changes

Issue: Design changes to the original plans mid-construction can impact both the timeline and budget.

Architect provides thorough planning, careful design and detailing, all before construction starts.

Permit and Regulatory Issues

Issue: Permit and regulatory issues, obtaining necessary permits and adhering to building codes are critical steps in any construction project.

Architect provides assessment of regulatory requirements, guidance on timeframes and obtains critical permits, all before construction starts.

Communication Breakdowns

Issue: Communication breakdowns through miscommunication between you, your builder, and subcontractors can lead to misunderstandings and errors.

Architect provides an expert intermediatory role between you and the builder.

Environmental Factors

Issue: Environmental concerns such as soil conditions, drainage problems, or environmental regulations can affect the construction process.

Architect provides a thorough assessment during the early stages of design.

Legal and Insurance Issues

Issue: Legal and insurance issues, understanding contracts, warranties, and insurance coverage is essential to protect yourself from liability and ensure your home is adequately covered.

Architectprovides general guidance only, monitors contract and insurance compliance. Law and insurance are specialist fields outside the expertise of an architect.

Post-Completion Snags

Issue: Even after construction is finished, there may be issues that arise, such as defects or warranty claims.

Architect provides a contract that retains a portion of the contract sum for the duration of a 12-month defects liability period.

Personal Stress

Issue: Managing a home building project can be stressful, especially if unexpected challenges arise.

Architect provides independent expert advice, working with you to manage the project.