Why Pre Construction Planning Matters for Phelan Home Projects
Updated: Aug 5
When people think about construction, they often envision the actual work happening.
Walls are opened and closed
Framing is erected
Cabinets are delivered
Concrete is poured
The house begins to take its new shape
What people don't often realize is that some of the most important work occurs long before the first wall is opened
Before the work even begins, there is discussing, measuring, planning, budgeting, permitting, and more that must happen in order to make the project possible.
This step is known as pre construction planning, and while it may not be the most exciting aspect of a remodeling or building project, it can play a major role in making it successful.
For homeowners in Phelan, having this important construction phase can make the difference between a stressful project and a stress-free project.
What Is Pre Construction Planning?
Pre construction planning is the period of preparation that takes place before work on a construction project can begin.
It is when the homeowner and contractor discuss the project, determine what needs to happen, and evaluate the home.
It includes all aspects of planning, such as design, measuring, materials, permits, budget, scheduling, and other considerations.
Pre construction planning allows everyone to consider the details of the project.
Just like you would plan a road trip before setting off, a remodeling or building project benefits immensely when there is a clear idea about what is going to happen.
Without planning, a project can quickly become chaotic and unclear. The homeowner may envision one thing while the contractor envisions something else. The budget may not support the scope of the project. Materials may not arrive on time. Conditions of the home may not be what was expected.
Planning helps to clarify these details before work actually begins.
Why Planning Matters Before Remodeling
The majority of issues associated with remodeling projects stem from a lack of sufficient planning
When it comes to home improvement, the details are everything.
It is common for projects to be plagued with problems simply because information was not shared or fully understood.
A project can also become stressful when the scope is unclear, the budget is unsupported, materials are unavailable, and there is little consideration for the effects that the project will have on the home and its occupants.
These issues can occur with something as simple as a kitchen remodel.
When a homeowner decides that a kitchen remodeling project is necessary, they may not consider the implications it has on the rest of the home.
There are cabinets to be chosen, appliances to be installed, lighting to be selected, flooring to be chosen, plumbing to be done, electrical work to be performed, the layout to be considered, and the needs of the family to be evaluated.
A similar issue can occur with a bathroom remodeling project, which has a variety of considerations such as tile, fixtures, plumbing, waterproofing, storage solutions, electrical work, and the conditions of the walls and floor.
A room addition can be even more complicated due to the number ways that it can impact the home.
It may require consideration of the land, foundation, framing, roofing, windows, insulation, electrical work, plumbing, permits, and more.
The First Conversation Sets the Foundation
Any good project begins with a good conversation.
What's not working in the home?
What's needed in the home?
What does the homeowner need the space to do?
Maybe the kitchen isn't spacious enough.
Perhaps the bathroom doesn't have as much storage as is needed.
Maybe the home needs an extra bedroom, or a home office, or a better floor plan for the growing family.
The answers to these questions will help dictate what the project looks like.
At
we feel that listening is often the most important aspect of planning a remodeling project, because it helps us to determine how the space needs to be built.
Every home is different, which is why no two remodeling projects are the same.
A beautiful design has to be created with the client in mind.
This is why the first conversation is so crucial.
Looking Closely at the Home and Property
Before any construction project can begin, it is important to gain a full understanding of the home and property.
This often includes examining the floor plan, accessing the job site, and evaluating the conditions of the home or land.
Some homes have areas that are easy to modify, while others have conditions that require additional planning and consideration.
Some things, such as walls, plumbing, or electrical work, may need to be taken into account before work can begin.
Other things may come as a surprise, such as conditions of an older part of the house that have yet to be opened.
This is why it's important to do your homework before you dive too far into the project.
It is much easier to address questions earlier in the process than it is to try and figure them out once the project is well underway.
A Clear Scope Helps Everyone Stay on Track
The scope of work is a description of the project and what it entails.
This helps clarify what the project is, what it includes, and what it doesn't include.
It tells everyone from the homeowner to the sub-contractors exactly what is going to happen, and how it is going to happen.
This is particularly important for budget purposes, as a scope of work will help determine what the project budget truly is.
It's not uncommon for projects to begin with one idea, only for details to change as the planning process continues.
In most cases, a clear scope of work prevents confusion by identifying what the project actually is.
For instance, two different remodeling projects can easily have vastly different scopes of work, even if they are similar.
While both are kitchen remodeling projects, one may only entail updating cabinet doors, countertops, and paint, while the other may involve completely replacing cabinets, countertops, and flooring, as well as electrical, plumbing, lighting, appliances, and more.
Each of these are valid remodeling projects, but they have completely different scopes of work
having a clear scope helps everyone to understand, plan, and budget accordingly.
Budget Planning Is More Than Just a Number
Every homeowner wants to have an understanding of the budget before beginning a project, and this is a completely understandable request.
When it comes to planning, it's important to have an honest conversation about the budget and what matters most to the homeowner.
Does the homeowner need more storage?
Do they want a bigger shower?
Do they want nicer cabinets?
Do they want more living space?
Do they want things to look a certain way?
Once priorities are established, a realistic budget can be established, as well as ideas about how to address the needs that matter most.
It's also important to note that a well planned remodeling project accounts for the unknown.
It happens more often than not that a home improvement project reveals something that the homeowner didn't know about.
This is especially true in older homes.
A well planned remodeling project should recognize that the unknown can and likely will happen, and have contingencies in place should that occur.
This way, when the unknown does arise, there is already a procedure in place to address it, and it won't derail the entire project.
Material Selections Are Important, But They Can Take Time
The selection of materials is often one of the most exciting parts of the remodeling process, and for good reason!
It's the part of the project where a homeowner can really bring their vision to life.
Colors, materials, textures, styles, and more can be chosen to bring a space together uniquely.
It is also an important time, because the right materials must also be chosen in order to ensure that the project schedule will not be impacted.
Some items are produced or available in a timely manner, while others can be delayed.
Certain items may need to be specially ordered, while others may not be available at all.
That's why it's always good to select materials early, and to be aware of their availability and timeline.
It is important to remember than no item should be chosen too early in the process unless it is necessary.
The goal is to choose important items at the correct time in order to help keep the project moving along as planned.
Permits and Approvals Should Be Made Part of The Planning
There are some construction projects that require permits or inspections, and it is important to account for this in the planning and budgeting process.
Room additions, plumbing, electrical work, mechanical systems, roofing, and other projects may require permits, plan reviews, or inspections depending on the nature of the project.
For unincorporated Phelan, San Bernardino County Building and Safety can provide helpful information on permits, plan reviews, inspections, and applications.
Permitting should not be an afterthought in the remodeling process.
It should be considered early to avoid delays.
When planning permits early, it can help to know that many jurisdictions will allow a general contractor to apply for permits on behalf of the homeowner.
Planning for permits, inspections, or applications also allows a project to stay on schedule and within budget.
Scheduling Is All About Being Realistic
A construction schedule is much more than just a date for when the job will begin.
It considers designs, material timelines, permits, inspections, weather, scheduling of trades, and more.
It is important to be realistic when laying out a project schedule because this will help everyone involved understand the project and be prepared for what will need to happen.
It is completely normal for construction projects to experience delays or changes.
The details will dictate how long everything takes, and it's important to account for this.
Having a realistic schedule also helps the homeowner understand the project.
A kitchen remodeling project, for instance, often means that meal preparation needs to be handled in a different manner for a period of time.
A bathroom remodeling project might mean that the family will need to use another bathroom for a while.
A large scale project might mean more changes to the normal routines.
When everyone knows what will happen, it makes life a lot easier.
Communication Is Often the Difference Between Success and Failure
Effective communication is often the most essential part of any remodeling or building project.
Homeowners need to be aware of the progress being made, what has happened, what will happen, and what needs to be decided.
That doesn't mean that everyone will agree about everything.
That does mean that disagreements can instead be viewed as opportunities for discussion and understanding instead of frustration.
At
we feel that the best remodeling projects are those that are done collaboratively, where the homeowner knows their home best, and we bring our expertise of planning, design, and construction to the table.
When the two are combined, it results in a construction project that is unique and well thought out.
Begin With A Plan That Works For Your Home
Remodeling and building projects don't have to be stressful.
It begins with an understanding of what needs to happen in order to improve the home, meet the needs of the homeowner, and help the project stay on time and within budget.
Whether it's a kitchen remodeling project, a bathroom remodeling project, a room addition, custom cabinetry, roofing, concrete work, or a larger whole home remodel, planning always begins with a conversation.
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