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This 5-part blog series shows you the home-building process. In Part 1, we covered how to turn your ideas into a plan. In this part, we’ll explain how to go from plans to construction.
At this point, you have:
Now you’re ready for the construction phase. This is where you see your plans come to life. Here are the steps:
You can:
Each option has pros and cons, so talk to your architect about what suits you best.
Review your budget and make sure you're ready to proceed. If you are carrying out the work in stages make sure all the finances required for the stage are in place before you start. Your architect can advise you on what each stage will cover. A quantity surveyor can help you break down the entire cost into the different stages. Drawings, materials schedules or bills of quantities are essential tools you will use to plan your home. Make sure
Prepare information to give to contractors to price the work. You need:
It's advisable for you to get quotations from at least 3 contractors making sure you give the same information to each contractor. This way, you can compare their quotes easily. If you are doing work in phases consult your architect so they can advise you on the drawings that are relevant for the work that needs to be done.
You can find contractors in several ways
It's always easier to find contractors through referrals from people you know. Casting your net wider to take advantage of professional networks is a very good way to identify good quality contractors especially if you are looking for a quality result. The National Council for Construction is the regulatory body that oversees Contractor activity in Zambia. They are also a good place to source contractors that would be suitable for your project.
Whichever route you take be sure to carry out some due diligence. Check their background and previous work. Talk to their clients. Visit their projects and make sure they are licensed by the National Council for Construction.
Review the quotations you receive. An architect and a quantity surveyor can help you evaluate the contractors and their quotes by looking at the technical and contractual aspects of the quotes you receive. They can warn you about any problems or risks. Remember that a home building project is quite complex. Make sure you get professional help when you need to make decisions that are technical in nature.
When you find the right contractor, sign a contract with them. This will protect you and your project.
Make sure that the planning authorities approve your building plans. The approval gives you permission to start construction. The compliance process does not end here. Throughout the construction phase you'll need to make sure a building inspector gives approval at each stage of the project. Once you collect your approved plans you can find out from your local authority who your designated building inspector is.
You will decide the start date of the work based on your contract with the contractor. Your role at the start of construction is to prepare your plot for the contractor to take over. Make sure you agree on key issues like where materials will be stored, who will be responsible for security, how the contractor will access water and electricity. All of these issues should be resolved before you start, to make sure they don't cause conflict later on.
During the construction phase, you will depend on the professionals you work with to guide you through the process. Stay informed by attending regular meetings to monitor the project and address any issues. Be present when professionals visit the site and ask questions. The site visits will help you verify that everything is on track. It is important to fulfil your contractual obligations, especially paying people on time. You should also give your feedback and opinions to the professionals you work with.
As construction nears completion, you can start looking for any problems before the contractor hands over the project. A common practice is to conduct inspections and generate defects lists. A defects list is a checklist of poor workmanship. You can provide the contractor with a list of issues
Once the contractor finishes all the outstanding work and correcting any poor workmanship, you are ready to move in. You can now enjoy the fruits of your labour and move in.
Next parts in the series:
