Before we proceed on the next set-up, it is important that you first understand the difference between designs from an Architectural firm and designs by in-house designer of a Construction firm.
Many contractors nowadays already have in-house designers. So you can actually have the contractor make the design for you. But, you should be aware of the following;
1. When it comes to design expertise, design firms usually produces better designs than a contractor's in-house designer. Simply because the firm has a wider range of design resources, the firm allots more time in research and design improvement to keep them in trend and competent in all aspects of design. They already have a library of their design information, style evolution and compilation of reliable design solutions. They even have wider design exposure including in international design trends.
2. In-house designers are usually contractor-inclined. A design firm has the experience in dealing with their clients. They can easily understand the clients preferences according to their lifestyle and social status. In-house designers are usually young architects who knows architecture in theory but still lacks the experience in understanding their client since they rely mostly on their experience as a contractor and not as a designer. They focus more on constructing the house rather than understanding how the design works best to satisfy the needs of the client. Sure they can produce good designs, but designs produced by firms are probably better.
3. Even if the contractor tells you that they will be giving you the design for free, it may not be actually free at all. The charge may be indirectly included in the contract bid.
4. Drawing quality, accuracy and completeness is strict in every architectural firm. They make sure that the details are complete and precise. In house designers on the other hand focuses only on the drawing requirements and thinks that other drawings can be made later as the construction progresses.
5. And of course, if your house is designed by a known architect, you can brag about it! And of course, you will spend more since you will be paying design services separately.
I've stated the above points because you might be asking why you will need the services of a design firm if contractors can already prepare designs.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Monday, September 8, 2014
Direct Supervision
We will assume in all the articles regarding Construction Setup that you already have the plans prepared by your designer.
In this setup, parties involved are the following;
OWNER: the Client
SUPERVISOR: Freelance Engineers or Architects are usual candidates
WORKERS: Usually a group headed by a foreman.
This setup commonly happens in small projects. The owner usually has already engaged to a group of workers to do the job but he knows nothing about construction so he decided to hire a supervisor to oversee the project and to have it regularly checked professionally. This setup has great chances of working but will depend on the following;
(1) Construction expertise of the Supervisor
Expertise in construction is gained through years of experience. Young newly-licensed engineers might probably have learned the theories in school but would likely fail for the first time if not properly guided by a senior. An experienced professional however are hard to find and make them engage in this setup unless he is a relative or a close friend of yours. Solutions to most problems that arises in a project are not taught in school but learned through experience and active participation in the jobsite.
(2) Skill level of the Workers
Workers are generally categorized as skilled and unskilled. skilled workers however also has levels. Their daily rates are actually based on their skill level. The foreman usually is the most skilled of them all. He should be a multi-skilled person to qualify as a foreman.
The skills of workers are actually the hardest thing to gauge from the start. Someone who referred them to you would say that they are good but still you'll never know until the project starts.
ADVANTAGES:
(1) Less professional expense. Since you will be paying only 1 professional in monthly basis. Small projects are usually completed within 3-6 months.
(2) Less worries. Since someone is already taking care of practically everything, you will not need to worry of many things. And since the project is overseen by a professional, you will have greater assurance of safety.
(3) Less wastage. Materials for ordering can be quantified and computed accurately by a construction professional based on plans.
(4) Construction documentation. You can request for as-built plans and other documentations that you can keep for future reference if you will need to troubleshoot or renovate. You can also have your supervisor sign on documents needed in applying for occupancy and other permits.
DISADVANTAGES:
(1) Check and balance. Since there is only one professional present, no one will at all times check if he has supervised the project well. It will also hard for you to prove if he has been faithful and did not do any manipulations whatsoever that made him gain extra income or favors. You will just rely on your trust in him. Worse is if you found some irregularities in the middle of construction. By then, it would be hard to have him replaced if you decide to since he has already knowledge of the construction history of the project and the new one you will hire will have too much catching up works.
(2) Lack of tools and equipment. Most probably, tools and equipment are not included in the professional service of your supervisor. But he can probably help you in finding equipment to use may it be for rent or purchase cheap. Normally clients do not purchase equipment because its not practical since it might only be used once in the project. Contractors have probably invested for these machines because it can still be used in their other projects.
(3) Time and Budget adjustment. The longer the project takes, the more money you spend. Although, you have set a schedule, it would be very hard for you to push the deadline if something unexpected happened. Unexpected repairs or adjustment due to bad weather conditions will be added to your expense. Whereas if the work is in contract, you pay in fixed regardless of what happens or what unexpected things would come up. Also, at some point, you might encounter something that is beyond the technical knowledge of your supervisor thus prompting him to suggest to you to hire a consultant. This again will add up to your expenses beyond the budget.
(4) Warranties. Since the setup is pay per work, repairs on defective works will also be pay per work. Again, comparing it to contract setup, Works are usually in warranty of 6-12 months after the completion of the project. and this warranty is already included in the contract amount you paid. The contractor will do repair works with their expense for the period of warranty.
Overall, direct supervision is not that bad at all and actually professionally acceptable for small projects. At least you get to comply with the National Building Code that every project should be supervised by a qualified professional.
In this setup, parties involved are the following;
OWNER: the Client
SUPERVISOR: Freelance Engineers or Architects are usual candidates
WORKERS: Usually a group headed by a foreman.
This setup commonly happens in small projects. The owner usually has already engaged to a group of workers to do the job but he knows nothing about construction so he decided to hire a supervisor to oversee the project and to have it regularly checked professionally. This setup has great chances of working but will depend on the following;
(1) Construction expertise of the Supervisor
Expertise in construction is gained through years of experience. Young newly-licensed engineers might probably have learned the theories in school but would likely fail for the first time if not properly guided by a senior. An experienced professional however are hard to find and make them engage in this setup unless he is a relative or a close friend of yours. Solutions to most problems that arises in a project are not taught in school but learned through experience and active participation in the jobsite.
(2) Skill level of the Workers
Workers are generally categorized as skilled and unskilled. skilled workers however also has levels. Their daily rates are actually based on their skill level. The foreman usually is the most skilled of them all. He should be a multi-skilled person to qualify as a foreman.
The skills of workers are actually the hardest thing to gauge from the start. Someone who referred them to you would say that they are good but still you'll never know until the project starts.
ADVANTAGES:
(1) Less professional expense. Since you will be paying only 1 professional in monthly basis. Small projects are usually completed within 3-6 months.
(2) Less worries. Since someone is already taking care of practically everything, you will not need to worry of many things. And since the project is overseen by a professional, you will have greater assurance of safety.
(3) Less wastage. Materials for ordering can be quantified and computed accurately by a construction professional based on plans.
(4) Construction documentation. You can request for as-built plans and other documentations that you can keep for future reference if you will need to troubleshoot or renovate. You can also have your supervisor sign on documents needed in applying for occupancy and other permits.
DISADVANTAGES:
(1) Check and balance. Since there is only one professional present, no one will at all times check if he has supervised the project well. It will also hard for you to prove if he has been faithful and did not do any manipulations whatsoever that made him gain extra income or favors. You will just rely on your trust in him. Worse is if you found some irregularities in the middle of construction. By then, it would be hard to have him replaced if you decide to since he has already knowledge of the construction history of the project and the new one you will hire will have too much catching up works.
(2) Lack of tools and equipment. Most probably, tools and equipment are not included in the professional service of your supervisor. But he can probably help you in finding equipment to use may it be for rent or purchase cheap. Normally clients do not purchase equipment because its not practical since it might only be used once in the project. Contractors have probably invested for these machines because it can still be used in their other projects.
(3) Time and Budget adjustment. The longer the project takes, the more money you spend. Although, you have set a schedule, it would be very hard for you to push the deadline if something unexpected happened. Unexpected repairs or adjustment due to bad weather conditions will be added to your expense. Whereas if the work is in contract, you pay in fixed regardless of what happens or what unexpected things would come up. Also, at some point, you might encounter something that is beyond the technical knowledge of your supervisor thus prompting him to suggest to you to hire a consultant. This again will add up to your expenses beyond the budget.
(4) Warranties. Since the setup is pay per work, repairs on defective works will also be pay per work. Again, comparing it to contract setup, Works are usually in warranty of 6-12 months after the completion of the project. and this warranty is already included in the contract amount you paid. The contractor will do repair works with their expense for the period of warranty.
Overall, direct supervision is not that bad at all and actually professionally acceptable for small projects. At least you get to comply with the National Building Code that every project should be supervised by a qualified professional.
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