Doing your homework beforehand when constructing a building is emphasized by builders in a recent Farm Credit Canada online article.
Cost overruns are too common when the proper homework isn’t done.
To prevent cost excesses, Gary Van Bolderon of Canadian Farm Builders Association suggests making a complete list of everything needed from excavation work, road entrance, driveway, septic services, water and hydro services, site survey, engineering environmental approvals and local building approvals.
Design should be in detail from a set of drawings approved by your municipal building department. Details should include everything from framing, insulation, concrete type, types of door and windows, cupboards to lighting.
Get building permit compliance before starting. List all trades needed and get quotes.
Van Bolderon suggested hiring a contractor for complicated projects.
Gary Hutchings of UFA Farm and Ranch Structures says most people taking on a building project don’t know what to expect or how complicated it can become.
He suggests the first great step in the process is to define your wants and needs and separate them to plan successfully and avoid costly decisions.
Any changes made during construction will add costs.
When hiring trades or contractors obtain written quotes for the detailed work outlined by your lists.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
