its all in the bounce
One role I play in the construction of my projects is Construction Administrator.
After the design is done and the bids have been reviewed and accepted, I gear up for construction. My role for this next phase of the project has me working closely with the contractors, answering their questions, certifying payment applications and reviewing the overall progress.
The focus of this post is to share a small trick. I learned this highly scientific method for checking vinyl floor tile installations from an old general contractor that I admired a lot. It is definitely NOT the industry approved method, but it gives you a basic idea if the vinyl tiles have been adhered properly to floor’s substrate.
It’s All In The Bounce
My contractor friend taught me to take a golf ball with me on my site visits. When a vinyl floor tile installation is complete, bounce the golf ball on the tile floor. Just as you would a regular ball, drop it from waist high.
If it bounces solidly back up to you, the rule of thumb is that the tile has the proper adhesion and has been installed correctly. If you drop the golf ball and you hear a “thud” or a hollow sound and does not bounce back, there might be a problem. I mainly use this trick as a preliminary way to see if the installation is alright. If it is not, we may need to do the REAL adhesion test or use some other way to check.
The pros to using this test is it is quick. The cons is that it is quick and very localized. You would have to bounce the golf ball on every single tile to really have an understanding if everything was installed properly.
Regardless, I like to use this simple test.
Do you have any tricks to share?
photo credit: dwyman
Until We Meet
Keeping with the “Hiring an Architect” topic, this post talks about what may happen at a first meeting with an architect.
When I have that first meeting with clients, I always have butterflies in the stomach. First impressions are everything. It doesn’t matter how many e-mails or conversations I’ve had beforehand. That first meeting usually sets the mood for the rest of the project.
The first meeting almost always is where I’m meeting a potential client. It’s informative for me as the architect and for the owner.
Here are a few things to keep in mind about that first meeting. It doesn’t matter what type of building project. New construction or remodeling, a house or an office, I usually need the same things.
Survey and Existing Drawings
I need a copy of the Plat of Survey. This is a legal description of your building’s location, footprint and other site specific information. Usually, this drawing with notes is something you received at the purchase of the property, residential or commercial. The document is drawn to a specific drawing scale. That means I can use a special ruler called a scale to measure objects on the sheet. SO, DO NOT ENLARGE OR REDUCE IT! Make sure the copy you give an architect was copied at 100% it’s original size. Also, if you have any existing drawings of your building, you should bring them to the meeting. They are a great asset!
History
Let me know what you know about the building. Don’t hide the fact that repairs or other modifications were done as a Covert Operation. The new work may affect the existing. If there’s been flooding or other problems, I need to know about them. Duct tape is wonderful except when it comes to building repair…
Let me know anything else special about the building. Was it used for another purpose in the past? Is there any buried treasure?
Wish List
The first phase of design can be the most challenging. We don’t design! We need to do a bit of problem solving. Why are you doing the project in the first place? Without naming any building elements, tell me what you’re looking to accomplish. (My _______ are moving in… I don’t want to see them every time I turn the corner…)
I want a dining room with a view to the north, I need more storage space, I like being outdoors, I really want a workshop, etc.
Time
This first meeting can take some time. So, plan to block out a few hours. It’s better to make the time early on, than miss something important that we needed to discuss.
Questions
Have questions for your potential architect. Think about things that matter to you. ”Where did you go to school?”, “Why did you become an architect?”
And yes, you should be discussing what’s expected from this project and the architectural services. Also, you should discuss budget and your time frame.
I hope this helps give perspective for that first meeting with an architect.
photo credit: fholgado
Hiring an Architect
Here we embark on a series diving into the elusive internal questions about hiring an architect. Today’s post focuses on “When” do you need to hire an architect…
WHEN?
Yes, there have been times when I have turned down a project. Mainly, due to it not being the right fit for my services. Not every building project needs architectural services.
Now, let me say that it’s ALWAYS a good idea to consult an architect first, before moving forward with your project. Though, some municipalities require an architect for any building project.
Here is a list of projects that may or may not be a good fit:
Minor Building Repairs
If you are fixing a roof or replacing siding, you may not always need an architect. Especially, if you’re not trying to solve a design problem or look for alternative building materials.
Garages, Decks and Sheds
If you’re not looking to build somekind of innovative garage, deck or shed, it’s probably just fine for the contractor to design and build. If the design isn’t full-blown custom, there are plenty of off-the-shelf designs that can be tailored to your project.
I need it done tomorrow
Here is another category where it might be too late for an architect to give any good suggestions. And, this is my most popular inquiry. If you are looking to do any kind of design project, you need time to design. Not a few hours, or days… The best service an architect can provide you is to TRY TO SOLVE A DESIGN PROBLEM. If there is not enough time, a good solution may not be achieved.
Complex Projects
When you are thinking about a complex house addition or any commercial building project, you should be working with an architect. We are problem solvers. What is the hardest thing for an Owner to do? Let the architect solve the problem! It’s natural, but it can be really difficult for an Owner to let go. My best clients are the ones that let me do my job.
Budget Led Projects
If your project has a very limited budget, it would be a good idea to get an architect involved early. Going through the predesign process, solving design problems in the initial design phase, then working with the Owner to get competitive prices can really help define the project’s scope and ultimately, the budget.
Consult an architect as you are starting a project. And, ask them if they have ever turned away work!
photo credit: microrama
Keep it Organized
I wanted to come back to a topic from a previous post.
How to organize for a construction project.
Whether you’re planning that house addition or new office, you need a way to juggle all those thoughts. You might be clipping magazine articles, taking photos of examples, talking to friends and family, researching manufacturers online, sketching ideas, accumulating prices and interviewing possible contractors… Whew!
You need a central location to keep all that stuff. Maybe you’re more comfortable with some cool computer program. Or, maybe you just want to keep it low-tech, like me.
One of the toughest battles in working on a project is staying motivated. And, we know that motivation can sometimes need a kick in the pants from time to time. That’s where the Binder comes in.
Get a big binder.
You might be tempted to steal your kid’s trapper keeper. I know I loved mine… But, buy a large one. One that you can stuff! I can’t count how many times I had to upgrade my binders as a project grew.
Get the kind that you can slip a piece of paper on the cover and the binding so you can label the binder. Come up with a cool name for your project, too. (I won’t go there. I’ll let you come up with your own…) You can put the name and other important contact info on the outside!
Tab it!
Here’s the fun part. You need to begin to classify all the stuff. I like to use: Examples, Site, Prices, Schedules, Contacts, Contractors, Sketches. Your tabs should be tailored to the project type. These are just to get the ball rolling.
I like to put the papers in the binder chronologically. So, newer stuff goes to the front of the category.
Change is Good.
Every week, I would sit down and go through everything in your binder. It will help you identify upcoming tasks that need to be completed. Did I mention how much I liked Post-its??
photo credit: e-magic
missing the train
LinkedIn was the first. I joined about three years ago. Next, I joined twitter and facebook. I connected, tweeted, and friended all day long. It started just for business. I connected with colleagues and old friends. Keeping it professional. Then came facebook. All day and night I friended and updated statuses, uploaded photos and links. I kept facebook for personal stuff only, connected with only people I knew and trusted to see my goofy side. Twitter was a little of everything. I use it to keep up on the news and friends I follow.
Lately, I felt a little burnout. It takes time and energy to keep everything updated and connected. And, I had to ask Why? Even though I had all these online connections, were they REALLY a connection?
Don’t miss the Train!
As you may or may not know, I really love coffee. More importantly, I really enjoy having coffee with people. I use coffee as an excuse to meet new potential business contacts and reconnect with old friends.
What I’m trying to say is that I make the time to connect with people In Person. I’ve found that it doesn’t matter how many online connections I have. If I don’t take the time to see them face to face, I’ll eventually lose them as a connection, as a business partner, as a friend.
So, don’t miss the train! Take the time to nurture your online connections and make sure to remember they are REAL people too.
photo credit: gak
Rules of Three
Today’s post assumes you are not already working with a great general contractor on a building construction project. You’re not already overwhelmed with joy by a project that’s been progressing on time and in budget. And, that you do have an expert craftsperson building your masterpiece…or something like that.
What I alluded to in the first paragraph was a bit tongue-and-cheek. I admit, but what I do want to discuss is a suggested way to go about finding a reliable contractor to work on your next building project. Whatever it may be.
When I am brought on a project to provide the architectural services, about half of the time, a contractor is already in place. Prices still need to be refined as the design takes shape. The contractor has an established relationship with the client and most importantly, a trust has been formed. (Trust, now that’s topic all by itself.) What if you don’t have someone in mind? What if this is your first house addition / major remodel? You’re funding is in place, now where do you find a GC? Do you look in the yellow pages under general contractors? Maybe. Do you ask your family and friends for referrals? Sounds good. What do you ask? How can you try to filter out that list of construction firms?
Well, without showing any bias, here’s what I suggest. Try using the Rules of Three. It’s not a guarantee, but it might be a helpful guideline for your next project.
The Formula
You should ask at least three different contractors to submit proposals. In order to be qualified, they must have completed three similar projects in size, scope, time and budget. These projects must have been completed in the last three years. Since you are the owner, you have the right to fine tune this criteria to your needs.
The Breakdown
The reason for asking at least three contractors is to have different proposals for the SAME project. Why do I say the SAME project? In order for a contractor to give you an accurate estimate, they need a set of accurate documents illustrating your design intent. (That’s where I come in.) You need pricing from different companies that are bidding apples to apples. This is the best way to see if your budget expectations are inline with the hard costs of construction.
The contractor needs to submit three similar projects and contact information for those examples. It would be nice for you to have a conversation with those previous contractor’s clients. But, the main intent is that they have experience for your project type. If you are putting on a second story house addition, that’s a big undertaking. How did the contractor do it? How long were the homeowners relocated during construction?
The time constraint of having completed these submitted projects in the last three years should give you reassurance that the contractor is familiar with the current building codes, construction trends and building material availability.
You are the Owner and are in charge of your project. Anyone working for YOU should be giving YOU the respect that YOU are giving to them. Take the time to research contractors. Make adjustments to these suggestions as you see fit.
One last suggestion, create a project binder. A central location that has everything related to the project. I’ll dive into that topic on a different post.