Construction is full of surprises. Some surprises are predictable. Others catch us completely off guard. Like death and taxes, fewer things are more certain than changes to a construction project. And even though you expect them, changes are the single most disruptive force of any TI project. Nothing can torpedo an intricately planned and budgeted project more than a mid-costruction change. But changes don’t have to be a dirty word. You can bring your project in on time and on budget if you’re thoughtul in your planning. How to avoid disruption to a TI project.

Ask questions

This seems simple, but it’s so important. You’re likely going to be dealing with lots of people vey familiar with construction. Landlords, Architects, Contractors, Engineers. They do this all the time. Design and construction has it’s own language and if you don’t know how to speak it, your head will spin. So ask questions! You might feel silly asking about ADA, MEP, VAV, FPB and on and on (we love our acronyms!). But it’s important to know what you’re getting. I’ve been managing projects for a long time and I frequently find that I need either clarification or more information. Don’t be embarassed to ask. You can bet there’s at least one other person in the room who’s wondering the same thing. If you don’t know, ask!

Simply asking questions, even “dumb” ones, will help you avoid problems down the line.

Contingency

There is so much uncertainty in project budgeting. After all, you’re bound to find something you didn’t plan for. That’s why having contingency dollars can be so valuable. Contingency money can be used to offset unforseen problems as they come up.

However what you shouldn’t do is use contingency to pay for changes in scope. I get it. You decided you want the gold-plated sink for your private restroom. But if you didn’t budget for it in the first place this change will result in a change order. That really just means you’ll need to increase the value of the construction project, but it’s a bad idea to fund it from contingency.

Keep contingency dollars available for when you find something unexpected. Not for when you change your mind.

You don’t have to plan everything, but you do have to plan well

It all starts with planning. The easiest way to avoid changes is to be sure your bases are covered from the beginning. You won’t realize how quickly costs add up after a space is built. Think about actually using the space. Mentally walk through your day. This exercise will reveal small details, like where the coffee maker needs to be. Showing the water and power on the drawings early will actually save you money as well. It’s expensive to tear into a brand new wall because you forgot something.

Be honest about your needs and what you can afford. And stick to it!

Lack of planning leads to more project disruptions than anything else. Effecive planning will save you both money and time.

Summary

How to avoid disruptions in a TI project? Well you can’t entirely avoid them. Disruptions are a way of life in construction. But effectively planning for your needs and sticking to a budget will help you avoid big disruptions. Being in tune with what you need and what you can afford will help to keep you aligned and focused on successfully completing the project and getting down to business.