Project Planning Guide
Before You Start
Take the time to get yourself organized. All construction projects proceed in a certain order,
usually with some logic attached. By keeping yourself and your records in order, you can stay abreast
of each phase as it progresses.
Dare to Dream
Gather as many different ideas as possible and talk to others who've done similar projects before
trying to define what you want in your project. It's much cheaper to include a bay window in the plans
than to add it after the project is completed. ImproveNet's Design Gallery and Product Showcase are a
great place to start gathering ideas. You can even save your favorites in an online
Idea File.
Also look through magazines and clip out items you like. Keep a journal of different ideas that come to you.
Talk to others and get their feedback on whether something will work or not. All these concepts will
help you formulate a master plan.
Prepare a Master Plan
Before you call an architect or contractor, sit down with paper and pencil and write down what you
really want from the project. What do you want it to accomplish? Just more room, or do you need a
specific view from the addition or new house? In planning, think about your neighborhood and how
planned changes will fit—or not—with the other houses. If some of your goals are hard to
define, sketch out the concepts on paper. Later the architect, designer, or contractor will help you
develop them.
Architects and Designers
How do you know if you need an architect or designer? And what's the difference? You probably need an
architect or designer if the project requires extensive plans that must be submitted for review or if
you are not clear about what you want. Architects and designers are skilled at turning general concepts
into reality—all within your budget. If you want, the architect or designer will oversee the whole
project, including hiring the contractor. For more related information, see The Design Phase.
Define the Project Scope
It's easy to say, "I want this and I want that," but unless you own half of Microsoft, it will likely
put your budget out of sight. So the first step is to separate what you need from what you want. You
need a new bathroom and you want it all to be in imported Italian marble. But what are the financial
realities? The more desires you eliminate, the more manageable your budget will become. Once you refine
your budget, be sure to add 20 percent to it to cover the inevitable unforeseen costs.
Create a Project File
Use folders to hold and organize all the paperwork that will be generated during the project. Keep the
architect or designer's plans there, along with the contracts, work schedules, payment schedules,
warranties, change orders, punch list forms, lien notices, and receipts. Keep phone numbers of everybody
involved, from architects to subcontractors, here as well.
Next, some tips about The Design Phase.
Or, go back to the Project Planning Guide.
