|
Dealing with unforseen conditions during the renovation
Written by Administrator
Wednesday, 06 May 2009 18:35
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Unforseen conditions are inherent in all renovation work to some degree. Soil conditions are at the top of the list of areas with unknown conditions. Sites requiring deeper or more difficult excavation because of rock, disturbed or contaminated soil or rotten walls invisible from the interior or exterior which need to be changed for structural integrity are only two examples. Changes in design and finishes may also be needed either because of unavailability of products or a more desirable finish is wanted. Planning first on paper with a qualified, experienced renovator and designer will help avoid some unforseen conditions. Preparing complete and concise drawings and specifications will help both the designer to identify areas of possible difficulty at the plan stage and will help the renovators be more precise and competitive in pricing the work. A change on paper is much less costly than on site. Some changes will inevitably occur during the renovation. Budget money to pay for unforseen conditions and for changes you may request during the renovation. A contingency fund of approximately 5% to 10% should be included in the original estimate to cover the cost of changes. If a change must happen, managing the change quickly and cost effectively is an important aspect of any renovation. The initial contract form should have a clause setting out the procedure for a change to the contract. The change order should describe the work either requested or proposed, the cost, and the effect on the schedule and completion date. The client should decide who will be his or her representative to authorize the change orders to avoid confusion and lost time. One last word about changes. It is better to suffer the short term implications of a change, such as cost and delay, than to be dissatisfied with the final product. Lynn Schmidt is a partner with Solterra Developments, an Ottawa firm specializing in renovations and energy efficient home construction. |
