Construction Tips: 10 Things to Keep in Mind During Building Construction

Building construction can be daunting at times, especially when you don’t know where to start. You might have an idea of what you want, but deciding on the features and details can be overwhelming. To make things easier, here are ten construction tips you should keep in mind during building construction. This will make your building to not only look beautiful but also stand the test of time without any major repairs or renovations down the road.

1) Permits

When planning a major building project, such as a new home or office building, one of your first steps should be to contact your city or municipality officials and inquire about permits. If you’re building something from scratch, you’ll probably need a construction permit (or other type of permit depending on your local requirements). Similarly, If you’re looking to renovate an existing structure, make sure any remodeling plans conform with local codes for safety and sanitation.

2) Designing with your future use in mind

When you’re designing a home, think about how you suppose to use it. For example, If you plan on having a lot of people over for dinner, look for open floor plans and great views. If you want a cozy den for movie night with your family, look for angles that provide privacy. And if you dream of hosting big parties, select furnishings that are easily movable and can accommodate more people without making everyone feel cramped.

3) Structural issues

A good building starts with a solid foundation. The foundation of any building you’re constructing (or renovating) should be designed and built by a professional. Your contractor should also help you choose what type of materials are best for your home or office based on your geographical location, climate and topography. Sometimes simple things like using high-quality wood instead of wood alternatives, such as plywood or particle board, will improve the strength and quality of your building.

4) Accessibility

During the planning a new construction, you should always keep accessibility in mind. For instance, any stairway leading from one floor to another should not be more than thirty-three inches wide. If necessary, widen your stairs by putting railings along both sides and widening each step as much as possible. Make sure your handrails are sturdy enough for an average person’s weight; usually about forty pounds is safe.

5) Electricity and plumbing are the last things you need to finish

We recommend completing as much of your building as possible before beginning these two processes. While they may be easy tasks, they can delay work on other important parts of your structure that are already complete. So it’s best to keep them for last. Even if you do end up running into issues with your electrics or plumbing once you’ve started construction, most professionals will have a backup plan for issues such as these that won’t result in delays for other jobs on site.

6) Hire professionals

If you’re planning on building a new home or renovating an existing one, be sure to hire professionals for help. If you’re not familiar with construction, hiring is absolutely critical, as it can be incredibly dangerous and expensive if you attempt something without professional experience. If you have an experienced construction contractor by your side from start to finish, there are many little mistakes that can be avoided that would otherwise cause extensive delays and cost overruns later on.

7) Budget carefully

It’s easy to get carried away with big ideas and grand designs during construction, but it’s important not to lose sight of your financial goals. It may seem like a great idea to hire that renowned sculptor or famous artist, but those expenditures will add up quickly. Try not spend anything you don’t have—the end goal is usually worth a few months of sacrifice.

8) Don’t forget permits

In most parts of North America, it’s required by law that all new structures be inspected for building code compliance. This may sound like a hassle, but it can help catch mistakes and safety issues before you get too far into construction. If you have questions about permits, visit your local city hall or call your town inspector directly; they should be happy to help out.

9) Get insured!

One of the most important parts of constructing a building is getting it insured. Most new homebuyers should be covered under their home-owner’s insurance, but some additional coverage may be needed if you are adding an addition. In any case, make sure you have enough coverage and that you have a trusted agent. If something does happen to your new building, then your insurance company will help cover costs for items like repairs or rebuilding.

10) Embrace change, be flexible

Changes will happen during construction, and it’s important that you’re able to adapt. If a plumbing or electrical issue rears its head, consider it an opportunity rather than a hindrance. Even if your original plans were perfect, your budget probably won’t be—and things always cost more than they should. Expect change and prepare for it; you might come out ahead because of it.

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