Residential construction is not easy. It is not just a question of flipping a switch and expecting construction to happen. It requires thorough planning, the exact measurements and method used to construct the house, and careful thoughts about materials and contractors. But even with detailed planning, it is all too easy to make mistakes that will affect the schedule, cause additional expense, and ultimately lead to a completed project that does not meet your expectations.
At RS Builders, we have seen that a mindful approach and an attention to detail will minimise these mistakes and help to mitigate their impact when mistakes occur. In the blog that follows, we will help to identify some of the most frequent mistakes in residential construction that we witness and provide some tips that you can use to help you avoid these mistakes.
Common Mistakes To Avoid During Residential Construction
1. Insufficient planning and design.
The mistake:
Inadequate attention to the planning phase, insufficient attention to detail, or a complete absence of a plan can lead to headaches down the road. Poorly defined architectural or engineering plans will also lead to expensive and time-consuming plan changes that can alter the entire building schedule.
How to Avoid:
We ensure that a comprehensive approach is taken to planning a project. From day one we engage with qualified and experienced architects and engineers and work with them to design the project with every detail outlined, such as site layout, building design including structural and services aspects including electrical, plumbing and HVAC services. However, we also plan ahead to allow for future changes whether that is a growing family or technological advances.
Before explaining the next mistake, we want to emphasise that sustainability is integral to the way we design. As a leading residential construction company, sustainability is central to our design process. Energy efficient energy usage is more than just being sustainable by contributing less carbon, it is also all about minimizing long term utility costs for the client. We design to optimise passive energy solutions like passive solar design and proper insulation wherever feasible.
We spend time planning so that any mistakes made later on don’t become estimates, that will cost a client a lot of money.
2. Not Assessing the Site & Location
The Mistake:
Building on a plot of land without an assessment of the site can mean a number of issues are created, from structural issues to comfort issues for any occupants. Failure to assess all kinds of elements such as soil quality, drainage, and other site characteristics and the context of the surrounding neighbourhood can be expensive particularly where excess costs are created.
How to Avoid:
At RS Builders, before we begin any project, we will complete a thorough site analysis. Our team includes geotechnical professionals, who assess quality of soil, drainage, and environmental stipend as it pertains to quality construction. We additionally make sure the property is properly oriented to take advantage of natural light and breezes for comfort.
3. Budget and costs mistakes
The Mistake:
Departmental budget overruns and poor construction quality have occurred by not verifying costs or hiring contractors based on low priced bids. Costs can overrun when substandard quality, and materials are used, resulting in repairs that can become all too costly to do down the road.
How to Avoid:
As a responsible building construction company, we are very accurate and transparent regarding our budget and costs to our customers. As qualified residential builders, we invariably set our customers a budget that takes into account unplanned costs. However the budget must contain reserves for the unexpected; this is why we inevitably incorporate unplanned costs within our set budget.
4. Selecting Contractors and Project Managers
The Mistake:
Hiring a contractor without confirming their credentials or not signing a contract are big no-nos that can lead to confusion, delays, and worst of all, subpar work.
How to Avoid:
We strongly believe in following a process of hiring qualified sub-contractors, checking references, and reviewing past work. At RS Builders we put together a team of seasoned building makers of Mohali, designers, builders and engineers who have lots of experience in the residential construction business. The more effective communication (which we encourage) and building a plan with set timelines and milestones helps clarify communication and help stay on track, avoid confusion, and delays. Any questions about the design, build, or project can be quickly addressed as our project managers involve all stakeholders so that everyone is on the same page.
5. Technical and Regulatory Lapses
The Mistake:
Overlooking a fundamental technical and regulatory item such as structural integrity, fire safety, and drainage may cause havoc on safety or comfort.
How to Avoid:
At RS Builders we build as per the high standard of construction to ensure every residential project we undertake follows local building codes and regulations. We continuously review the design and construction stages to ensure fire safety, ventilation and structural requirements are met. We also use energy efficiency technologies and materials to ensure durability with acceptable performance over the long run of the property.
6. Compromising Quality and Durability
The Mistake:
Cheap materials and unskilled labour can cause defects and reduce the intended lifespan of the property and increase maintenance costs.
How to Avoid:
We assure you that we only use good-quality materials that are appropriate to the local climate and intended use. Our team practices Quality Control in construction processes to evaluate every stage of the project. Any deviation from the plan, or issue with materials or systems are dealt with promptly so we can maintain our high standards. We, as the leading builders in Mohali, guarantee that every home we build will withstand the challenges of time.
7. Taking Natural Light, Ventilation, and Storage Needs for Granted
The Mistake:
Inadequate attention to designs that incorporate natural light, ventilation, and storage will lead to living spaces that are uncomfortable, cluttered, and inefficient.
How to Avoid:
We favour designs that draw natural light and ventilation into living spaces and use that to give you comfortable and energy efficient spaces. Our team ensures that every room is designed with large windows, skylights, and proper airflow in mind. We also look for smart storage options and cabinets or shelves to help keep areas organised and uncluttered.
8. Ignoring Landscaping and Integration with Site
The Mistake:
Failing to consider landscaping or how the building integrates with the site can affect aesthetics, site drainage, and overall neighbourhood.
How to Avoid:
At RS Builders we partner with landscape architects so the landscaping is part of the overall design from the beginning. An appropriate landscaping design not only enhances curb appeal, it handles drainage water and helps the building fit into its environment.
Build Smartly with RS Builders
Avoiding some of the most common mistakes of residential construction creates not only time and cost savings, it also contributes to the end result: a quality, comfortable and sustainable home that services its residents in the years to come. We are a trusted commercial and residential construction company in Mohali that takes pride in doing things right. Our experienced team works with clients from initial plans to final construction, making the experience as smooth, efficient and successful as possible.
