WHAT COULD GO WRONG?

COST BLOW OUT

1. This has got to be the biggest problem when contemplating a project and requires great care and skill to ensure it doesn’t happen.  The Architect may underestimate the cost of the Project resulting in difficulties at a later date for the Client.

Solution:

Obtain a preliminary Budget estimate from either a Builder who may be Tendering, or preliminary estimate from a Quantity Estimator.

Ensure your Architect is experience enough to not make such a mistake.

POOR COMMUNICATION SKILLS

2. Misunderstandings can occur either between the Architect and the Client or the Architect and the Builder, resulting in costly mistakes.

Solution:

Make sure everything is documented. All meeting with the client and the Builder should be documented and circulated to all parties. This ensures that there is no misunderstanding.

VARIATIONS

3.   Asking for additional work to be carried out during the construction process can add significantly to the overall building costs. It is very easy for the Client to get carried away without being mindful of the end costs.

Solution:

Always consider the cost in regard to Variations and discuss the ramifications with the Architect.