Tips for Clients with Small Projects and Tight Budgets
Introduction
Creating great design in smaller projects or those with tighter budgets is indeed achievable, though it comes with its unique challenges. Drawing from our experience in handling such projects, we've compiled some valuable tips for clients navigating similar situations.
“The way we decide to take on a project has less to do with the scale of the project and more to do with the quality of it and the people we are going to work with.”
1. Professional Pitfalls
Engaging professionals for smaller projects with tighter budgets can be a double-edged sword. While seeking cost savings, there's a risk of encountering individuals who lack the necessary thoroughness, potentially leading to increased costs, schedule delays, or compromised quality. A baseline level of process and attention is crucial for cost and schedule control and maintaining quality. In smaller projects with tighter budgets, clients may encounter professionals who fall short in delivering quality and scope of work.
Architects
Incomplete Design: Architects of these project types may only design the exterior of the home and do none of the interior architecture, which they should be doing. They may also leave the client to make their decisions regarding materials and finishes.
Incomplete Drawings: Architects may not provide comprehensive drawings, leaving the contractor to guess what they should be doing in certain places. This could be construction details or larger items like kitchen cabinetry. An incomplete drawing set also means you will not know how much the project will cost and/or the breakdown of the costs.
No Construction Administration: Some architects might not be involved throughout the construction process, which is not a good idea.
Solution: Regarding the scope of their work, the easiest way to find out what will be done by them is to ask what they will not be doing. Ask them what tasks will I have to perform and what decisions will I have to make on my own.
“Architects of these project types may only design the exterior of the home and do none of the interior architecture, which they should be doing. ”
Contractors
Poor Design Collaboration: Contractors who mainly do smaller projects might not take design directions well, potentially making decisions independently without consulting the designer. This also means that collaboration between the contractor and architect will be much more challenging.
Limited Experience with Drawings: These contractors are far less accustomed to reading drawings and more likely to not be interested in reading drawings or following them.
Inadequate Communication Methods: Contractors may lack proper communication methods, leading to poor record-keeping practices. For example, many small-time contractors hate email. They prefer to address all issues through text and phone calls. This is an issue for a project that lasts 6 to 18 months. They also are probably not accustomed to or interested in keeping the architect up to date regarding the many details of a project.
Budget and Schedule Tracking: Smaller contractor operations often do not transparently track budgets and schedules because it’s too much of a hassle.
Missing Mockups: The absence of mockups can be a red flag, indicating a lack of attention to detail and potential issues during construction.
Lack of Site Supervision: Contractors may lack a dedicated site supervisor, affecting the overall efficiency and quality of the construction process.
Solution: There are certainly great contractors with operations and there are also larger general contractors who have ‘special teams’ that focus on repairs and small projects.
“Larger general contractors often have ‘special teams’ that focus on repairs and small projects.”
Engineers
Oversized Structure: Engineers are less likely to spend the effort needed to design an efficient structure. Instead, they might opt to use oversized components, saving them time, but resulting in over-structured components of the home which may inflate the construction cost significantly. This approach reflects a trade-off where paying more for a skilled professional's expertise can lead to savings in construction and overall project costs.
2. Quality Professionals
Good professionals, accustomed to larger projects or those with substantial budgets, might come at a higher fee. For instance, if an architect typically charges 12% of the construction cost, they might be closer to 18% for smaller projects. Understanding and accepting this pricing discrepancy is crucial when seeking quality.
3. Material & Design Constraints
With a tight budget, options for materials, flooring, tile, wallpaper, and purchase items become limited. Clients must be prepared to make compromises in their design choices. While hiring a designer or architect reflects a desire for value and aesthetics, financial constraints do narrow the available choices. When it comes to purchasing items like door hardware, plumbing fixtures, lighting, etc. you get what you pay for.
4. Increased Client Involvement
To offset costs, you might find yourself more attempting to be involved in aspects typically handled by the architect, such as selecting materials or overseeing construction. This method of keeping costs down is not advisable for the vast majority because it requires expertise and huge time commitment and there is often a reduction in project quality. Our advice is to be mindful and honest with yourself about the cost of taking on additional responsibilities. Most clients underestimate the stress and time implications and often regret not opting to pay the additional ~10% of the project cost for full professional service.
“Most clients underestimate the stress and time implications and regret not opting to pay the additional ~10% of the project cost for full professional service.”
5. Conclusion
If you have a tight budget but want a smooth process, then the best approach is to use cost-effective materials and smart design solutions, rather than reducing the scope and quality of professional services. This is because construction is the most significant part of the project cost and savings are more effectively achieved there. This path often proves more beneficial in the long run, reducing stress, ensuring a smoother project journey, and a better final home project.