When it comes to self-building, supervision is a task that should not be overlooked. Owners should be available at all times and daily visits to the site are essential to ensure that the work is progressing as planned. Tasks should be well-organized and it is important to check that everything is going as planned on a daily basis. Here are the key steps to follow when overseeing the construction of your home.
1- Supervise regular construction operations.
The owner should be on site to sign for materials (doors, windows, wood, etc.) and to supervise workers.
2- Monitor the quality of the work.
It is important that you check the accuracy and quality of the work done. Surveyors and trade contractors must all meet the established requirements. Pay close attention, because work is often considered to be acceptable if no comments are made when it is being completed. As a result, changes are often carried out at an additional charge.
3- Ensure compliance with standards and contracts.
The person in charge of overseeing the work must ensure that everything is running smoothly. It is therefore necessary to make sure that current regulations and contracts are being respected and that payments are made on time. You must also make sure that the work meets any and all standards required for warranties.
4- Make sure that the plan is being followed.
When overseeing the work, it is important to make sure that all plans and specifications are being followed. If you don’t stick to the plan, you may encounter problems down the line. Check that everything is as it should be and that events do not deviate from the plan. Moreover, by keeping close tabs on the construction site, you will be able to change your mind if you notice that some of your previous decisions are not getting the desired results.
5- Make critical decisions.
During construction, you should remain available to make urgent decisions. Equipment failures and other unforeseen events can sometimes disrupt the flow of work, and someone has to be there to decide what to do.
6- Respond appropriately to weather conditions.
Torrential rains and early snowfalls can occur during construction. You need to be on site in order to deal with these issues quickly and effectively. Serious problems can arise if you fail to respond to weather conditions, including flooded basements and warped floors.