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How do I start a construction project?

How do I start a construction project?

If you are eyeing a construction project such as a driveway or an additional room in your house, then you must plan. Even if it is a small patio project, it can be stressful and time-consuming if don’t have a plan. A concrete contractor will tell you that the secret to a successful construction project is how well you planned it.

Here are five steps that can help you plan a successful construction project.

Have a Ready Design

Hiring a designer or an architect is an additional cost to your project, but it ensures you have a good deck that will fit in your backyard. It also ensures that your deck complements your house. You wouldn’t want to make your design and end up tearing it down once completed because it looks “off”. Much worse, you wouldn’t want to just go ahead and start construction work without a plan – that will surely waste your time and money.

What’s included in the design? It includes the layout, the size of the project, and how it will look once done.

Find Concrete Contractors

Once you have a design, you can now find a contractor. Based on your schema, you can get a better estimate of how much your project will cost. In finding a contractor, take your time. Ask around. Ask for recommendations. Interview potential concrete companies. Don’t rely on one option. Make a checklist and choose based on qualifications, license, and portfolio.

 

Set Your Budget

How much is your budget? Do you have a budget for miscellaneous expenses? What if there will be delays with materials, is it okay to extend the deadline? What if your chosen material is not available, can you switch to something more expensive without affecting your budget?

You must have a fixed budget and an emergency budget before starting your construction project. This way, possible delays won’t leave you hanging and won’t cause your project’s delay in completion as well.

Do Your Part

What is your part? Aside from finding the best concrete company to hire, you have to work on securing your project permits too. Depending on your state’s policy, you might need to secure more than one permit. Aside from building permits, some states that require environmental permits and so on. Permits are especially needed if there is digging that needs to be done.

Oh, you have to pay for permits too so include that in your budget.

You Can Now Start

Some homeowners leave everything to their concrete contractors once everything is set up. This is okay yet I prefer to be present whenever I have a construction project. One reason why I follow a plan is so I can set my schedule and be at the site during work hours. This way, I can monitor the progress of the project in real-time and be able to address issues that may potentially arise.

Takeaway

Starting a construction project correctly can be overwhelming and taxing, however, if you do everything right, you can expect a smoother construction project with no wasted time, money, and energy. Do you already have a project in mind? Why not try these steps today before you start your construction project!

 

DIY Concrete Projects for Your Home

DIY Concrete Projects for Your Home

Having a DIY project is a perfect way to keep yourself busy and distracted from life’s usual stresses. It is also a way to keep your mind and body active without leaving your home and spending more money. One DIY project that you can focus on is DIY concrete projects and here are some projects that you can start with.

Phone or Tablet Stand

Concrete projects at home don’t need to be big like a driveway or patio. Start with small ones like a tablet or phone stand. To make a stand, get a popcorn or milk box. Use it to mold your stand. Add a tile or metal to serve as a ledge. You can make any phone stand shape as long as you have something to mold it with like a box or a container.

Unconventional Lamps

Do you love the idea of something unconventional in your room? How about making a concrete pendant lamp? For this DIY concrete project, you can take advantage of your empty bottles (mineral water or plastic soda bottles) and use them for molding your pendant lamp. You can choose the size and length of your lamp.

Since you are using concrete, you can add more style by stamping it or spraying it with different colors.

Big and Small Bowls/Pots

Concrete bows and pots can be a good addition to your patio setup. You can have different sizes of bowls for different occasions. If you love having barbecue parties and a good drink with your friends, you no longer have to worry about breaking some of your mom’s previous bowls.

Instead of buying pots and vases for your outdoor plants, you can start making your statement with your DIY concrete pots. You can also choose the finishing color that you want to use.

Concrete Stool

Instead of buying a set of bar stools or bucket stools for your outdoor deck, you can start making your set of concrete stools. Concrete stools are easy to make and you will just need wooden dowels, concrete, and a bucket (to mold your stool with).

Candle or Pen Holder

Are you always looking for something to put your candle with every time you need to light one? Then it is time to make your concrete candle holder. You will just need a cup to mold your candle holder and you are good to go.
This candle holder can also be used as a pen holder. You might need a taller cup to use as a mold if you want to use it as a pen holder.

Stepping Stone

Do you find your backyard muddy every time it rains? DIY concrete stepping stone can be your next project. You can use a tray to mold your stepping stone. Start with five stepping stones and see if it is enough to save you from your muddy walkway. You can also add concrete stepping stones to your garden to keep your feet off the grass and flowers.

Final Thoughts

Technology has changed the way concrete is now being used in construction works. With decorative concrete designs, you can easily create a project that can easily fit your taste. Have you decided yet which project to start with?