Building projects are a new experience for most. Whether commercial or residential owners, many are unfamiliar with the architectural process and may start with some unrealistic expectations.
At Neumann Monson, we work with building owners of all experience levels. We know building projects are a large undertaking, which is why we work to set clear expectations about budgets, schedules, and everyone’s role in the design process.
This article will discuss some common misconceptions about building projects and set realistic expectations—helping you prepare for your project.
Unrealistic Expectations to Have on a Building Project
1. You Won’t Encounter Additional Costs
Often, there is confusion about costs in the early stages of a project. While most owners account for architectural fees and construction costs, some are unaware of the additional costs associated with a building project.
These costs can include land acquisition fees, legal fees, geotechnical survey fees, building permit review fees, builder’s risk insurance, and more.
At the start of the architectural process, you will need to budget for project costs to get a more realistic sense of your overall budget. An architect can help you prepare a budget and determine what you can achieve within your available funds.
2. The Building Can Be Designed Quickly
When taking on their first project, many owners are unaware of the time it takes to design a building. Blame it on HGTV, but some think an architect can craft a design, draft plans, and bid a project within a few weeks.
Generally, the architectural process is lengthy. Even on a small and straightforward project, it can take at least four to five months to develop the design and create documents. The architect’s workload and lead times for labor and materials can further impact timelines.
A well-designed building takes research and planning, and the decisions you make during the design process have long-term financial implications. It’s important to take your time and explore your options.
3. High-Quality on a Small Budget and Short Schedule
Similarly, there can be a misalignment between the owner’s budget, schedule, and aspirations. Some expect a high-quality project can be done quickly on a small budget.
Budget, schedule, and quality are like a three-legged stool. If one leg goes out, the project goes off-balance.
Achieving a high-quality project on a tight budget requires extensive planning and a lengthened schedule. High-quality projects on a shorter timeline need the support of a large budget. Often, a short schedule and a small budget lead to a low-quality building.
4. Change Orders Won’t Occur
Change orders are any addition, deletion, or substitution to a project’s scope after construction is underway. They can be a bit of a taboo subject in the world of architecture and construction, and many hope to avoid them.
In truth, every project has some change orders—whether caused by errors and omissions in the contract documents, an unforeseen condition, or an owner-requested substitution. Your architect should work to reduce change orders by guiding you through decision-making and implementing a thorough quality assurance process.
Even with the most rigorous quality assurance measures, contract documents will contain some errors and omissions. Likewise, construction can be complicated, and unforeseen conditions may arise.
Your architect should prepare for these situations by factoring contingencies into your budget. Typically, contingencies are larger on more complex projects with more unknowns, like renovations.
5. The Contingency is Fun Money
Occasionally, an owner may misunderstand the contingency’s purpose. It’s tempting to think of it as “fun money,” a portion set aside to upgrade an aspect of the project.
Instead, contingencies are built into the budget to cover any unforeseen conditions that may arise. On a building project, it’s best to expect the unexpected, and you should hold onto the contingency until construction is complete.
Contingencies act as a type of insurance, keeping your project within budget. Spending the funds too early can create a risky situation.
6. An Architect is an Expert in Everything
Architects know a lot, but they are not experts in everything. Instead, they rely on a qualified team of engineers, contractors, tradespeople, and product vendors to make informed decisions. Their job is to ask questions, guide the client, and use the team’s collective knowledge to find the best possible solutions.
Architects rely on a team of experts to make informed decisions.
But at the end of the day, buildings are complicated. A problem with one aspect of the building may require a mechanical engineer’s input. Another problem may require the expertise of a product vendor.
When problems arise—especially after the building is complete—your architect can guide you and facilitate communication. They may not have the answer, but they know where to find it.
7. Perfection
In general, it’s unrealistic to expect perfection on a building project. Buildings are designed and built by people, and human error will occur. Whether it’s an error in contract documents or an oversight by the contractor, something may go wrong during the design and construction process.
At the same time, it’s unrealistic to expect perfection from the final product, especially if budgets and timelines do not allow for perfection-level work. For example, if the budget covers a Level 4 drywall finish, it’s unrealistic to expect Level 5 quality. Your architect should work to set realistic expectations about what you can achieve.
Buildings are not prototyped, refined, and built in a controlled factory setting with the same labor every time. They are constructed on-site in a variety of conditions. Your architect and contractor should help you achieve a high-quality product—but some degree of imperfection may occur.
Learn More About the Architectural Process
Building projects are a large undertaking. Before working with an architect, it’s important to research the process, ask questions, and establish realistic expectations about what you can achieve.
By expecting the unexpected and holding onto contingencies, you can protect your budget and schedule. At the same time, you can rely on your architect to guide you through decision-making, connect you with the right experts, and help you align your aspirations with your budget.
In our experience, it helps to understand each step of the architectural process before starting a project. Learn more by reading about its seven steps and the deliverables you can expect.