Red Tape: Rules to Know Before Starting a Project
Whether you’re an owner of a large construction firm, a fleet manager for agricultural or utility operations, an independent contractor in property management, or an individual working on home improvement projects, the overall success of any endeavor is in the details. And it’s not just a matter of the quality of the work itself, but also the planning that comes before the first nail is hammered.
When it comes to the planning stages of your project, there are several general guidelines, legal obligations, and lesser-known rules that you need to follow so your work can run as smoothly as possible. Here are a few things to keep in mind when getting to work with your heavy equipment.
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Site Regulations
Before anything else begins on your project, you should check the site where you’re working and familiarize yourself with the environment. If your plans are for constructing or adding something that will be inside another existing structure (such as indoor home improvements), you might not need to worry about this step. However, if you’ll be breaking ground and building on that site, you should be aware if the area is in a flood zone that may present greater risks; pose more liabilities to you or your company; and understand that your work might require additional steps in the building process. Or, you’ll want to be certain if your project has any environmental stipulations that might make it either difficult or illegal to build (for example, protected wetlands).
You’ll also want to know if there are potential dangers from underground utilities (water, sewer, electrical, natural gas, high-speed cable, etc.) that could be damaged during the building process. While you’re on this step, you’ll want to ascertain as to how you’ll be able to tap into all of these utilities and how much it will cost.
Plan Ahead with Work
The next phase is to create a blueprint with all of the details about structural, electrical, plumbing, elevations, and accessibility features. This will not only help when it comes to ordering the materials you’ll need for your build, it will give your team a roadmap to work from during the construction process. Again, for smaller projects, such as building a shed from a kit, this may not be required; but it’s still good to know what’s included with the kit in the event you may need to purchase other materials, such as shingles.
Once you have a blueprint, you’ll need a scope of work plan that identifies and defines goals, timelines, and a budget. In some cases, it might be beneficial to have contingency funding ready and available if there are cost issues that crop up during construction, such as if a piece of equipment breaks down or tools malfunction and need to be replaced. Account for all costs, including materials, labor, and permits, keeping in mind that some materials may require a long lead time when you begin the ordering process. If you can’t get an absolutely necessary item at the time you have it in your plan, you may have workers standing around with their hands in their pockets, which will delay your work and can lead to further expenses on your project.
No matter how careful you and your crew are while working, accidents do happen. Being prepared financially is good for replacing damaged materials, but it’s also important to have a plan and all the required safety equipment in the event of a fire or medical emergency.
Register with Regulators
Before the first shovel goes into the ground, check with your local municipality on what is needed to get a building permit. You’ll also need to check that the area where you will be building falls into the proper zoning ordinance for the structure and the type of business it will be used for. Even in some instances, you may need to go to a local government office to petition to have the zoning code changed to fit your needs, which isn’t always successful. Knowing if the project is possible or not from the start saves a lot of headaches.
In addition to verifying zoning codes, you’ll need to comply with local ordinances on building codes (for example, how high an electrical outlet must be from the floor on the ground level), and American Disability Act requirements to accommodate visitors to your building. Keep in mind that inspections will need to be done during various stages of the project, so knowing what’s needed based on timelines will help things run smoother later.
Once you have all that done, you’ll need to know what the regulations are for having a trailer or other storage unit on site, whether it’s for office duties or to safeguard tools and secure machines from equipment theft when they’re not in use. You may also need to provide portable toilets for your crew, so know your local regulations, and don’t forget to factor in restrooms with your budget.
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Cover Your Assets
If all of this sounds like it’s a bit over your head, there are consultants you can hire to create site plans, get building permits, and point you in the right direction. You may also need legal counsel for employment contracts and other types of documentation. Don’t forget insurance for site liability and other project-specific requirements. Remember, these are just a few general reminders to help you get to work on your next project. Always do your research, know the local laws and regulations, follow safety procedures, and plan ahead.
Barrett Baker
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