Managing a major restoration project is overwhelming. In this guide, we break down the key steps, budget considerations, and board responsibilities related to large-scale restoration projects.
Understand project stages
The following project stages ensure your board addresses the key concerns, prioritizes essential projects, and finds the best contractor for the job:
- Assessment: The assessment is typically performed by an engineer or building envelope specialist. They will prioritize the most essential projects based on your goals and the structural integrity of the building.
- Design: An architect considers the engineers report and creates a schematic outlining the design. They consider aesthetics and recommend materials, keeping structural concerns in mind.
- Detailed design/approval: The architect will finalize the schematic with any changes required for final design approval.
- Tendering: The tendering process invites qualified restoration contractors to bid on the project. They will oversee the restoration based on the agreed upon plans, create schedules, hire trades, get permits, order materials, etc. They also work closely with engineer/architects to ensure all goes to plan.
- Execution: The project is underway.
Unexpected budget considerations
Hiring the most cost-effective, experienced restoration contractor is critical to remain on budget. Experienced restoration contractors understand how to mitigate risks associated with unexpected costs that impact your budget including:
- Safety: Site safety is critical to reduce the impact of delays related to injuries, damaged materials, correcting site hazards, and more. Hiring a COR® certified contractor will ensure the highest standards of safety are met to reduce risk of unexpected costs.
- Waste: Effective waste management can save as much as 46% in wasted materials by taking steps such as keeping small-scale dumpsters on site and facilitating source separation for recycling.
- Installation: Cost-effective, durable materials must also be easy to install, as complex, time-consuming processes can make some materials cost prohibitive.
- Poor planning: Operational efficiencies are essential to avoid costs related to delays and poor planning. From missed material deliveries to accidents, and inefficient trade scheduling to failing to schedule specialty equipment for high-rise installation, poor planning increases costs.
Choose materials for increased ROI
Specialists recognize the importance of looking at the big picture to determine how each component impacts costs. A building restoration expert can recommend the best materials to increase return on investment (ROI) based on the following:
- Energy efficiency gains that reduce your energy costs and offset your capital expenditures
- Increased thermal performance for improved unit comfort
- Moisture protection to mitigate water related damage
- Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) for resident satisfaction
- Building envelope durability that lowers maintenance costs
- Easy installation to reduce labour costs
- Improved life cycle of the entire building envelope for long-term savings
Understand the board’s role
Your board are the decision-makers, sharing the ultimate responsibility for the outcome of your large-scale restoration projects. However, because your time is limited, enlisting the assistance of a knowledgeable project manager is recommended.
Project managers are experienced in overseeing complex restoration projects. They inform your decisions and provide day-to-day contractor supervision. They also help avoid costly mistakes that impact your budget.
You can streamline the process by choosing a building restoration company with dedicated project managers. They oversee the project, providing a single point of contact for your board. They offer ongoing advice and trouble-shoot common issues with ongoing board input.
Thoughtful planning ensures you set realistic timelines and avoid delays. Working with an experienced building envelope restoration contractor helps you stay on top of costs with limited disruptions to daily living and building operations.
WellDone Inc. is a COR™ certified building restoration company specializing in commercial and multi-unit residential buildings throughout the GTA. We ensure cost-saving efficiencies and highly competitive bids for our end-to-end specialized building restoration services. If you would like more information about our building restoration services, speak to the experts at WellDone Inc.