14 Secrets to Ensure Planning Success

Embarking on a building project is like setting sail on a vast ocean—you need a sturdy ship, a clear map, and a reliable crew. To ensure your journey is smooth and your destination reached, consider these 14 essential tips:

1. Be Realistic About Costs and Timescales

Before you even sketch your first design, take a hard look at your budget and timeline. Planning permission can take at least two months, and if you need to withdraw your application to negotiate changes to the design or layout, it can take even longer. (homebuilding.co.uk) Architects’ and designers’ fees can vary enormously too. You may need to make more than one planning application in order to reach agreement with the council and make revisions to your plans accordingly, too. A minimum budget of around £20,000 (including architects’ plans and specialist reports) is probably realistic for getting planning permission, and setting aside 18 months for the process should give you enough time. (homebuilding.co.uk)

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2. Do Your Homework

Planning is a fairly alien world to the uninitiated. It is riddled with jargon but the planning policies are readily accessible from your local authority and those that deal with extensions to houses and small-scale design issues are normally relatively straightforward. It’s worth spending some time reading and understanding the planning jargon and examining what has been allowed recently in the area where you’re intending to build. In some places, such as the Cotswolds, there is a fairly iron-clad rule about the materials and design you have to use in conservation areas. Elsewhere, there may be more flexibility. You need to find out what is usually accepted in your area. (homebuilding.co.uk)

3. Employ the Right Experts

It’s also important to know when you need an expert. You may certainly need to find an architect or designer to prepare plans, and you may need specialist consultants like ecologists, drainage engineers and highways consultants to assist in the design. (homebuilding.co.uk)

4. Conduct a Feasibility Study

Evaluating the project’s viability by studying site conditions, legal constraints, market demands, client needs, and potential risks. This is how builders define whether the project is realistic within its scope or whether adjustments to the project plan are necessary. (buildern.com)

5. Establish a Preliminary Budget

Developing an initial financial plan involves estimating costs for materials, labor, equipment, and other expenses. A well-structured budget early on provides a framework for funding and cost management throughout the project. (buildern.com)

6. Assemble the Project Team

Identify and bring together key stakeholders and experts, including architects, engineers, project managers, and subcontractors who will collaboratively shape and execute the project. (buildern.com)

7. Outline a Tentative Timeline

Develop a rough schedule by mapping out major milestones and deadlines. Construction scheduling software with Gantt charts, dependencies, and automated alerts can help you create accurate and realistic timelines. (buildern.com)

8. Plan for Contingencies

A typical construction contingency budget is set between 5-10% of the overall budget, depending on the level of project risk and number of unknowns. A robust risk management process and historical reviews allow project teams to establish realistic contingencies early and apply them to the financial, operational, and resource elements of the plan. (rib-software.com)

9. Maintain Revision Control

No matter how much effort goes into planning, builds rarely, if ever, go as expected. Adjusting and editing the plan quickly can prevent these situations from becoming a hindrance. This means following established revision control and approval processes to maintain compliance and ensure updates are available before outdated information can lead to errors or unnecessary rework. (rib-software.com)

10. Leverage Established Codes

Numerical coding systems, such as CSI MasterFormat, make it easier for project managers, estimators, and contractors to organize information, classify tasks, and communicate using a common language. Numerical codes can also simplify construction planning management by providing a standard format for project information that begins during the planning phase and remains consistent over the life of the project. (rib-software.com)

11. Use Professional Construction Software

Software tools are essential for project planning in construction, as they enable teams to access the most current information and update plans in real-time. RIB Candy software for estimating, planning, and project control seamlessly links time and money and provides a robust critical path network for the built environment. Ready access to data and advanced planning features from a single user interface also helps eliminate departmental silos, ensuring projects are successful from the early stages through to the end. (rib-software.com)

12. Engage Reliable Contractors

Choosing the right contractors is paramount in construction planning. Establish relationships with contractors who have a solid reputation in your area. Seek recommendations from friends, colleagues, or online resources to identify professionals who have proven track records for completing projects on time and within budget. (dbarkerbuilding.co.uk)

13. Stay Informed About Local Building Codes

Construction planning requires a firm understanding of local building codes and regulations. These codes vary by location and govern everything from design elements to safety standards. Ensuring compliance with these regulations not only avoids legal complications but also guarantees the safety and longevity of your project. (dbarkerbuilding.co.uk)

14. Make Use of Professional Drawings

Investing in professional architectural drawings can be a game-changer in your construction planning. These detailed plans serve not just as a visual guide but also establish the exact specifications that contractors need to follow. When all parties operate from the same set of drawings, it reduces miscommunication and ensures that everyone is on the same page. (dbarkerbuilding.co.uk)

By following these steps, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the complexities of the building planning process. Remember, patience and thoroughness now can save you time and headaches down the road. Happy building!