Construction do’s and don’ts for a smoother build

Do these things

• Confirm development permission and other applicable approvals before starting work.
• Use registered and licensed professionals and check contractor registration and licensing.
• Agree the scope, price basis, payment milestones, programme, and defect process in a written contract.
• Keep an approved set of drawings on site and make sure the team is working from the latest revision.
• Record instructions, design changes, meeting decisions, and payment approvals in writing.
• Ask for a cost update before approving a change that may add work or time.
• Plan for site safety, secure storage, access, and protection of neighbours and the public.
• Agree how deliveries, material storage, waste, water, and power will be managed before the site becomes busy.
• Ask the responsible professionals what inspections, material records, or test results should be kept for your project.

Avoid these common mistakes

• Do not start construction on the assumption that approval will arrive later.
• Do not rely only on verbal promises for scope, extra work, or payment terms.
• Do not change structural details or materials without review by the responsible professional and any required authority.
• Do not pay for unverified work or ignore unexplained changes to the bill or programme.
• Do not assume environmental, utility, or other agency approvals are unnecessary; have the team check.
• Do not substitute a material or product just because it looks similar; obtain the designer’s written acceptance first.
• Do not leave exposed materials unprotected or store them in a way that can cause damage, theft, or unsafe conditions.

When in doubt, pause and verify

If a proposed site change affects the approved design, safety, cost, or neighbours, pause the affected work and get written guidance from the responsible professional. Check with the county or relevant authority if an approval condition may be affected.

For significant environmental impacts, NEMA approval may be required before a project is implemented. NEMA’s screening and review determines the process that applies, so involve the right environmental expert early where the project may trigger it.

A simple weekly site check-in

A short, consistent meeting can catch small problems before they become expensive. Ask the contractor or project manager to update the same record each week and share it with the client and consultants.

• What work was completed, and what is planned next?
• What decisions or information are needed from the client, and by when?
• Are any materials, approvals, or inspections delaying work?
• Are there safety, quality, cost, or neighbour issues that need action?
• Who owns each action and when will it be completed?