Setting the projects’ scope is the first step towards estimating the projects’ cost. The scope statement of any commercial construction project forms the basis of how the project will be led to completion.
The scope of a project enlists the specific tasks, key stakeholders, milestones, deadlines, and other important information to make the project successful. A clearly defined scope of the project helps the construction team to account for all the work that has been completed and has to be done.
If you are hiring a commercial contractor or a general contractor for your construction project, you must understand the basics of defining the scope of a project. In this blog, we have highlighted three basic tips to help you define the scope of your project in the most efficient way possible.
Ask The Right Questions
Without proper communication with the team that is going to take over the project, you will not be able to define the scope of the project. The more you know upfront, the better for the project.
As a client, you will not know what the contractor has in mind when it comes to project completion unless you start asking the right questions. Moreover, it is important for you to communicate everything you have in mind to ensure that you and the contractor are on the same page.
However, before you move on to ask the contractor about their plans regarding the completion of the project, you should explain exactly what you are expecting the team to accomplish.
Then move on to asking questions. The points you write down in the scope of the statement will lead to all the important decisions in the project at later stages.
Some questions you can ask are:
- Can they meet the deadline without compromising the quality of construction?
- What milestones and key dates will be set?
- How frequently will I receive progress reports?
- Will they take care of the required permits and licensing?
- What are the obstacles or risks that might impact project delivery?
- Have they completed a similar project in the past?
The answers to these questions will reveal important background information on the project and will help you plan your resources.
Mention What Is Not included In The Scope
Mentioning what is not included in the scope of the project is as important as mentioning what is included. This will give the team of contractors as well as you a clear picture of the final deliverables.
Since the project involves different stakeholders, each one of them has different assumptions about the “standard” set of activities that will be included in any engagement.
Hence, specifically addressing what deliverables are outside of the projects’ scope will help to clear up any potential misunderstandings upfront.
Make sure the contractors and you are on the same page from the beginning to avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road.
Keep In Touch To Prevent Scope Creep
Although most general contractors have a good system in place to prevent scope creep. Their team members are always working to keep the scope of the project in check.
However, holding regular meetings with the contractors and keeping in touch to prevent scope creep will help you in the long run. Scope creep can increase your projects’ labor costs and negatively impact your profit margin.
Ensure that the team members understand how the tasks they are working on fall within the scope that’s been agreed upon.
At BelVan Construction we strive to keep the customer in the loop. Our team of experts is trained to define the scope of every project in the most elaborate way possible. To get in touch with Edmonton’s leading commercial general contractors to build you an effective and productive commercial space, click here.
