Something will always go cattywampus. Hey, we are in construction. Even if you are just designing, you are in it. Maybe a bit deeper than you originally thought. You have very real responsibilities. You have legal liabilities that are tied to the execution of your drawings & proposals. Something will always go wrong. Despite all the negative connotations - and counterintuitive to what you might think, set that expectation with your client very early. I will actually tell clients well in advance "Something is definitely going to go wrong, so lets just anticipate that". This could be anything really - a snapped twig - or a Doug fir falling on the client's roof. So, we know that projects can go south. Its really important to bring an early awareness to this by understanding the dynamics of the site, access in and out, anticipated material staging, personnel assignments, subcontracting, permits, inspections - and all the other potential and avoidable issues that might cause delay or destruction.
One very particular concern I think is the nuance of the Client dynamic. Importantly, you will want to protect yourself clearly and contractually - by carefully describing what you are providing and conversely, what you wont do, as well as payment, dispute resolution and your warranty provisions. Be careful in your documents, being what I call "specifically vague". Being specifically vague means supplying comprehensive information, but also allowing for change, substitution and importantly - flexibility.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
