Five questions to ask before starting a building project
A practical checklist for owners and developers before design and construction begin.
Starting a building project with a clear brief can save time later. Before commissioning drawings or mobilising a contractor, consider five fundamentals.
1. What is the project meant to achieve?
Define the users, purpose, capacity and outcomes. A clear brief becomes a useful reference when trade-offs arise.
2. What are the site realities?
Understand access, existing conditions, services, planning considerations and other constraints that can shape the design.
3. What is the realistic budget?
A budget should be treated as a project parameter, not a number to be considered only after design decisions have been made.
4. Who needs to be involved?
Identify the professionals and decision-makers required for design, approvals, cost, construction and operations.
5. How will the finished property be managed?
Maintenance, tenant needs, security, utilities and operating responsibilities should inform decisions before completion.