Assessment Task - 2

INDEX
1. Overview
2. Three Step Process
1. Budget
1a. Land
2b. House Plan
3c. Interior Design
2. House Plan
3. Permitting

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Assessment Task - 2

Project in Question: Construct a 3 Bedroom 2 Story Residence with an inground swimming pool on a 1400 m2 Block in a Bushfire Zone.
Given Assessment: Prepare a step by step procedure to setup a schedule for the
project from the design phase to practice completion. Provide a brief of the project
and its program; show an actual program for the project. Provide a procedure should
changes occur and how those changes are to be communicated to all site personnel.
Provide a procedure as to how you will be monitoring the program/schedule.

The Building Process

Construction is engineering in action. It is performed by the skilled application of human effort to the basic
operations that make up each construction method. Construction is the productive effort that produced the
finished product. From this point of view, the construction process is a part of a much more comprehensive effort,
which is triggered by the awareness of a need for a facility. It is terminated when the completed facility has
outlived its usefulness and is scheduled for demolition or conversion to another use. This larger
The building process is a multi-step orchestration of numerous details and milestones we manage together with
our general contractor. Its requires ample guidance and attention throughout the process so we may stay calm,
organized and enthusiastic from start to finish.

Overview
The building process has three main components: budget, documentation and permitting. My budget governs
spending and activities regarding land, house plan and detailed interior home design. Once we select land and
form my budget, we may enter the documentation phase of the building process, while permitting consists of all
required town approvals.

1. BUDGET
A. Land
B. House Plan
C. Interior Design

2. DOCUMENTATION
3. PERMITTING

1.

BUDGET

Budget represents my choices in dollar terms. Together we review all components of the budget upfront to
ensure my new home plan meets my financial and personal goals.
We determine a budget for these main categories:

Land (Permitting & Site Work)

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Assessment Task - 2

House Plan
Interior Design

A. Land
The total amount I spend on land includes property price, permitting costs and site work costs. To ensure the
land component is within my budget, even please allow to evaluate these costs before I make the purchase.
A.a. Land: Permitting
When considering property to purchase, we may have three general choices:

Select a home package that includes fully permitted land and a pre-determined house plan.
Purchase a fully permitted lot and choose the house plan as per our wish.
Purchase own plot of land, attain permits myself and then choose your house plan.

The permitting process can be complex. If the land I wish to purchase is unimproved, eliminate frustration and
save time by having someone more experienced:

Analyse the land and make sure its a buildable lot

(e.g., no zoning or wetlands issues).

Identify potential hidden costs and help negotiate a better price if there
are problems (e.g., ledge or significant additional fill requirements).

Arrange land and wetlands surveys as needed.

Draft a floor plan, house design and budget sufficient to proceed with your land purchase.
Attain town zoning permit before you close on the property or written acknowledgement lot is buildable.

A.b. Land: Site Work

Site work drives the total cost of land up or down depending on the extent of work required. I have to assess
these costs and include them in my budget. Here are the main site work budget items we discuss:

Foundation ~ access, windows & walkouts

Septic or city sewer connection
Driveway
Well or public water connection
Utilities ~ electric, gas/propane, phone & cable
Land ~ fill, grading, clearing, tree preservation, lawn and landscaping

I should also be locate the best aesthetic and green position for my home, and the most cost efficient based on
topography. Once contractor and I agree to the site work requirements, I need to order a site plan. The site plan
locates the house on the property and addresses set-back, grading and septic requirements. Once complete, we
arrange to have the site plan approved by the town zoning office.
B. House Plan
Finding and customizing a house plan to suit my needs and desires is one of the best rewards of building new!
Here are some tips to get me started.

I should be selecting my choice of house plans available and select a style that suits my taste and
budget; note that floor plans can be modified to suit anyones needs.

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Assessment Task - 2

I will be digging more online. Many sites offer architect-designed home plans, from basic to
sophisticated. The more I study these websites, the more I learn about home design. Before purchasing
house plans, I will review them online to be sure my choice is within my budget and meets area

building codes, etc.

I will then hire an architect or home designer to design a fully custom home; fees for these services vary
depending on complexity of the plan.

Together, with architect, we review my house plan and make sure details meet I needs including:
o Living space requirements

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Room layout
Window placement
Lighting, switches and outlets
Door swing and position of exits
Fireplace
Interior and exterior trim
Porches
Steps
Furniture layout
Heating elements
Basement and mechanical layout

C. Interior Design
I may have lots of fun planning interior design elements, but its also important to control my costs. An
experienced Interior Designer can help me prioritize my needs and most important desires so to keep me within
budget.
2.

DOCUMENTATION

We state our agreement to all elements of the budget through the construction agreement and construction
documents. Significant components of each include:
Construction Agreement

Legal ~ respective responsibilities of buyer and general contractor

Time ~ identifies time required to get permits, start and complete construction, and warranties
Payment ~ timing of payments are based on completion of construction milestones
Specifications ~ elevation, floor plan, materials, finishes and details of house
Warranties ~ home and manufacturers

Construction Documents

Building Plans ~ detailed dimensions, materials and location of all design elements, all according to
code and plan

Site Plan ~ placement of house, grading, septic and well

3.

PERMITTING

In addition to my zoning permit, my house requires a building permit, regular building department inspections
upon each milestone achievement (e.g., framing, roof and electrical system), approval of an as-built site plan and
certificate of occupancy.

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