What if you don’t want your project to take a long time? Can you shorten the timeline of design, building or renovating?

Is it possible that a shorter timeline can be realistic for your project?

If you’re planning a reno or new build, it can already feel overwhelming (especially when starting out).

And then, when you add price rises, supply delays, legislation changes and economic challenges to that, it can feel BIG.

One great thing I’m seeing homeowners do right now is that you’re creating a longer (time) runway for yourselves prior to your projects. You’re researching and getting ready, sooner. I think this is awesome, and more necessary than ever.

Can you shorten your project timeline? In some ways, yes.

Because as you start to dig into your project and what you need to know, usually 2 things happen:

#1 you realise how much you don’t know

#2 you realise how much longer this will take than you first anticipated

And because it’s going to take longer than you possibly realise right now, it’s useful to surround yourself with a team that can look ahead on your behalf.

Plus, staying informed about upcoming changes in the industry and your local legislation is also worthwhile.

What if you don’t want your project to take a long time? Can you shorten the timeline of design, building or renovating?

In some ways, yes.

If you’re building new, you can choose a home off-the-plan, as this will reduce your design time. Architopia and Homeful are some options we’ve talked about on the “Get it Right” podcast.

You could also choose pre-fab, which could potentially shorten construction time, and if you choose an existing design, shorten design time too.

But if you want a custom home or renovation, built specifically for your site and family, those options may not be suitable for you.

So, rather than trying to shorten the design process or the construction process, structure your project to save time in the overall workflow.

What do I mean by this?

Well … most handle their project workflow in a really linear fashion. Hiring one consultant at a time, and passing the design through each person individually.

This is usually done to save on fees, as individual professionals (your designer, engineer, energy efficiency assessor, etc) will be involved over smaller timeframes and doing less work generally … but it can often result in delays, extra costs (in re-doing and fixing things) and a much longer process overall.

Instead, where can you group these individuals together?

And where can you overlap their work so that they’re collaborating and solving the same problems together, as the work is happening?

Yes, this may initially cost more in professional fees. But it will considerably save you in avoided mistakes and re-doing work. And, it’s the best way to incorporate efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities as your design and drawings are being done (rather than after they’re finished).

This may mean that, early on in your project, you’re most likely assembling a team of:

• a designer / architect (not sure who to use? This may help)
• a builder (under a separate pre-construction agreement)
• a structural engineer (learn what they do here)
• a town planner (if a DA is needed) a building certifier / surveyor
• an energy efficiency assessor / TPA

(You can check out Season 4 of the podcast to learn more about these roles).

You may not be paying them all from the get-go. (Some may be willing to provide input knowing their fee-paying work comes later).

You may be paying some a very small amount, with their chunkier fees to come when they step into the process more fully.

Or you may have a fee agreement with all of them that reflects their collaborative involvement, and fees are stepped out over stages.

But what you do by involving all of them, is that you get all that intel informing your project as it happens. And your timeline shrinks as a result of them working efficiently together, streamlining the steps involved in your project journey.

And, they can look at your project (and your dreams for it) and be giving you a heads-up about upcoming changes to legislation (such as the NCC 2022 changes that will to impact projects from 1 May 2023 onwards).

You also avoid what someone told me about today: that their builder said it’ll be 12 months to even get a quote from their timber supplier (not the actual materials themselves).

Because when the builder is at the design table, and lining up suppliers, they can be sharing where you may need to change materials and products based on real-time industry delays and price-rises.

Whilst you’re still designing.

I believe it’s a false economy to hire one person at a time.

And I think you waste a huge opportunity where this know-how and individual expertise benefits your home.

As projects are costing more, and the cost of mistakes is much more significant, who you use and how you work with them becomes more critical.

And being informed and educated will help you do this really well.

That’s why you’re here isn’t it?

Please know – the simple fact you’re investing this time and energy in your project preparation already puts you in a really great position.

So, if you’re nervous about your project, I totally understand. That’s really normal. This IS a big deal.

And there’s a huge amount of (mis)information out there at the moment about the state of the industry, the $$$ and what’s going on in building and renovating.

But if you’re here, learning and researching … and listening to the podcast … getting yourself educated about the steps involved, and tapping into reliable and experienced professionals who can help you.

If a renovation or new build is what you really want to do, keep at it. As you may have heard me say – it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon.

So do the right training now so you can run that marathon like a pro.

RESOURCES:

Who should you use? Architect, building designer or draftsperson [Part 1] >>>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-who-should-you-use-home-design-part-1/

The Process to Help Your Home Design be on Budget and Simpler to Build | PAC Process >>>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-home-design-on-budget-pac-process/

Season 4 talks about the roles of the people in your project >>>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast/season-4/

Editions of the National Construction Code >>>> https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions-national-construction-code

Working with a builder during the design process, with Duayne Pearce | PAC Process >>>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-builder-process-pac-process-duayne-pearce/

Season 13 talks about the ‘next big steps’ to take in your project >>>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast/season-13/

Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/