CHECKLIST FOR A SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

PLANNING YOUR PROJECT - Take adequate time to plan. Be sure your project is well thought-out, meets both short and long term needs, and fits your budget.

ADEQUATE LAND - Make certain your site is adequate for your project. Land should be spacious enough to allow for construction and future expansion, but be careful you don't end up with too much land and wasted space that could put undue stress on your budget.

EFFICIENT SITE LAYOUT - An efficient site plan allows for adequate construction, reasonable future expansion, plenty of parking, well laid out drive thru lanes and appropriate entrances and exits.

EFFICIENT BUILDING DESIGN - Make sure your floor plan is functional. It should comfortably meet the needs of your employees and clients. Under build and you could have cramped quarters from the day you occupy the premises. Overbuild and you might end up with wasted space that unnecessarily drives up occupancy and maintenance costs. Your building should be designed to portray a professional image.

CHOOSE EXPERIENCED INDIVIDUALS TO DESIGN AND BUILD YOUR FACILITY - A Financial Institution is a specialized building with unique construction requirements - security systems, drive-up lanes, safe deposit vaults, ATMs, after hours depository, and under counter teller fixtures to name a few. It is best to use knowledgeable and experienced people to design and build your financial institution.

AVOID THESE PITFALLS:

SELF MANAGEMENT OF THE PROJECT - Managing a Financial Institution is a difficult job in its own, and, it is hard to be both a financial manager and a construction manager at the same time. It is a wise idea to rely on the experience and expertise of a qualified design/build firm.

OPEN-ENDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS - Always ask for guaranteed pricing. Change orders can significantly increase the cost of your project.