Showing posts with label building. Show all posts
Showing posts with label building. Show all posts

Sunday, 14 February 2010

Checklist for Your Metal Building Project

Many companies will save money when they operate in a metal building. Metal buildings are cheaper to construct than conventional methods and can be built in about half the time. Not only will a business save money in construction costs, but in maintenance costs over the life of the building. Metal buildings are also more adaptable than other types of buildings as they can have a column-free interior, thus allowing any floor-plan configuration needed for maximum production, storage, or personnel capacity.

Therefore, if a business is considering a construction project for a new building, then it is necessary to have all the facts on metal buildings. For example, metal buildings of today are not the limited use and unsightly structures that were built in the past. To the contrary, thanks to recent innovations, metal buildings are used for a variety of applications--from small, one-car garages to large, aircraft hangars able to accommodate jumbo jets. For any construction plans, there is a basic checklist to consider that will help you with a metal building project and should be considered and understood before undertaking any metal building project. The checklist defines the roles of the people involved in the project and is listed below.

The Construction Project is all encompassing and includes all materials that make up the metal building system and work that needs to be completed at the jobsite. The foundation work, land preparation, and finish work should also be included in the definition of a complete building project.

The Contract Documents are the legal instruments defining the work and materials needed to complete the construction project. For a metal building construction project, it is normal to have separate documents for the contractor, general contractor, and metal building dealer. Contract documents, at a minimum, outline the work to be completed, pricing, timeline, and any other requirements that are applicable to the metal building project.

The Contractor is that person who will supply materials and complete the erection of the metal building system.

The Dealer (an independent contractor) is that person who will order and purchase the metal building system from the supplier. The Dealer resells the building to the end-user and may or may not be the person to complete erection or provide other services to complete the metal building project.

The Designer is the person responsible for the design of the metal building. The Designer can be an architect or engineer that is hired to implement the desired and required design specifications for the metal building project. This would include the metal building system and its erection. The Designer can also assist in the overseeing of the construction project to ensure contract compliance.

The End-user owns the metal building construction project for eventual occupation, leasing, and future sale of the metal building.

The Erector assembles or erects the metal building system. The Erector could also be the contractor, general contractor, or a third party working under a sub-contractor.

The General Contractor is responsible for providing all the materials and work for the metal building project as itemized in the contract documents.

The Metal Building Supplier designs and supplies the materials for the metal building project.

Review all of the above aspects of the various personnel involved in a metal building project and have a clear understanding via legal documentation of all roles and responsibilities before beginning construction. In conclusion, while a metal building provides the best structure for just about any business needs, it is important to have all the facts before construction begins to avoid any confusion and have accurate expectations of the roles of the people involved in the project. You will indeed save valuable time and money with a metal building. Using a metal building is certainly a smart decision for your business. Therefore, know the various roles of the people involved to make the process move forward swiftly and more smoothly.

Saturday, 9 January 2010

Building, Remodeling or Flipping a New home- Insider information

When it comes to remodeling, investing in, or "flipping" houses the are a lot of things to take into consideration. For the new guy, this can soon become an overwhlming process and you can easily lose mony of your are now careful/

Here some tips if you are wanting to RemodelFlip Houses (Buy a house fix it up and then Resell it for profit)

If you are into real estate investing then you more than likely have been thinking about the idea of buying and selling houses. I have been doing it for quite some time and here are some tips for you.

1. If you know nothing about construction then I HIGHLY recommend you hire a General Contractor ( GC ). A reputable contractor will meet you onsite and look at the subject property. You should be able to get some estimates of repair. Make sure he/she is licensed and insured. Get a copy of his contractors license. Absolutly DO NOT try to go into it thinking you get everything done yourself in 4 weeks on a budget of $10,000.00

2. When arranging your financing with a lender ask for an interest only loan for 1 year. Your payments will be lower. If for some reason it takes longer than a year to sell the house you can sign for another year. Make sure you confirm this with your bank.

2. Make sure that you figure your carrying costs into your loan. By doing this you will have financed the payments and be able to draw from the bank when a payment is due. The amount of payments you can include will vary depending on the Loan to Value (LTV)

This will keep you from going out of pocket for a few months. Hopefully the property will sell.

3. When you have received the estimate from the contractor add about 3-5% to it. I am not suggesting that your contractor is trying to scam you. The fact is all budgets (when flipping houses) run over. So count on it up front so you are not surprised in the end.

4. Call your insurance company get the premium amount and add those numbers into your loan. When the payment is due draw from the loan.

5. Make sure you figure in utility expenses. Take into consideration the season and the type of utilities the property has. You may need to add more or less depending.

6. Strongly evaluate the market in which you are investing. Do your homework and see what other properties are selling for. Too many times I see people get into this business, not figure in all that there is and then try to sell for more because they are over budget.
Have all your numbers together.

7. Go to the job EVERYDAY or at least every other day. If you do not have time to do this ...then do not flip houses. Whether you are doing the work or a GC, the project will go more smoothly, closer to budget and be completed on time. If you are using a GC this is imperative. He or she will need your opinion daily.

8. Always install new appliances.

9. Pick out all of your colors out before you start. Write them all down and make sure your GC has a copy. This is crucial to getting the job done on time. If anything needs special ordered you will know it upfront. Not to mention if you have to be unavailable for some sort of emergency...everyone can still keep working.

10. Allow a reasonable time frame. Take into consideration holidays and weather. Do not kid yourself. Be realistic. Don't expect anyone to work on Christmas day unless you are.

I have had good flips and bad ones. Every flip has had a surprise. With my most recent one I encountered over 200 bats in the roof. It cost me $1,800 to have them removed and I did not have that expense figured into the budget.

Have you ever flipped a house. If so please share.

To your success,

Sean

Make sure you look at the Building Home Checklist. This is a must have tool considering building a new home.

Wishing you the best