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How do I start my project?
This is a Good Question.
First, you must determine exactly what you are trying to achieve or want. Once you’ve completed that, you must obtain a list of local reputable contractors that offer FREE consultation services to help walk you through the feasibility of your project. I.E. General cost and site work evaluation. (Will it work. Yes/No)
Once I determined that the project is possible what do I do?
Depending on the size and complexity, you should consult with a site development engineer. Your local contractor should be able to recommend someone for you. If not, you may not have the right contractor for the job. All reputable contractors will have engineering services they work with.
How do I know if I have the right contractor?
To determine if you have the right contractor you must
- Have the contractor provide multiple references for your type of project. I.E. size, complexity, and cost.
- Contact the references and ask them:
- Were they completed on time?
- Were there added costs?
- Were the costs customer requests or contractor recommendations?
- Did they conduct themselves as professionals?
- Was their equipment in good working order?
- Talk to the local building code enforcers. Ask them about the type of work the contractors have done in the past. (Good and bad)
- Have they ever had a bad job? What were the results? Talk to the customer.
Tally up the questions and answers and you will find your answer quickly. If the time always runs over, then project management will be an issue. If costs consistently run over, then the contractor may have a financial problem.
Who is responsible for legal issues such as permits/variances?
Always remember that you, the owner of the property, are ultimately responsible in the court of law for what happens on your property. This stands regardless of what the contractor tells you. Always verify that permits and variances are in place. Often permits and variances are overlooked by small communities and contractors, causing problems for everyone involved.
How do I know I got a good deal?
This is hard to determine unless you provide a specification list and control the bidding process yourself, to verify that you are getting exactly apples to apples from each bidder. It is very common to receive different bids based on different material lists. Keep in mind a good deal is not always the best price. Quality might have been sacrificed to get that lower price. Pay attention to the detail of the workmanship.
I have selected my contractor and have verified that my permits are in order what do I do now?
We always recommend that our customers take the time to talk to their local neighbors and advise them of what is coming. We as a contractor “Fields Construction & Excavating, Inc.” like to introduce ourselves to the neighbors and/or be introduced to whoever may be affected during the project.
I completed all the tasks mentioned above and feel ready to begin is that it?
No. On the start date always verify that.
- Insurance policy is valid
- The contract is in place
- Change order form and process is understood
- Communication lines are defined and open (Communication is the most common failure in a project)
- Permits are valid and posted
- Plans are reviewed and understood one last time
I want to build a permanent dock who do I call?
Most dock and mooring laws are governed by local code enforcement. That is where you should start. The local code enforcement office can then provide you with a list of qualified installers.
When doing other types of lake work who do I contact?
This is a popular question; something your contractor should know. If they don’t, you may have an unqualified contractor. The public lakes consist of multiple organizations that govern them and they all manage a different part of the water.
What is the best type of Break-Wall to install?
Things to consider when determining what kind of break-wall to install are budget, time for installation, length of time you plan to own the property. Masonry style walls will cost more to install but will sustain the weather and water longer if properly installed. Types of masonry can vary from decorative blocks to solid stone/concrete. Remember that solid masonry stone will have a much greater chance of cracking or failing due to Northeast weather changes. Block masonry walls will have a greater chance to succeed due to the ability to move and not crack. Timber style walls, while cheaper to install, will fail sooner and need to be replaced more often then masonry. Maintenance of timber style walls also plays into the accounting cost and is sometimes overlooked. Steel is another cost-effective option for break-walls and has a greater life expectancy than timber, but not longer than masonry.
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