When you’re remodeling or starting a new project, you’ll begin by researching the people you contemplate working with. Whether they’re architects, designers or builders, make a point of asking for an initial interview that will include looking at some of their projects. I’m always amazed by how accurate our instincts can be. Most of us know within a few moments of meeting someone whether we’re comfortable with them. While there are a number of criteria you want to examine, simply liking the person you plan to collaborate with is significant. You’re going to experience some pitfalls, nasty surprises and down moments in the process of building. They will be a lot easier to overcome when you trust and respect your collaborators.
Ask the obvious questions about what attracted them to their chosen field and how many projects they’ve completed that are relevant to yours. Find out what gets them really excited about their job. See if they’ll tell you what they find most difficult or stressful. How many other projects will they be working on simultaneously with yours? Do they have the time and/or manpower to handle them all efficiently? What green practices, systems or products are they most enthused about? When I first interviewed general contractors for my house, my architect said, “Ask them what’s their favorite power tool?” Evidently there are clues to be gleaned, but I’m still not sure what they are.
Ask to see projects that are similar to yours and talk to the owners. Were they happy with the person? Did the job finish on time and on budget? If not, why not? What did they find most challenging about working with this individual? What was most rewarding? Would they do it again?
If you’re planning a green project that will require third-party certification, you need to involve the certifier early on. Every site is different. Every project presents unique challenges and opportunities. Review the checklists or other criteria the certifier will be using with the people you’ve chosen to work with to make preliminary decisions about what makes sense for your job and your budget.
Budget – there’s a loaded word. It will be larger than you hope. Try to find a balance between being dogmatically inflexible and a good-natured pushover.
Ask the obvious questions about what attracted them to their chosen field and how many projects they’ve completed that are relevant to yours. Find out what gets them really excited about their job. See if they’ll tell you what they find most difficult or stressful. How many other projects will they be working on simultaneously with yours? Do they have the time and/or manpower to handle them all efficiently? What green practices, systems or products are they most enthused about? When I first interviewed general contractors for my house, my architect said, “Ask them what’s their favorite power tool?” Evidently there are clues to be gleaned, but I’m still not sure what they are.
Ask to see projects that are similar to yours and talk to the owners. Were they happy with the person? Did the job finish on time and on budget? If not, why not? What did they find most challenging about working with this individual? What was most rewarding? Would they do it again?
If you’re planning a green project that will require third-party certification, you need to involve the certifier early on. Every site is different. Every project presents unique challenges and opportunities. Review the checklists or other criteria the certifier will be using with the people you’ve chosen to work with to make preliminary decisions about what makes sense for your job and your budget.
Budget – there’s a loaded word. It will be larger than you hope. Try to find a balance between being dogmatically inflexible and a good-natured pushover.
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