Successfully managing a relationship with a builder and a client on a building project, is like navigating any relationship. It is important that communication is paramount. This means not only ‘regular’ communication, but also ‘consistent lines’ of communication.

One of the major functions your architect plays during the build phase is to act as your ‘agent’ managing the interface with the builder and communication with you on all manner of things. This can include amendments to the scope, time delays, design amendments, payment of invoices and the list goes on. Effectively, anything that comes up, is managed by your architect on your behalf in communication with your builder directly.

This process requires a regular and consistent interface between these two parties so that both are across the issues at hand and both can keep records of items outstanding etc. To promote this, we insist on regular weekly site meetings during the build phase, from which action lists for the week ahead are established and any questions are answered.

If this communication is not regular, the number of items to be addressed can become lengthy potentially slowing down the build process. If this communication is not direct between architect and builder and the client takes it upon themselves to instruct the builder directly without the architects knowledge this is when things can get messy. There is no longer a consistent line of communication, the client may instruct something without realising the issues, and the architect may be in a position if something goes wrong, to not be able to enforce correction by the builder.

In other words a vast array of issues can arise if the client directly instructs the builder without the architects knowledge. So the basic advice this week is. Ensure that whatever the system is that is agreed, that communication remains regular and consistent if you want to avoid the potential for delays or problems. Rely on your architect to manage this communication effectively and clearly and all should sun smoothly :)

Image to the left of one such site meeting with client and builder present, underfloor insulation in place and slab now poured.