Whew! All
that work and you’re finally ready to go! You know what resources
your community has. You know what you need to do, and who’s going
to do it. All that’s left is to put your plan into action.
Your plan
might be to build a single piece of infrastructure (such as a
viewing blind), construct a series of prioritized projects (such
as a birding trail), or develop an action plan for a variety of
activities.
Certain guidelines
will be helpful to consider.
For example:
- If you'll
be hiring a consultant, be clear about who will do what. Do
your research about the consultant's background and expertise.
- If you're
planning an event such as a wildlife festival, do you have enough
volunteers and staff? Enough space?
- Whatever
the scope of your project, our packet of forms can help guide
you through the implementation process.
When hiring
a consultant, a well-written contract should cover:
The work to be completed, the amount and timing for various payments,
and the responsibilities of each party, a good contract should
include provisions to protect both you and the contractor if terms
are not met. Most contractors have their own forms, but you can
supply your own. Don't hesitate to negotiate changes in a standard
contract. If you're unsure of any legal language, consult an attorney.
The contract will follow the project through to completion—and,
if necessary, to court.
A sensible
work schedule.
After you settle contract terms, discuss daily start and stop
times as well as completion dates for each phase of the project.
Determine if you need to leave the house (during demolition, for
example) or can live there while the project is underway. Let
your neighbors know what to expect in terms of traffic and noise.
Be considerate; ask your contractor to avoid using power tools
before 9 a.m.
A clear
payment schedule.
For most projects, a staggered schedule of payments coinciding
with key completion dates works best.
Most experts
recommend withholding 10 percent of the project's cost until after
completion, to ensure that the contractor will return to fix problems.
Weekly
meetings.
Before the project begins, schedule a meeting with the contractor
and the project manager to discuss details including the master
schedule, work hours, safety, and daily cleanup. Set a time for
a regular weekly meeting to discuss any persistent problems or
issues that arise during construction.
Project
documents.
File all documents relating to the project, including the plans,
the master schedule, change orders, and warranties or manuals
for appliances, fixtures, and systems. The documents should be
accessible to you, the contractor, and the project manager.
Communications
protocol.
Homeowners often complain that they can't reach a contractor who
doesn't show up for work. To avoid this problem, compile a list
of telephone, fax, pager, and cell phone numbers for every essential
person on the project—yourself included—at the first
project meeting. Give everyone a copy and post one at the house.
Make sure the contractor understands that you expect to be informed
of changes in the work schedule.
A safe
and secure job site.
Make sure that you and your contractor agree on safety issues,
on-the-job conduct (no alcohol, for example), storage, cleanup
of building materials, and disposal of hazardous substances. Some
states require contractors to hold regular safety meetings with
workers. Know the rules and abide by them for your own safety.
A clean
finish.
A working relationship can quickly deteriorate when a contractor
doesn't clean up post-construction mess. Work areas should be
picked up daily and cleaned when the project is finished. You
may want to include a provision for professional janitorial services
in the contract.
