Write down how the building will be used. A family cottage, a rental villa and a hospitality business have different layouts, operations and approval considerations. Share expected occupancy, accessibility needs and the facilities that matter most.
Start with a site assessment. Access, terrain, drainage, utilities and the ability to deliver materials affect the design and the construction plan. Commission the surveys and professional advice appropriate to the site rather than copying a design from an unrelated location.
Ask for the proposed scope in plain language. Separate design, surveys, approvals, structural work, finishes, services, landscaping and furniture. Identify what the quotation excludes and how changes will be estimated and approved.
Work with appropriately qualified professionals on legal, structural and statutory requirements. Feasibility and permissions must be established for the actual site and intended use. A consultation or concept drawing is not an approval to build.
Agree milestones, payment stages and the process for inspecting completed work. Document material specifications and the handling of variations. Keep records of decisions so the owner, designer and contractor work from the same brief.
Plan the handover too. Ask for the records, operating instructions, warranties and maintenance information you will need. A successful project is a usable space with a clear scope, not just an attractive exterior.
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