Comprehensive Guide to Residential Construction
Choosing the right contractor for your residential construction project is the first step toward completing your build on time and within budget. You’re not just outsourcing work: You’re essentially choosing a business partner.
The right contractor will help you streamline everything from building design and project management to final inspection and opening. That’s why, in this article, we’ll cover the key concepts of residential construction wherein a contractor can help you the most, including:
- Planning and design;
- Project management;
- Construction challenges and solutions;
- Equipment and techniques;
- And more.
We’ll start with project planning and design, an integral first step to any residential construction project.
Planning and Design
Why You Can’t Skip Residential Construction Planning (Plus Key Elements to Include)
Working with an experienced contractor will help you clearly define every step of the residential construction process from start to finish while taking into consideration potential delays and budget overruns.
Key elements in a solid construction plan include securing permits, drafting scaled and certified site plans, and creating detailed construction plans for the building itself.
How the Design Process Works in Residential Construction
Generally, there are five steps in the design stage of residential builds:
- Schematics;
- Developing the design;
- Drafting construction documents;
- Opening the project to construction bids; and
- Ongoing oversight of the project when construction begins.
Collaboration and close communication between all parties while complying with strict permit requirements and building code regulations are essential to success.
Project Management
Why Effective Project Management Is Essential in the Residential Construction Industry
Project managers are the MVPs in the construction game, often responsible for the planning, initiation, task assignment, resource allocation, monitoring, and budgeting of the project.
Hiring a project manager with strong communication skills will help ensure smooth project completion from start to finish. A sharp project manager will serve as the liaison for all parties involved, ensuring the team is on the same page and making the necessary progress with their responsibilities.
7 Project Types You Can Hire Residential Construction Contractors to Complete
There are various residential construction types, all with specific considerations that contractors must understand and respect.
A few examples are:
- Single-family: A fairly flexible construction project. Single-family properties can often be designed and executed without worry of interference with surrounding structures.
- Multi-family: These are often large and diverse builds that blend amenities like pools, gyms, and communal areas with residential spaces.
- Garages and other property extensions: These adjoining structures, while smaller, still demand care and precision.
During and after the construction process, safety is of utmost importance. Safety considerations for both the construction team and future residents of the property must be exercised and accounted for regardless of the build.
Other important residential project considerations include accessibility for disabled occupants and environmental impacts.
Construction Challenges and Solutions
8 Challenges of Residential Construction Projects
Residential builds of varying shapes and sizes often confront these eight challenges, two of which include material and labor shortages that are often dictated by market dynamics and out of your contractor’s control.
Other notable challenges include poor team communication, unforeseen delays, and failure to secure the proper permits.
Strategies exist to overcome—or at least limit the impact of—these challenges. Hiring a full-service contractor who can facilitate great communication, source reliable subcontractors, and handle the necessary permits and paperwork is one solution to addressing and avoiding these common hurdles.
An In-Depth Look at the Residential Construction Design Process
The residential design process starts with close communication between architects and clients to discuss the project’s vision and goals, working together to identify and propose solutions to current and potential setbacks.
Structural, engineering, and interior design plans are also drafted in the design phase.
Addressing design challenges requires tailored approaches. Great communication is, again, the critical factor for success. Patience, foresight, and flexibility are also essential.
Equipment and Techniques
The Ultimate List of Residential Construction Equipment and Their Uses
Many types of heavy equipment are often found on residential construction sites.
Some examples include bulldozers, excavators, telehandlers, and compact truckloaders, all of which feature specialized uses and benefits.
Bulldozers push heavy loads and loosen compact soil. Excavators can dig trenches and help lay foundations. Telehandlers are flexible lifters and movers of construction materials, while compact truckloaders remove dirt and debris without mangling the site’s ground.
Renovation vs. New Build
Should You Renovate or Build New in Residential Construction?
Renovating instead of rebuilding is generally cheaper and may still increase the property’s value.
Building new has the advantage of fully utilizing modern building techniques while providing the opportunity for greater architectural expression.
Some potential setbacks of renovating include potentially expensive work and unpredictable project delays as existing issues are uncovered. New builds have drawbacks of their own, such as increased costs and longer construction times.
Contractor Selection Tips
11 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Contractor for
Residential Builds
How do you differentiate worthwhile contractors from those who are just looking to land the next big contract?
Here are some key considerations for reviewing bids:
- Are they experienced in residential construction?
- Do they have a good safety record?
- Do they have a verifiable physical location, contact number, and website?
- Are their previous projects viewable either by portfolio or in-person visits?
- Are they demanding full payment upfront or pressuring you to make immediate decisions?
These are only a handful of the big questions to ask before proceeding.
Construction itself is also evolving. Clients can benefit by selecting well-versed contractors who understand the fundamentals while integrating modern, innovative practices.
Modular construction, 3D printing, and prioritizing energy efficiency are just a few of these future-focused approaches.
Finding the Right Residential Construction Company:
7 Tips for Hiring Contractors
There’s never a shortage of contractors eager to win your contract. This makes critical evaluation of potential candidates a vital skill.
Some hiring tips for selecting the right residential construction company include:
- Get multiple estimates;
- Review credentials;
- Verify experience;
- Ensure complete transparency;
- Check their financial stability;
- Look for strong subcontractor relationships; and
- Ensure your budgeting, timeline, and project goals align with theirs.
Mastering these hiring tips will build confidence and help you make the right choice, the first time.
Minimize Delays and Maximize Efficiency With RPC General Contractors
Successful residential construction projects can be complex and challenging, but they don’t have to be difficult and intimidating. It’s possible to streamline the process and avoid unnecessary stress by choosing the right partner.
RPC General Contractors is devoted to fulfilling our clients’ construction goals. Since 1987, our full-service solutions have helped many single- and multi-family units come to life alongside other unique designs and property enhancements.
Contact us today for more information or an expert consultation. We’d love to help make your residential construction project everything you envision!
Residential Gallery
RPC has helped create some unique, diverse domestic spaces. From single- and multi-story residential projects to rustic barns and suburban home cinemas, our expertise can make any new construction or property enhancement truly special.
