Building A Team, Article By GB General Contractors

In every project, the homeowner has an idea in their mind of what they want for their space. The “team” then has the responsibility of transferring their vision into the finished product. It is critical that the team, which includes the architect/designer, builder/contractor, and interior designer, have the common goal of fulfilling the homeowner’s ultimate dream. Additionally, strong chemistry between the team members is essential in order to understand the client’s needs and guide them through the process. The team members all play different, yet equally important roles in the project.

Communication between the homeowner and the rest of the team is largely the role of the architect/designer. At this stage the project budget should be discussed with the homeowner in order for the architect/designer to produce plans within the budget. The architect/designer takes the homeowner’s desires and needs and transforms them in to the construction plans. These detailed set of plans, which may be edited and changed several times in order to achieve the perfect project, give the vision of the overall project to the entire team.

Once the plans fit the homeowner’s approval they are then turned over to the builder/contractor to begin the actual building process. Maintaining communication with the homeowner during the construction process is vital to instill confidence and ensure their desires are being met.

Final plans are reviewed and signed off on by all members of the team and homeowner, in order to avoid any confusion. Once that is complete meetings with the different trades/vendors will be scheduled to discuss the responsibilities of all involved in the actual construction of the project. After consulting with the trades, the builder/contractor will give an estimated schedule date for the finished project. This date is generally flexible and may be changed, as the project is underway, however with constant communication they will be able to move forward to complete the project in a timely manner.

It is the designer/decorator’s main function to read the personality and style of the homeowner in order to transform the house into the home of their dreams. Their knowledge and vast experience will assist in making decisions on the finishing touches, bringing all the elements together, making the overall project a success.

Building the “dream team” requires gathering individuals who possess integrity, great communication, teamwork and trust. Choosing team members that you have worked well with in the past, who come highly recommended by those whom you respect, will result in a team that is able to not only accomplish the homeowner’s desires, but to exceed them.

by Gil Boyles, President
GB General Contractors Inc., Tomball, Texas