Picture this: You’ve broken ground on your dream construction project, one that has been in the pipeline for as long as you can remember. You’re creating a modern and functional space for your family and it’s all coming together as planned. One month into the build, an unforeseen weather event strikes (sound familiar, Kiwis?) and suddenly, your choice of tiles and tapware are the least of your worries, as water damage threatens to cause long-term issues if not dealt with swiftly.

It’s during times like these that transparency and a collaborative approach with your builder are of the utmost importance. In reality, problems can arise at any point during your build, and it’s not always a cyclone ripping through your city that leads to hiccups. Despite meticulous planning, construction projects can encounter unforeseen challenges - be they catastrophic or just a wee bit niggly - at any point along the way.

Whether you’re in the beginning stages of your build or smack bang in the middle, it’s always good to think about how you will manage challenging situations, should they arise. Here are a few strategies I recommend to help things run smoothly when the road gets a little rough.

Prioritise open communication

Establishing a culture of open communication from the outset is crucial. Encourage regular updates from your builder and promptly communicate any concerns or changes in your circumstances. A transparent dialogue enables both parties to address issues collaboratively, ensuring swift resolution. Perhaps you ask for an email update at the end of every week, or you meet on site in person at the beginning of the week to get a good idea of how the build is likely to progress. Get this flowing from the outset.

Put aside some extra money

Include contingency funds in your budget to account for unexpected costs. Whether it's a change in project scope or unforeseen site conditions, having a financial buffer allows for adaptability without derailing the entire project or having to cut costs elsewhere to make up the shortfall.

Be adaptable with your design

Unforeseen circumstances may necessitate design adjustments. Maintain flexibility in your design preferences and collaborate with your builder to find alternative solutions that meet your expectations while staying within budget constraints. It can be disheartening when you have to make changes you weren’t expecting or compromise in certain areas, but often these course corrections can work out in your favour in the long run.

Allow for flexibility in your timeline

Construction timelines can be influenced by various factors, such as weather conditions or unforeseen challenges. Acknowledge that flexibility in timelines may be necessary and work collaboratively with your builder to adjust schedules as needed.

View the site in person, often

Engage in regular site inspections with your builder to assess the progress and make sure everything is going as planned. This proactive approach helps identify potential issues before they escalate. A thorough understanding of the construction site allows for early intervention and effective problem-solving.

Work with a registered Master Builder

Peace of mind comes from working with a builder you can trust and who you know is going to uphold a high standard of craftsmanship and construction. Master Builders represent the best of the industry. With a Master Builder you know they have had to work through a rigorous application process which covers their business experience and craftmanship. A Master Builder can also offer a 10 Year Master Build Guarantee on residential work, which means should issues arise even after the build is complete, you have a level of coverage for up to 10 years. The Master Build Guarantee also provides cover if your builder goes out of business. It is one of the only products on the market to provide loss of deposit or non-completion if your builder goes into liquidation – something worth considering in the current climate.

Managing the unexpected with your builder is an inevitable part of the construction journey, but by employing proactive strategies, you’ll get to a resolution that suits everyone much faster. I hope these tips can help you navigate the twists and turns of your project with a little bit more confidence and a lot more peace of mind.