Landscape Design and Construction
Making the Most from Pre-construction Meetings P
re-construction meetings save contractors time and money. Even experienced contractors with experienced foreman and crew members will benefit from a pre- construction meeting.
Pre-construction meetings create an understanding of expecta-
tions from all parties to perform a contract (owner, contractor and related subcontractors). In doing so, they help eliminate surprises and costly errors on jobs, and facilitate communication through- out a project. Are pre-construction meetings only for commercial jobs? No, pre-construction meetings are a must for any contractor, big or small, and for any project regardless of size.
Pre-construction meetings for residential projects Residential paver installation projects have their own unique set of considerations. The following is a discussion checklist for contractors and homeowners for an interlocking concrete pave- ment pre-construction meeting for residential projects:
www.landscapeirrigation.com • Discuss who will contact the local utility service to mark un-
derground utilities. This is typically the responsibility of the con- tractor. If it is not part of your typical contract, make sure that is clearly understood by both parties. • Who has the responsibility for locating and marking un-
derground lawn and sprinkler lines? The utility service will generally not locate lawn irrigation pipes, so this is the time to work together to identify sprinkler lines that others have in- stalled.
• Identify a location for the delivery of materials before the
project starts. The contactor should work with the homeowner to identify an accessible area for the delivered pavers, crushed stone (aggregate) and bedding sand. Does the homeowner want to be present when materials are delivered to ensure access during con- struction? What is the most convenient access for the contractor's equipment?
• Discuss the local municipality's regulations regarding tempo- Landscape and Irrigation 13
