Updated: 05/10/2024
We have now arrived at the point of the kitchen remodel project where work is being performed and completed. So, we need to take a moment to ensure that the Kitchen Remodel project is running properly and efficiently, up to this point.
Referring back to Project Planning 101, we want to specifically look at Project Management - Monitoring and Controlling. This is where we follow up to ensure the project is running smoothly and all items, elements, and tasks are being completed on time.
Kitchen Remodel – Project Management
- Project Progress vs The Plan
- Project Monitoring and Controlling – Quality
- City Building Inspections
- Additional Building Code Information
- Project Monitoring and Controlling – Corrective Action Plans
Kitchen Remodel
Project Progress vs The Plan
- Is the work being completed according to the plan and scope for each element, trade, or milestone of the project ?
Kitchen Remodel Wiring Plan
- All projects focus on three main elements:
- Schedule
- Cost
- Performance
Schedule
- Schedule – Is the overall project and the individual trades (electrical, plumbing, etc) on schedule? Why or why not?
Project Monitoring and Controlling
Cost
- Cost – Is the actual project cost in line with the current, estimated costs? Why or why not?
Performance
- Performance – Is the work being performed promptly and properly?
Kitchen Remodel – Hardwood Floor Refinishing
This leads us to the next topic on quality.
Project Monitoring and Controlling- Quality
Is the project being executed in accordance to the contract?
Is the project being completed in accordance to the scope of work?
Is the project being built to the exact specifications called out in the design and requested by the customer/homeowner?
The goal is for the customer/homeowner to get what he/she pays for.
Poor quality, in the form of workmanship and/or materials can have a negative impact on the overall project.
Short-term: In the form of rework, schedule slip, and increase to current costs.
Long-term: Unhappy with results, living with the issues, remodeling again sooner than expected, and increased life-cycle/ future costs (maintenance, operation, etc)
It is always safer and cheaper to do it right the first time!
Kitchen Remodel – Faucet/fixtures installed
City Building Inspections
- A City’s Building Inspection Department performs inspections on new construction, remodels, and trades (electrical, mechanical, plumbing) to ensure compliance with applicable building codes. Building codes are designed to ensure the health and safety of structures for the benefit of everyone.
Range hood wiring
Inspections may occur during construction or upon completion of the permitted work. Depending on the scope of work, a final inspection may lead to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, which ensures a structure is safe for occupancy.
- Inspection Resources: The City of Santa Monica has a very thorough set of Building Inspection Checklists that I highly recommend you check out. They will point you in the right direction, should you want to learn more on how each “trade” is to be executed, or if you plan to take on any projects yourself.
- Remember, codes vary from city to city and this list may not be all inclusive. Check with your local building inspector for a complete list of requirements in your area.
Who Can Schedule a Building Inspection?
It is the responsibility of the permit holder - homeowner and/or General Contractor to ensure the proper sequence of inspections.
Anyone associated with the permit can schedule an inspection: the General Contractor, the homeowner (if listed as the general contractor on the permit), the trade contractor, or their official agents.
Many cities are now offering online scheduling for inspections, which make the process easier and more stream-lined.
Reduce schedule risk by scheduling a few “back-up” days, in case you fail inspection or have to perform re-work. This way you don’t lose days getting back in line, especially if the city is over-booked!
Here is an example from Austin, Texas. Click here for more information on scheduling a building inspection.
Additional Building Code Information
- Cities follow the International Building Codes
- Free Access: Click – Go to public access, then click your state.
- Local amendments to the International Building Codes are included in the City’s Building Technical Codes View the Technical Codes and code interpretations for each discipline.
- The example provided is for Austin, Texas, so make sure to check locally.
- Building Inspection is the approval authority for all inspections regulated by the following Technical Codes:
- Commercial Building Code (International Building Code) – Applies to all structures other than one-and-two-family-dwellings and townhomes, and applicable to construction when a building is remodeled or there is a change of occupancy.
- Residential One-and-Two-Family Dwelling Code (International Residential Code) – Applies to all one-and-two-family-dwellings and townhouses, and includes mechanical, plumbing and energy system requirements.
- Plumbing Code (Uniform Plumbing Code) – Applies to all plumbing system installations. Natural gas installations are also regulated by the plumbing code.
- Commercial Mechanical Code (Uniform Mechanical Code) – Applies to all mechanical systems regulated by the Commercial Building Code.
- Electrical Code (National Electrical Code) – Applies to all electrical systems installed in the jurisdiction.
- Free NEC Access: Requires email and free account redistration with NFPA.org. Alternate access would cost $100+ for downloads/purchase.
- Kitchen Electrical Code Basics
Source: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/building-inspections
Project Monitoring and Controlling – Corrective Action Plans
It’s never too late to get back on track, if your project goes “off the rails”. This is why project monitoring and controlling is so important throughout the project – from Project Initiation to Project Close!
Reassess project schedule: Can the project tolerate schedule slip? If not, can remaining tasks be performed in parallel/together, to get back on schedule?
Reassess project cost: Is the project in a cost overrun status? Can cost reductions be made to labor, materials, or overhead costs (administrative, design, etc)?
Reassess project performance: Are acceptable trade-offs available to decrease scope of work, or shorten work execution times?
These assessments will get back on schedule AND stay on schedule!
THE KEY POINT TO REMEMBER: Project Monitoring and Controlling is a continuous process that should be revisited along the duration of the project – From START to FINISH!!!
Now that we have the process of Project Monitoring and Controlling down, and can ensure project success, it’s time to move on to the final project phase:
Vintage Kitchen Remodel, Part 7 – Project Closeout/Lessons Learned
Need more kitchen remodel ideas, or want to see the full list of items used , visit the MOHF Kitchen Remodel Resource Page for all the details.
Best of luck, and keep on Fixing!
For more info visit: www.myoldhousefix.com
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