1. Select contractor based upon criteria
2. Share vision (& maybe the budget)
3. Designer creates a rough concept w/ menu of budget items for you to consider
4. Engage firm to prepare a full design
   • Fee or credited fee – design is a real resource
5. Revisions (usually 2-3)
6. Itemized pricing proposal & scope of work
7. Engage contract and set time to start including project duration
8. Meet the project foreman
9. Production – Do your inspections!
   • Select materials early
   • Stay ahead of the process
   • Mid stream changes are expensive for everyone
10. Anticipate Changes & Communicate *Issues/Complaints/Problems
11. Work with Contractor as a Team Member – Not an adversary!
12. Close out documents (Client Binder)
    • As Built Sketches
    • Weed Suppression
      • Equipment Manuals & Warrantees
        • Maintenance Instructions
      • Client Survey

Scope of Work/The Elements of the Contract:

• Scope of work items clearly spelled out
• Price Clearly spelled out
• Changes in writing & signed only
• Payment Terms
  • Minimize Down Payment (Stay behind in Payments)
  • Progress Payments
  • Final Payment
• Timing and Days to complete project
• Insurance Requirements