FROM BUILDING WORRIER TO BUILDING WARRIOR

In his latest how-to offering, Chandler (Property Development For Beginners, 2013, etc.) attempts to help investors, homebuilders and renovators avoid the possible pitfalls of construction projects.

Working in the property-development industry for 30 years, Chandler has seen problems—e.g., projects that go over budget, conflicts with builders, bureaucratic headaches—that could have been avoided or at least alleviated with effective communication and due diligence. Chandler’s easy-to-read strategy begins with some personal questions to ponder, such as how a construction project will affect a person’s work or family life. As a rule of thumb, and to avoid unexpected stress, Chandler suggests allowing two years for a renovation project. A plethora of construction and commercial-acquisition subjects are briefly discussed, including cost planning, obtaining authority approvals and permits, and how to compare different builder “tenders” or cost proposals. However, this isn’t a detailed, step-by-step guide for building a home or acquiring properties for profit. Though homebuilders and renovators can utilize the general ideas presented, the overall tone is geared for large-scale projects and sometimes feels like a pitch for the author’s current career as a building and property-development consultant. Nonetheless, Chandler’s calm, clearheaded advice is valuable, with the crux of his message revolving around careful planning and good communication with all persons involved—designers, builders, authorities, etc. For example, instead of telling a designer what he wants, Chandler either uses a red pen to alter a real estate agent’s brochure floor plan or draws his own. These rough sketches can then be professionally changed to fit reality, since, as Chandler says, showing instead of telling gives the designer a better idea of a person’s vision and reduces the chances of disappointment with the final product. Likewise, says Chandler, well-drafted building contracts can help eliminate future problems with builders, and knowing about different types of insurance, like “Professional Indemnity” versus “Construction All Risk,” can reduce liability. Novices may be overwhelmed with all of the information presented, but the author includes a glossary of terms and urges readers to seek experts for further professional help.       

A solid, discerning starting point for larger projects.