Why have a plan? Can’t I just tell a contractor what I want and they will build it?

In short, yes you can. But with any fast way your taking a risk. I have seen it many times where a customer tells a contractor what they want and unfortunately in the end the customer is unhappy. This situation comes down to communication. The way you communicate to the contractor about what you want is key. At only 5%-15% total cost of the project, a plan provides clear instruction to contractors about what to build.

Take a deck project for example. The average 250sqft deck cost about $6200 to build. This means the plans cost about $350-$400. Not only will it save costly mistakes made from poor communication but it will also save you with the building inspectors. Similarly I have seen contractors get permits, or no permit at all, with vague hand drawn diagrams or written descriptions use wrong materials or construction and the when the inspector inspects he makes the contractor rip out all or some of what was done and redo it. With a proper plan the inspector sees mistakes before they happen because every detail is neatly in front of them to see. The cost of what could be far outweighs the cost of plans.

In the end choose what’s best for your situation, but having a plan is the best and safest way to proceed with a project that involves a lot of your hard earned money and valuable time. Start rite from the beginning and work with a professional to make a plan and again, the cost of what could be far outweighs the cost of a good plan.