Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Is the construction phase really predictable?

[Unnat (Zen]

Hi Veena

Is the construction phase really predictable?  No.

In my recent experience, 3 out of 4 projects took much longer.  The one
that was completed in time was a single, low cost 'off the rack' house
built to a standard formula by the developers.  The others were our 8 +
C/H rental project, our adjacent 4 house equity project (different
builders) and a friend's creatively designed single house.

There are so many factors; the experience and professionalism of your
designers and builders, how they work with you and with each other, how
together the individuals in your group are, the innovative aspects of
the design and the experience of the tradespeople who are making it
happen, weather, bureaucracy, etc.  So many things you can't control.
Personal responsibility is a big one, ie the degree to which anyone
involved can say, 'Yeh, I stuffed up - I'll fix it!"  Not something I've
heard a lot during the constructions.  Blaming can take up so much time.

So don't start packing yet.  The construction phase will give your group
opportunity to dwell on some 'how are we going to live together' issues
to kill the time.  Also, take this time to socialise with each other
with picnics and community dinners.  The building is an exciting phase.

Regards
Robyn Williams
Pinakarri Community
Fremantle, Western Australia.