Pre-construction budgets and schedules lay the groundwork for a seamless transition into the construction phase. Ensuring alignment between the club staff and your contractors is pivotal for a smooth renovation process. One benefit of early action on budgets, schedules and team build-out is that it affords you time leading into construction. During these months, dialing in the details should be the focus.
The Art of Material Selection
The decisions surrounding material selection are huge for a successful golf course renovation. There are so many options available, and factors like regional suitability, grow-in programs and maintenance requirements must be carefully considered. This decision-making process demands both time and a strategic approach.
Whenever possible, a Club should try to “test” new materials like bunker liners, bunker sands and grass species prior to a renovation. Demo programs offer a real-world trial that allows for a hands-on decision making process and enables a club to come to a conclusion without just taking someone’s word for it.
A Good Renovation Goes Beyond Paper Planning
Pre-construction activities are not confined to paper planning; real-world implementation, demos and trials are extremely beneficial. Spending time with team members is critical in the months leading up to construction. A club can plan visits to other renovation projects in the area or ask to visit past clients of your team members to get a feel for what lies ahead. This hands-on approach ensures that when construction begins, you’ve already identified and confirmed that your choice is the best product for your club.
Do your research, but also conduct demos and trials when possible to make informed decisions and prevent costly last-minute hiccups during the construction phase.
Effective Communication Will Make Things Easier
Transparency from top to bottom is key when communicating with your team, and it starts with your project manager. Oftentimes, the only people on-site with a full view of the task at hand are the Club’s GM and their project manager. So, when problems arise or changes are necessary, it’s important for their conversations to be realistic and effective. Making problems seem less impactful to avoid panic or frustration causes more issues than it avoids.
The relationship between a Club and their project manager should be one built on trust, patience and clarity. As the leading authority on all things construction, a project manager should welcome any questions and find answers quickly to keep their project running smoothly and the Club’s stakeholders feeling confident.
You set the foundation of a smooth and successful golf course renovation before ever breaking ground. Be sure to take the proper steps to avoid any confusion when kicking off your project’s initial stages of construction.