The question becomes, how do you present a message that non-technical clients will understand? How do we get our client to feel comfortable and engage in discussion?
Communication is the key to creating rewarding interpersonal relationships with clients and it is important that clients receive information that they can easily understand. This promotes greater collaboration and ensures a meaningful connection is established. Understanding the value of the technical side of things does not necessarily mean that the client will also; therefore, the engineer will need to explain in plain terms to the client. Their message must be simple!
It is extremely important to ensure that your architect, engineers, builders and all other contractors are all on the same page and have a vested interest in achieving the outcome of developing and completing your dream home.
From an engineering perspective, we understand that the technical aspect that goes into creating the design can be a very challenging conversation to understand. We also appreciate the fact that when people know they are going to get exactly what they want and feel comfortable they are in good hands with someone with experience, with someone who cares, they value the interaction much more and it no longer feels like a transaction but rather, a partnership.
There are added benefits of creating partnerships between an engineer and yourself and this can include:
- Maximising the potential value of your development by understanding the engineering aspect and how it integrates into the architectural design. For example, the location and design of any stormwater systems in the rear of your site could limit the design of any future development (such a construction of a pool, or granny flat). If you discuss this or advise the engineer to allow for this, then you could increase your property’s value and not have to modify an existing major stormwater system.
- Understanding the cost implications of the stormwater system construction and the different options that are available.
- Knowing the products available to achieve the stormwater design outcomes and how they can be incorporated into the design. For example, having a below ground rainwater tank as opposed to an above ground for the aesthetic appearance for your development.
- Understand the council requirements that apply to your development.
Let us mediate between you and your builder, architect, lawyer and engineers to get your project completed quickly, efficiently and in line with all the relevant legal codes.