Bill of quantities and specs: how to keep costs under control – to reduce noise and heat
If the project starts without solid technical ground, money goes into corrections instead of outcomes. Here is what to check early. In Sicily, coastal exposure and mixed building stock make early checks even more important.
Technical details that matter
Verify material compatibility with substrates, especially near the coast where salt air accelerates decay.
Focus on critical junctions (waterproofing, thermal bridges, services) because most post-handover issues start there.
- Constraints to check early
- How to document decisions
- Documents you should have
Permits and documentation
Check constraints and approvals (heritage, landscape, condominium) before appointing contractors.
Prepare a complete technical report to reduce requests for clarifications and delays.
- How to keep changes under control
- Documents you should have
- How to document decisions
Schedule and cost control
Track decisions on site: inspections, progress records and structured change management.
Set up a bill of quantities and specifications that describe works, materials and tolerances in measurable terms.
- How to keep changes under control
- How to document decisions
- Documents you should have
Where to start
Define priorities and constraints: what is mandatory, what is desirable and what can wait.
Collect the key documents (permits, drawings, cadastre) and check consistency between existing condition and authorised state.
- How to document decisions
- Constraints to check early
- Questions to ask contractors
- You need a quick technical check before buying or signing.
- You must confirm the right permit path and missing documents.
- You want measurable specs to compare quotes properly.
- You started works and need to regain control of scope and changes.
- Mixing up cadastre updates and building permits (they are different).
- Ignoring waterproofing, slopes, ventilation and other “small” details.
- Applying standard solutions without reading the building context.
- No clear responsibilities between client, contractor and designers.
If you want a clear starting point for a project in Sicily,Studio 4ecan review your context and outline the right technical steps.
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