Gilbert Fontenard - Tips For Completing Your First Real Estate Development

As an experienced civil engineer and real estate developer who has been involved in the industry for more than 25 years, Gilbert Fontenard is able to approach every project he takes part in with the benefit of prior experience. This is an asset that is not always available to those who are making their first forays into real estate development, so try to keep these pointers in mind to ensure your project is successful.

Understand Local Laws
Many countries will require you to meet a number of conditions before they will approve construction on a development project. These can include getting planning permission and ensuring that your development does not violate any zoning laws. Make it a point to visit the relevant people so that you can have face-to-face discussions about what can be done to resolve such issues.

Hire Good Contractors
While your budget will always be a concern, it is crucial that you hire contractors who are actually capable of doing the job. While this may mean spending a little bit more, you will find that you save in the long term and avoid any issues related to mismanagement of the construction aspect of the development. Conduct thorough research and make sure to examine previous projects that interested contractors have been involved in.

Build Relationships
Gilbert Fontenard notes that communication is key to the success of real estate development. You should stay in contact with all key stakeholders and investors to ensure they are up-to-date on recent developments. Make sure to form strong relationships with any contractors, architects and designers that are attached to the project as well.

Gilbert Fontenard - Strategies of Successful Construction Site Managers

Gilbert Fontenard completed his Masters in Construction Engineering and Management at the University of the West Indies in 1993 and has gone on to manage a number of sites during the course of his career as a civil engineer and real estate developer. Managing a construction site can often be difficult, especially when contractors, architects and key stakeholders all need to be taken into account. These strategies will help anybody who is new to the role.

Create Flows of Communication

As with all projects, communication is going to be key if you are to understand every factor that affects the success of the project. Make sure that you set up flows of communication between all key workers and stakeholders, ensuring you receive regular updates from those who are on the ground and can transmit this information to stakeholders as and when needed.

Observe Constantly
As a site manager Regular inspections are necessary. This will allow one to leverage their expertise and experience to achieve maximum efficacy while maintaining quality standards.

Hire Good Contractors
Gilbert Fontenard has experience working with a wide variety of contractors and understands just how much of a difference working with good specialists can make. Make sure you trust the people you’re working with and have researched them thoroughly before hiring.