Learn to Say No
You must learn to say no to some requests from clients If change requests from the client will make the design unsafe or unusable, you should refuse to change it. …
Client
Outdated Specifications
If a specification is older than 5 years, it is probably outdated or inaccurate. If you are reusing specifications from old projects or tenders, make sure you check that the …
Keep the Client Up to Date
Even if there is nothing to report to the client, report regularly to a schedule. This gives the client a current report for their internal systems and means they are …
What Does the Client Really Want
Make sure you know what the client really wants. You are working for them as a means to an end. Make sure you know what this end result is supposed …
Agree on Project Deliverables Before Work Begins
A contract can list project deliverables without making the requirements clear. Agree on the detail, formats, deadlines and acceptance criteria early, and make documentation requirements easy to find in tenders and contracts. A clear deliverables list helps prevent rework, missing information and difficult project closeouts.
Submit Project Deliverables Before Invoicing: Avoid Unnecessary Payment Delays
Finishing the work is not the same as delivering it. Check the payment milestone, submit the required package and keep the evidence before invoicing your client.
Treat Restarted Projects as New Projects
If a partly completed project is put on hold (deferred project) by the client, when it is restarted it should be treated as a new project. This includes reviewing and …
Directing Consultants
If, in your contract, the client instructs you to directly pass on the cost of consultants, it would be better to have the consultants contract directly with the client instead …
Document Reliance on Information
In a contract, your company should make sure the document indicates that you will rely on information and materials supplied by the client. E.g. surveys, soil tests, reports. If the …
Document Design Changes and Delays
You should document (in writing) any design changes or delays caused by the client. This is very important for claiming cost or time extensions. A good change management system is …