Pre-Construction Mock Ups

By Robert Robillard on Design, Workshop tips

Pre-Construction Mock Ups

Best Practice:  Pre-Construction Mock Ups

As a carpenter and remodeler I know all too well that getting the smallest detail wrong on a project can cost me alot of money or set the job back weeks at a time.  Knowing this has sold me on the idea that making a pre construction mock up for a client is important.

In the building industry if you asked me to build a built-in book case and “oh yea . . . make it nice.”   What exactly does that mean?  You’d be a fool to tackle a project like that without at least an elevation drawing approved by the client.  What one person has in their minds eye is not the same for others.  We’re talking trying to get on the same page, apples to apples that sort of thing.

What is a Mock Up?

A mock up is a full-size model, usually made with the same materials and exact dimensions that will be used on the proposed project.  It allows all parties involved to have a full size, three dimensional model to view for quality, design and  aesthetic details.

A mock up model allows folks to work out the details prior to undertaking a larger project.  The biggest advantage to making a mock up for a client is to acquire feedback from them on the design and gain a true apples to apples understanding.

Mock-ups address the idea captured in a popular engineering one-liner: You can fix it now on the drafting board with an eraser or you can fix it later on the construction site with a sledge hammer.

Advantages of mock-ups:

  • Mock-ups are low-cost to make and alter
  • Mock-ups give a visual, three dimensional model for the client to envision quality, functionality and aesthetics
  • Mock-ups incite feedback.
  • Mock-ups save time and money by solidifying the design before the project is started
  • Mock ups ensure quality and success on projects

Time Saved Is Money Earned:

Mock ups reduce errors and we all know that mistakes cost time and money.   Testing out a solution or design early on saves time, wasted effort and ensures accuracy while reducing callbacks.   It may seem like an additional expense on the front end of a project but a mock up but it truly saves money.

 

 

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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