Hello, this is an introduction to basically what i have practiced all my life. Being a Jamaican this article will be concentrated on our policies and guide line but i will try and put the information across in as broad a spectrum as possible.

Whenever you choose to embark on taking on the process of construction, whether it be an addition or a completely new building. There are some basic guide lines you should adhere to.

• Engage a qualified and trained person in the field of architecture
• Make sure to have all available measurements and description of the property that you can get your hands on ..(i.e. site plans, earlier plans if any, type of land/building and shape and or size… to name a few)
• Preferable the boundry pegs should be readily identifiable
• A general design concept should be prepared, no matter how ridiculous it might sound to yourself. This allows us to see in your head, which then points us in the direction we need to go.
• Also it would be prudent to familiarize your self with the covenant of the property. This is a schedule of terms that typical forms part of the sales agreement and it instructs the purchaser on what they are not allowed to do with the property.

Now most of these are general things which would be expected from anyone, no matter the country. However i can assure you for Jamaica this is the sensible route to go.

In engaging an architect it is advisable to do so based on the type of construction activity you intend on doing. The laws of your land would also help to determine this, here in Jamaica for a small scale construction operation, less 3000 square feet or no taller than three floors high. We are allowed to engage a draughts man, who is, normally with a minimum of about three years in the business should be quite capable.

For medium scale construction then an Architecture technician would be acceptable though he may have to get an Architect to sign of on it depending on the magnitude of the works. Then of course for large scale construction activity you get the services of an Architect or even a firm.

Now there are a lot of persons within Jamaica who normally try to bypass the design phase so has to keep down cost by going straight to the contractor or the builder. This is a very dangerous route and carries a lot pitfalls that will catch you if you are not a seasoned person in construction. Just to name a few:

1. Proper consideration not given to the covenant, especially the set back from the boundaries. When this occurs typically you end up with a breach of the covenant, which is normally discovered long after the construction has been completed.
2. Under utilization of the land/building space. The ill efects of this is very costly to reverse (through demolition) and is usually identified during or after completion.
3. It is required by law. And if caught, well we all know how the law operates.
4. Can be an hindrance ( if you were able to make it this far) in trying to sell your property, because the standard is, that the local or planning authorities should vet the drawings, indicating that they have met acceptable construction principles. Thus financial institutes have this has a requirement in processing loans.
5. Also the drawing are the best and easiest way to ensure prudent management of the construction process both on the financial and technical sides.