Carpentry & Building Construction

Unit 4: Wood Frame Construction

WebQuests

Planning for Construction

Introduction
Planning is important to any construction project, and the bigger the project, the more complex the plan. An effective plan coordinates the many skills, resources, and materials required for the building construction. It will take into account a project's scheduling, budget, site safety, required materials, environmental impact, and regulatory requirements.

The Task
Even a relatively simple building project needs a plan. Members of a community garden in your neighborhood want to build a modest greenhouse. They have raised enough money through donations to pay for the project, but they are not sure how to begin. You have offered to help them plan their next steps. This means listening closely to their goals and determining their resources and needs. Then you will make a step by step guide. Your plan for the greenhouse should include the following

• an overview of how the greenhouse will be used;
• an assessment of resources required;
• site development suggestions;
• visual guides.

• Research popular designs for greenhouses. There are many resources available online.
eHow
National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
Sherry's Greenhouse
West Virginia University
WikiHow

• List the top uses for the community garden's greenhouse.
• Select a greenhouse design that best suits the gardeners' needs. Modify it as necessary.
• Determine where on the building site it will be placed, and analyze site development needs.
• List the resources necessary to complete the project.

Guidance
Here are some ideas to improve your plan.

1. A greenhouse should ideally be placed so that it receives enough sunlight. Consider the placement of the greenhouse in relation to nearby trees and buildings.
2. Members of the community garden hope to maintain the garden even during the construction process. The best plan will minimize disruption to other uses of the garden.
3. The community gardeners care about the environment. Look for ways to make this a green building.

Conclusions
Consider these suggestions as you finish your plan.

• Talk to friends and neighbors who garden. Does your plan take into account your area's climate and growing seasons?
• Decide on the most logical and clear method to present your step by step plan. Include visual aids where appropriate.
• Present your greenhouse plan to your classmates, and then turn in your finished plan to your teacher.

• Prefabricated buildings are a popular option. However, even if units are factory-built, planning is still required. If the community gardeners had purchased a prefabricated greenhouse, how would your planning process be different?
• Even once construction begins, the planning is not done. Why do plans need regular revisions?
• Why is good communication such an important part of early planning?
• Many construction teams include a project manager, who oversees planning and management of staff and resources. What traits and professional skills would help a person excel as a project manager?