When it comes to managing a residential development project, timing and execution is critical to your success. Any hiccups along the way can put a serious spanner in the works, especially when it comes to an essential service like telecommunications.
From allowing enough time to achieve compliance from the relevant authorities to completing accurate and precise work to avoid the possibility of costly rectification works, there is much that needs to go right to get a property nbn-ready on time and on budget.
So to help you avoid the common pitfalls, in this article we share the dos and don’ts of designing and building telecommunications in new developments.
While telecommunications is no doubt complex, with the right strategy, achieving compliance in your new development can be simple. Here are three essential dos:
1) Be orgainised: First and foremost, you need to get your nbn™ New Developments Application completed accurately and submitted early in the process. At a minimum, for small developments like a two-unit subdivision you should have this aspect completed three months prior to when the premises will be occupied and service connections are required, and for larger developments a minimum of six months’ notice is recommended. This is to ensure you have enough time to meet the requirements during the construction phase and obtain the necessary approvals.
2) Communicate effectively: Once your application is submitted, you can expect to hear from nbn Co at various times regarding the steps you’ll need to take to keep the application progressing. This will include agreeing to the terms and payment of the charges, as well as being responsive if any changes to your submission or plans are requested. It’s essential that you respond promptly and ask questions if you are unsure about anything to be sure your application is not delayed.
3) Partner with an expert team: If telecommunications is not your strong point (and you are not alone), partnering with an expert telecommunications contractor is a game changer. Whether you engage them to take care of the entire process from start to finish, or hire them to complete certain tasks, having an expert on your side takes the stress out of the process and allows you to achieve compliance sooner.
On the flip side, there are some common mistakes that you’ll need to avoid for a smooth process where you can achieve compliance sooner. Here are the three essential don’ts:
1) Don’t leave it to the last minute: As we mentioned above, it’s critical to get the timing right when you submit your application and book other trades and services to design and install your telecommunications. Always allow at least the minimum time suggested by nbn Co (three months lead time for two-lot subdivisions and six months for larger developments). You’re best to allow even more time where possible, as nbn Co cannot guarantee they will be able to process all applications within this time frame.
2) Don’t accept sub-par work: When it comes to design and construction your telecommunications needs to be 100% accurate and precise to meet nbn Co’s stringent requirements. A job done badly the first time can cost you a significant amount of time and money to rectify. To avoid this, only work with qualified and experienced designers, contractors and technicians who guarantee their work.
3) Don’t panic if there’s a hiccup: At the end of the day things can and do go wrong, even when you have solid plans and processes in place. If something does go wrong, having an experienced telecommunications expert on your team allows you to find out how to fix the problem with minimal fuss, so you can keep the project moving towards compliance and gain the all important certificate of occupancy sooner.
Whatever style development you are undertaking, from two-lot subdivision to large multi-dwelling unit projects, MCS Connect can assist with all aspects of telecommunications to make the process stress-free. So, if you’re ready to discuss your upcoming project, contact us on (03) 8592 8100 for expert advice today.