Why Most Projects Go Wrong
Many people jump straight into solutions.
They start contacting suppliers, collecting quotes or purchasing materials before fully understanding what they're trying to achieve.
This creates common problems:
- Conflicting requirements
- Inaccurate quotations
- Missed deadlines
- Scope creep
- Unexpected costs
- Supplier misunderstandings
- Disappointing results
Define The Outcome
Before thinking about suppliers, budgets or materials, define exactly what success looks like.
Ask yourself:
- What am I trying to achieve?
- What problem am I solving?
- What would a successful outcome look like?
- Who will use or benefit from the result?
- Are there any constraints?
Gather supporting information:
- Images
- Sketches
- Measurements
- Examples
- Inspiration boards
- Specifications
Before
"I want my garden improved."
Creates confusion
After
"I want a low maintenance family garden with space for outdoor dining, year round planting, ambient lighting and room for a hot tub."
Creates clarity
Understand Timing
Timing affects almost every project decision.
Consider:
- Completion dates
- Key milestones
- Material availability
- Seasonal factors
- Supplier capacity
- Planning approvals
Example Timeline
Establish A Realistic Budget
One of the biggest causes of project failure is a mismatch between expectations and budget.
Think about:
- Available budget range
- Contingency allowance
- Essential requirements
- Nice to have features
Explore Different Approaches
Most projects can be delivered in multiple ways.
Compare options before committing.
Garden Project Options
Identify Risks Early
Every project contains risk.
Common examples:
- Supplier availability
- Material shortages
- Budget overruns
- Design changes
- Planning restrictions
- Weather conditions
- Technical challenges
Successful project planning doesn't eliminate risk.
It reduces surprises.
Create A Clear Project Brief
Every good project should have:
Project Brief Template
Objectives
What needs to be achieved.
Scope
What's included and excluded.
Budget
Expected investment range.
Timeline
Key milestones.
Requirements
Technical, functional or aesthetic requirements.
Constraints
Limitations and restrictions.
Success Criteria
How success will be measured.
Compare Before Committing
Encourage yourself to compare multiple options.
Compare:
- Cost
- Quality
- Lead Time
- Experience
- Reviews
- Guarantees
- Sustainability
- Long Term Value
The WWH Approach
At CommissionIt we use the WWH Framework to help structure projects before significant time, money and effort are committed.
What are you trying to achieve?
When does it need to happen?
How can it best be delivered?
By focusing on What, When and How first, projects become easier to define, easier to price and easier to deliver.
Final Thoughts
Successful projects rarely happen by accident.
They are the result of clear thinking, good communication and careful planning.
Before contacting suppliers or spending money, take the time to define:
- What you need
- When you need it
- How it might be delivered
Those simple steps can save weeks of delays, unnecessary costs and frustration.
Because great projects begin
long before the work starts.