4 Mistakes to Avoid When Working with a Commercial Construction Company
If you're starting a new project, you might have your needs, wants, and budget in hand, but have you partnered with a commercial construction company yet? While there are many of us out there, it's important to know what you should and shouldn’t do to avoid any problems with your contract. Below are the four most common mistakes people commit when looking for a commercial construction company that could lead to increased costs, delays, and even safety concerns.
1. Failing to Understand Proposals
You're likely not going to go with the first commercial construction company you found on Google. Instead, you should be getting proposals from a number of different organizations so you can find the best one for your needs, wants, location, and budget. However, while you might be sending the same information to all of these companies, that doesn't mean you will be getting the same proposal from all of them.
Proposals can actually have varying information on them. For instance, they could use different building materials or have a vastly different approach to costs, responsibilities, scheduling, and other aspects of the work compared to other commercial construction companies. Some proposals may also be fixed in cost, while others are simply estimates.
Of course, different companies will have different capabilities. Failing to understand the difference in proposals can lead to serious problems and concerns down the line when it comes to budget as well as the overall design of the building.
2. Choosing the Lowest Price
While that lowest proposal may look appealing, especially to your wallet, is it really the best option for your work? In some instances, it may be, but many clients make the mistake of only looking at that number and little else. As we discussed above, proposals will be different, and it could very well be that you're looking at an estimate rather than a fixed price.
Even if the estimate is lower, you could end up paying much more than other proposals in the long run. Price also affects timetables, quality of construction, quality of materials, and more. So it's absolutely essential that you look at the whole picture – not just the number.
3. Lacking Communication From the Commercial Construction Company
Communication is important in any industry – and that includes commercial construction. Therefore, it should be a factor in choosing a proposal. Are you reaching out to the team without getting a timely answer? Are you already having to track down the company to get a reply? Are they rude when you do get a hold of them? You may love the proposal, but if you're already struggling to communicate with the team, the problems won't disappear simply because you signed the dotted line. A solid commercial construction company will have a solid strategy for communication.
#4. Not Doing Your Research
A commercial construction company's website and communications are likely going to tell you a lot about their work and team. There is truth to be found there and you shouldn't rely solely on their word. Many potential customers fail to do their research into the company they’re partnering with – and could run into serious problems in the months to come.
When you're researching a prospective construction company, you should
- Ask questions
- Whether you're asking about a timeline or the budget, ask questions when they come up. As long as the company is a good communicator, it should be able to answer all of these in a timely manner.
- Look at reviews
- Check out what others are saying about the construction company's work online before you sign the dotted line.
- Ask for references
- In addition to reviews, it can be helpful to ask for specific references. You'll want to have a list of questions for these companies, such as whether or not they'd recommend the commercial construction organization or if the project was completed within budget.
- Review safety records and information
- You'll want to reach out to the construction company about their safety records, which they should be able to provide. You should also research their safety records online, ask about insurance, and question their approach to safety.
- Research their experience
- Experience is essential to a successful project, and while the above steps can help you get a solid understanding of a company's experience, there's no downside to looking into it a bit further. How long have they been in business? How many successful projects have they completed? What types of projects have they handled?
Mistakes in commercial construction can be costly. That's why it's important to avoid them at all costs. To avoid errors, even early on, do your research, ask questions, and always look over the fine print.
Do you want to work with a commercial construction company that has a solid approach to safety, years of experience, and an understanding of your needs, wants, and budget?
Contact us today to get started!
