Are you looking to start your construction project but not sure how to choose the right construction company? You are not alone. This is a dilemma that many people face when they are trying to find the best contractor for their project.
Getting started with your construction project is always a big step. Making your project a success not only requires careful planning and proper execution but choosing the right firm for the job is equally important.
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a construction company. This article discusses some of the most important ones that will help you make an informed decision.
The 3 R’s: Research, References & Reviews
The first step is doing your research as it helps in understanding the different options available to you and also gives you an idea of what to expect from each firm. Make sure the company is licensed and insured as it will protect you in case anything goes wrong during the construction process.
Get recommendations from friends, family, or business associates who have had construction work done. Once you have a few potential companies in mind, check out their websites and do thorough research.
It is always a good idea to read reviews and check references before hiring any company as it gives you a better idea of what to expect from their services.
Reviews, testimonials, and references from past clients can give you a good idea of what it is like to work with a particular construction company. If you know someone who has used their services before, ask them about their experience.
Is the Company and the Project Team Experienced?
It is important to choose a company that has experience with the type of project you are undertaking. If they have done similar projects in the past, they will be better equipped to handle any potential problems that could arise.
You will want to make sure that the company has a team of experienced professionals who are qualified to work on your project. Ask to see their resumes and portfolios, and check references if possible.
A professional crew that is up-to-date with the technology will make use of a construction crew scheduling software which helps them in approving timesheets, assigning equipment for different job sites, building schedules according to the availability of employees, and even communicating with other workers through in-app messaging. By looking at the team’s ability to assign tasks, you can judge their effectiveness.
Willingness to Work Around Your Budget
Construction costs need to be as detailed as possible. Even if you are saving a few cents per square foot, it can add up to make something substantial and needs to be taken into consideration before you make a final decision.
As a result, you need to make sure that the company you choose is respectful of your budget and willing to work within your constraints. Getting quotes from several companies will help you compare prices and services.
However, remember it is not always the smartest idea to choose the company with the lowest bid as they might be cutting corners to save on costs.
Some companies might offer you a discount if you are willing to work with them on a payment plan. There is nothing wrong with this as long as you are comfortable with the terms of the agreement. Make sure the down payment and installments meet your budgetary constraints.
Get to Know About Their Subcontractors
If the company you are considering hiring uses subcontractors, be sure to do your research on them as well. Additionally, you should make sure that their subcontractors are reliable and trustworthy.
It is possible that the subcontractor that will be hired might perform the job in a poor manner. In the worst-case scenario, they might not be able to complete the task at all. Having a bonding will protect you when such instances occur.
Ask for references and check their licensing and insurance to ensure they are legitimate. Licensing is necessary for some states, so be sure to check your local laws. The last thing you want is to find out that the electrician hired by the construction company does not have the proper licensing or insurance.
A professional construction company often has strong relationships with their subcontractors, so they can usually vouch for their quality of work.
Keep Safety in Mind
Safety is always a top priority when working on any construction project. Make sure that the company you choose has a good safety record and that their employees are properly trained in safety procedures.
The best way to analyze if your chosen construction company values safety is by looking at the experience modification rate (EMR) – a number that estimates the probability that the company in question will have an accident compared to the industry standards.
An EMR of 1 means the company is at the average. An EMR greater than 1 means they are more likely to have an accident or breach a safety hazard as compared to others in the industry, whereas an EMR of less than 1 means that they are safer as compared to their competitors in the market.
Another thing that can be used to gauge the safety standards is the OSHA 300 form that keep a record of all the injuries that occurred at the workplace. The information also includes illnesses and explains the severity of each. Assuming that all the information in those forms is correct, you can study the company’s safety record over a period of time and see if they are improving or not.
Do Your Goals Align With Those of the Company?
Once all the aforementioned factors have been taken into consideration, the final step is to sit down with the company and discuss your goals for the project. Make sure they understand what you want and that they are willing to work within your budget.
If your project involves building small villas built from sustainable materials and the company’s long-term goal is to build commercial high-rise buildings only then even if the company is willing to work on the project, they will not do it wholeheartedly.
However, if the construction company plans to take similar projects in the future, then it would make sense for you to sign a contract with them.
Once both you and the company make sure you are on the same page, then they should be able to provide you with a detailed plan of action and timeline for completion that meets your expectations.
Construction projects can be complex, so it is important to have detailed plans that everyone involved in the project can follow. If you are planning a construction project, you will need to have accurate and up-to-date architectural drawings, so ensure that the company you choose is able to provide these for you.
Once the plan of action and the architectural drawings are approved, you can give them the go-ahead. The next and final step in the process is to have a written contract that outlines the scope of work, cost, and the timeline for your project.
Summing Up the Things Learnt About Choosing the Right Construction Company
Choosing the right construction company is an important decision that will make a big difference in your project. By taking the time to do your research, you can ensure that your project runs smoothly from start to finish.
You should always keep safety in mind when choosing a construction company as it is one of the most important factors in any project. In addition to that, it is important to choose a company that understands and values your goals for the project. You do not want to choose a construction company that has a reputation for not meeting deadlines.
Choose a company that has experience with the type of construction work that you need to be done and before you start, get everything in writing. That actually means everything. Even if you trust the company you are doing business with, it always pays off to ask questions that help you understand the entire process and the expectations.
In addition to discussing your project in detail, it can also be good practice to learn about any crew scheduling and task management software being used by the company. Having a project management system in place is a sign of a firm that is organized and takes its projects seriously.
Lastly, choose a company you feel comfortable with. You should feel confident in the company’s ability to meet your needs and complete your project on time and on budget. Keep in mind that asking the right questions will help you make the best choice.
About the Author:
Osama is a technology content strategist who is passionate about content marketing and all things SEO. He has helped various companies rank their content on the first page of search engines. In his free time, Osama loves to play football and travel.