Before bidding on any project, be sure your company can get the work done right and on time. This is not a, "we'll cross that bridge when we get to it" proposition.
Obviously, you will want to take on projects in which your company has experience, but even if the project is something you're very familiar with, many factors can come in to play to make the project something you don't want to take on.
One important variable to consider is the project deadline. If the client has expectations of getting something completed in less time than your crew is likely able to accomplish, it's a project you may want to pass on.
Hiring a bigger crew and renting more machines to do the work certainly is an option, and if you are experienced in scaling up, it's a path you can take. But if you are uncertain how you will be able to secure the help and equipment, you may end up getting in over your head with the project.
Communication is key with everything you do, and making sure expectations are set with both the client and your team will make the difference between success and the alternative.
Before starting any project, there are a few questions construction owners should be able to answer before starting work.
- What is the expected timeline?
- What is the likelihood your company will be able to meet the deadline?
- What requirements need to be fulfilled to keep the project on track?
- Do previous projects provide insight into what the new project demands?
- Who will be the decision makers on both sides of the project?
There must be constant communication between the contractor and client. Nothing can be assumed or taken for granted. Both the owner and contractor should identify a single point of contact to manage all communication. Too many points of contact is sure to cause confusion.
Each step of the process should be communicated and documented to prevent misunderstanding. This includes plans set before one bucket of dirt is moved. When the project starts, it will be too late to say, "I thought it was the east wall you wanted knocked down."
With that said, situations on worksites is fluid. Inevitably there will be obstacles and unexpected hurdles to challenge both the client and contractor. This is where a professional relationship is needed to effectively overcome problems. Pride has to been checked at the door to accomplish the objective.
An ongoing challenge at the time of writing this blog is the availability and cost of materials. Currently, the industry is struggling to replenish materials, with high costs, and that is impacting project timelines and budgets.
Lumber costs are sky high, and steel is up also. Your prospective client may not be aware of this, and will need to be educated on how this may affect their project as delivery delays on materials and products can also affect the prospective timeline.
We are truly living in unique times, as the government is making it more profitable for some to stay out of the workforce than to get a job. This is a current situation that needs to be evaluated before taking on a project in need of subcontractors.
A lack of qualified labor was an issue prior to Covid and has only been compounded throughout the pandemic. A shortage of good quality subcontractors can affect your ability to get projects done properly and on time.
Before you take on any project, be sure the client is one you are ready to enter into the contract with. As much as they will check your references before they reward you the contract, you too should check their background to be sure they aren't actively in litigation with other companies, pay their contractors on time, and don't have a history of burning bridges.
As always, if you need parts for those machines that will be working on your next project, give ConEquip Parts a call.
