1. Be Selective in the Bidding Process

To achieve the best results, we recommend that your project is not put out to bid until a handful of firms have been identified who are eager and willing to meet with you. The construction industry has a lot of options, especially when it comes to finding the right firm for your project. Some clients are tempted to send it out for pricing to a laundry list of construction firms. But for us, it’s a major red flag when a client is willing to take a number from anyone and everyone just to get to the lowest price. There’s a huge range of construction firms out there, from well-established, respected companies all the way down to what I call “pickup truck” contractors – who are major risks when it comes to reliability and follow-through. Not to mention,  doing so tells us they are as serious about the project as we are. Get tips on bidding in our bidding process blog.

2. Invest in Quality Drawings and Documents

The quantity of planning documentation is one thing to consider when deciding whether it will be worth your time and money to hire an architect. While we can certainly work with clients that submit a sketch for their project, we strongly recommend hiring a professional or your contractor to develop a full set of plans and specifications. Not only does this help to ensure that you’ve both understood each other’s needs and expectations, but it also helps to ensure that all details were considered in the planning process – including those which aren’t immediately obvious, such as which building materials are most appropriate and how they should be installed within your space.

3. Look for Partners, not Vendors

We love working with clients who view us as a true partner in their business, rather than just a vendor they choose based on price. A trusted general contractor has real expertise to offer, and can help make sure your job runs smoothly by anticipating and heading off issues before construction starts – and even value engineer the project in ways you or your architect might not have considered. Our most successful client relationships are the ones where we're brought to the table early and often, and have an opportunity to offer input on a project even before plans are finalized and bidding begins. This type of collaboration leads to repeat business and long-term relationships that benefit both sides.