The following are a couple of tips that could help you mitigate risks for your commercial construction project.
In previous articles, we’ve discussed the importance of the pre-construction phase in regards to planning and executing a successful commercial build project. Whether you’re planning an office renovation or the construction of a new chain restaurant, the steps you and your team take during the pre-construction phase can help you avoid the most common mistakes on the job. Even the smallest mistake can end up costing you valuable time and money. The following are a couple of tips that could help you mitigate risks for your commercial construction project.
Establish a Budget, but Leave a Little Room
Starting with a firm budget can help control costs throughout the project, but it’s important to leave a little space for when life gets in the way. Firm A may offer to do the job for less than firm B, but are they cutting corners as a result? Is firm A accounting for the issues likely to arise during construction? Is Firm B’s budget a little higher because they are proactively taking into account foreseeable issues and costs that will be necessary to complete the work correctly, while Firm A’s budget does not address these issues upfront which could possibly increase costs in the middle of the project? Every budget is different, but it helps to be open and honest with all team members to establish an appropriate estimate.
Work With Trusted Suppliers
Not all suppliers are created equal. If you’ve never worked with a particular supplier before, obtain references and customer feedback before you sign the dotted line. Choosing to work with a trustworthy supplier could be the difference between keeping your project on track and completing three months past the deadline. If possible, work with a general contractor that provides his or her own suppliers.
Address Legal Necessities
You should handle all legal concerns during the pre-construction phase of your project. Allow your lawyer to sit in during meetings with the contractor and designer to ensure that you adhere to all local codes and regulations. Obtain the necessary permits ahead of time, and don’t wait to seek legal counsel for any questions regarding your project.
Maintain an Open Line of Communication
If you have a question or concern, don’t be afraid to schedule a meeting or a phone call with your team or general contractor. Maintaining an open line of communication is one of the simplest ways to ensure your project stays on track. Whether you text, email, have conference calls and/or visit the site, it’s important to involve yourself in the process.
Work With Encore Construction
As a premier commercial general contractor, Encore Construction is proud to provide interior and exterior services in Baltimore, Maryland and beyond. We have an impeccable track record, an impressive portfolio, and an experienced team that is ready to tackle your next big project. Our results speak for themselves, and we’re proud of the work we continue to produce for our clients.
We have offices in Annapolis, MD, Ocean City, MD, and Tysons Corner, VA and we are happy to serve the Washington, DC, Baltimore, Northern, VA, Eastern Shore, MD, and surrounding areas. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for news and updates! Do you want to discuss your project with a member of our team? Visit our website, and call us at (410) 573-5050. We look forward to hearing from you!