Miles-McClellan General Superintendent, Steve Johnson, Shares Advice for Owners as They Start a Construction Project
Building Excellence requires communication, collaboration and connection. As part of your IMMPact team, it’s my job and my commitment to you to set the right expectations and gain your trust as you approach your construction project. You can have the confidence in knowing that the success of your project is as important to us as it is to you. We take pride in the final product, and if my name is behind the building, you can be assured I will do everything possible to make sure the work is done right and on time and budget.
Your best money and time spent is during the pre-construction. Everyone has their own opinions about how to get projects done, so creating a shared vision and plan is a great starting point. This can be accomplished by walking the property early in the process, as well as after drawings are completed, to make adjustments and to get on the same page prior to project approval and permit submissions. Once construction begins, it’s very difficult to stop or change, so let me share some tips on creating the vision and expectations for your project before construction begins.
Have a Blueprint for Construction Success
Nothing slows down construction progress more than change orders and revisions. Therefore, it is important to have your drawings complete prior to starting construction. Avoid changing the plan if possible. Finalize the details of your project early on to ensure it is “buildable” and to provide more inclusive plans to sub-contractors, so they can provide their most accurate bids.
One thing to consider before starting construction is that unforeseen circumstances are bound to happen. They always do. So, trusting your construction team and making sure there is enough contingency in the budget can help to avoid uncomfortable conversations and surprises throughout the process.
Be Realistic About Your Involvement in the Construction Process
Construction is time-consuming. Be realistic in assessing how much time you can devote to the project and be sure to choose a contractor you trust so you can give the right amount of attention to your project and to your company’s operations and overall well-being.
Don’t Judge a Bid by Its Cover Price
My mother always told me, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” Seemingly minor details can significantly affect the price you pay in the end. For example, a low bid may look attractive on the surface, but it may not include things like materials and installation costs. Make sure to ask questions about what is included in the pricing and where the project team costs can be found. You will need to be able to put each bid into perspective to accurately assess whether you are getting a fair price per square foot. Working with a construction company you trust can avoid costly surprises.
Ask Questions About Your Project — Lots of Questions!
Clear communication is vital in any partnership, and we know you need a clear picture of what is happening with your investment. As construction professionals, we sometimes use industry jargon or explain techniques and processes using technical terms. It’s a second language to us, and we often forget that we are speaking a language not everyone knows. So, ask questions! Ask until you understand the answer! Ask until you have no more questions! Your construction team should guide you through the process and take the time to explain everything so everyone is on the same page and there aren’t any assumptions that can turn negative.
Remember, your project’s success is also a personal success to every construction professional who works on your facility. Your team at Miles-McClellan wants to make sure your project is set up for success from the very beginning. We are on your side. That’s why Miles-McClellan strives for Building Excellence through relationships with communication, collaboration and connection that results in exceeding client expectations.
Contact Miles-McClellan to learn more about how we strive to resolve issues before they become problems.