How Choosing a Contractor Early Impacts Budget & Costs:
When beginning the process of a new construction project, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is the choice of your contractor. Oftentimes, many property owners will delay this choice, not realizing the many advantages of bringing a contractor onto your project as early as possible. This post will highlight those benefits, and present you with the best solution in order to have the most successful outcome on your project. Here are several key advantages to consider:
Communication & Collaboration
Engaging a contractor early promotes better communication between all parties involved on the project. The earlier you begin building connections between a project team, the more cohesive the team dynamic will be as it progresses. When the contractor is part of the planning phase, they can provide valuable insight into design choices, materials, and the overall construction process. This collaboration ensures that everyone is on the same page, reducing misunderstandings and costly change orders later on.
Budget & Costs
A contractor can help align your budget for the project by providing accurate estimates based on their experience and knowledge from past projects. With costs typically being the biggest consideration for owners, contractors keep this factor in mind during the design process. Early involvement allows your contractor to consider the drawings and budget from the beginning, identifying potential cost-saving items and providing the client with feedback on options. Developing your budget early with your contractor will ultimately maximize the value you get for your dollars on the project.
Project Schedule
Project schedules can be developed more accurately with a contractor directly on board from the design process. This allows them to identify potential scheduling conflicts, long lead times for materials, and labor availability, ensuring that the project progresses smoothly and on time. When a contractor is involved early, they can reduce schedule uncertainty by eliminating wasted time of unforeseen challenges that could arise. As a result, you can feel confident that your project will be complete when you need it.
Relationships with Subcontractors
Including a contractor early in the construction process means you benefit from their connections as contractors often have a reliable network of trusted partners they subcontract with. All of the various subcontractors involved in a project contribute to its planning, and their availability can be considered prior to the project beginning. This access can improve the overall quality and efficiency of the project.
Site Logistics
When contractors are involved early in the project, they are able to develop a detailed site plan. If your project is on an occupied campus or in an occupied facility, phasing of the project can be coordinated to keep the site operational during construction. Developing a site plan early allows the staging area for materials, drive access and general safety of the construction site to be taken into consideration and planned for.
Conclusion
Investing time in selecting the right contractor can be one of the most important steps in your construction process. From enhancing communication and improving cost-control, to ensuring site management and a committed project schedule, the advantages are clear. By making this decision early, you set the stage for a smoother, more efficient construction experience that ultimately brings your vision to life. Choosing a contractor early in the construction process is a strategic move that can lead to a more successful project.
