How To Choose A Facilities Contractor
With increased coordination between trades, changing requirements, and the need for cost containment, selecting an excellent general facilities contractor is more important than ever. A qualified contractor will save you money in the long run as well as make your facility more efficient.
How does it happen? It’s important to understand the differences between the design phase and delivery methods various contractors employ. When those two factors are considered together, it’s a more streamlined process. There are no communication breakdowns, overruns caused by design mistakes, or incompatibilities.
The typical contractor usually manages projects using the plan/spec method of delivery. This system deals with a number of vendors, separate contracts, and communication issues that might arise between the parties. You are responsible for coordinating between and communicating with each of them. That means you bear any risk for inadequate designs, missed deadlines, escalating costs, and poor deliverables.
By choosing facility managers that handle both sides of the equation ensures that your requirements, vision, and schedule will be met. When selecting an industrial general contractor, it’s important to understand the differences between the design and delivery methods various contractors employ.
Making the right choice can result in saving time, money, and frustration. So what do you need to look for? First, consider exactly what your construction project will need. Will it be a simple machinery upgrade? Or does the entire process to be changed for a planned addition? Communicating that information will go a long way during the Request For Proposal (RFP).
When you have narrowed your list, it’s time to delve deeper. Here are a few things to think about when you’re ready to have that initial discussion.
Find out if they can partner with you early in the process
Today’s international business environment requires specific, customized solutions based on a thorough knowledge of your business goals. This includes manufacturing and production processes, cross-functional product design, and equipment to provide cost-saving development methods.
Choosing an industrial facilities contractor that uses the design/build method gives you the advantage of a single point of contact. This process not only increases and improves communication but also reduces the risk of project errors.
The use of the design/build methodology ensures original planning should interfere with the actual construction. Because they were considered together, issues are solved before work even begins. With total responsibility, the contractor is able to manage every detail, reducing your risk and liability.
A facilities contractor is someone that knows your plant as well as you do and knows how to increase efficiencies. Having them on board from the start means everyone starts on the same page.
Choose a contractor with the capability to build connections
There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to a facility upgrade, addition, or new build. Does the facilities contractor already have a network of reliable subcontractors, vendors, and workers? Will they have day-to-day contact with the team? This will streamline interactions and build consolidation and collaboration.
Multiple interactions with subcontractors can slow down the process. Involving all participants earlier in the design/build process is critical to eliminating barriers. If everyone is working in the same direction, delays can be drastically reduced.
Can they do what they say they can do?
Selecting a large national contractor is not always in your best interest. Just because a contractor has worked from L.A. to N.Y. doesn’t mean they’ll know everything about your facility or your industry. It just means they’ve done a lot of work around the country.
Size doesn’t really matter. Of course, facility contractors do need to have the crews, equipment, and experience to keep the job on schedule. But they don’t necessarily be based out of the East or West coast to do it.
Another consideration: If the general contractor has the ability to self-perform many of the tasks, the job just became more cost-efficient. Drawings, specifications and more accurate pricing can be determined at the proposal stage. This eliminates the need to wait for recommendations from additional vendors.
Mitigate Mistakes With Experience
Selecting contractors who can manage unforeseen issues – this will reduce contracting costs as well as financial risks. Identifying the bottlenecks and limitations that decrease production time, material flow, and plant optimization can mean the difference between success and failure.
Selecting a facility contractor at the start will save time and money. The ability to identify, design, and plan a large-scale project as a cohesive unit will decrease miscommunication down the line. It becomes even less of an issue if the same firm manages and implements all facets of the building timeline. This includes manufacturing, project management, and process improvements that will increase productivity.
Improve Efficiencies, Processes With Industry Professionals
Storee Construction has built a solid track record for excellent communication and employs advanced process improvement to increase plant efficiency, capacity, automation, and infrastructure. We self-perform multiple trades and provide full-service sub-contractor management for facilities, improvement projects, and 24-hour emergency repairs.
This includes production installations, mechanical services, structural steel fabrication, and other construction services. To find out more about us, meet our staff, or to request your free priority assessment, contact us at 888-736-2032.
