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We get it. Construction projects are a big investment. That is why it is critical to partner with a company who completely understands your wants and needs and is the right fit.
Although many commercial construction companies promise to complete your project on-time and on-budget, there are several other important factors to consider when choosing a construction team for your next big project. Check out this list of questions the Mowery team put together to help you gather essential information before hiring a construction company.
1. Tell me about your business and its history.
Before hiring a commercial construction company, it is important to know how long they have been in business, their different areas of expertise and their company values. Choose a contractor who has experience not only in the industry, but also in the service area you are looking for (i.e. design-build or construction management). This will ensure they have set processes and procedures for your specific project type, which will decrease the chances of delays and extra expenses along the way.
Plus, knowing the company’s values can help determine if they will work well with your team. Choosing a construction company who prioritizes factors that are important to your business helps to create a smooth construction experience. At Mowery, our foundations include the following:
- Safety is not optional
- We always do the right thing
- We build it as if it’s our own
- We are relationship focused
- We know timeliness matters
- We listen to understand
To learn more about Mowery’s history, areas of expertise or to determine if our team is the perfect fit for your next project, connect with us today!
2. What’s unique about your processes and customer experience?
Experienced construction companies should have their own set of processes and procedures that set them apart from the competition. Without processes and procedures in place, projects can take more time, costing the client more money in the end. Be sure to inquire about a company’s unique processes so you can get an idea of how your project will unfold before you break ground.
With 95 years’ experience in the construction industry, we have refined our processes and procedures to allow us to deliver quality projects in a timely manner as well as incorporated technology to help keep clients in the know about their project at all times. Plus, when you choose to work with our team, we promise to customize the customer experience to best meet your needs!
3. Will I have a main point of contact on the construction site? What is your approach to communication?
The construction company you choose to work with should not rely on subcontractors to provide you with project updates. When searching for a construction partner, ask if you will have a main point of contact who is on the jobsite, such as a site supervisor or project manager. Having a main point of contact who works directly on your project will allow for a seamless communication process and reduce miscommunication on project expectations.
It is also important to inquire about the channels of communication the company uses. For example, do they use emails to keep you in the loop or construction technology, such as PROCORE? At Mowery, we use PROCORE to ensure clients are kept up to date with project information at any time. We also provide weekly job reports which outline where the project stands regarding time and budget. Plus, each client has a project manager who serves as their main point of contact throughout the whole construction experience. Clients can reach out to their project manager at any time via phone or email to have their questions and/or concerns addressed in a timely manner.
4. What similar projects have you completed?
Always ask if the construction company you are considering has completed similar projects. If they have, ask for photos of their work and references/testimonials from those specific clients. If they have not, it may be best to choose another company who has completed projects within the scope of your project.
It can also be beneficial to work with a company who serves your market. For example, if you are looking to build a new library at your higher education institution, knowing the contractor has experience and understands the nuances of working on a college or university is key.
At Mowery, we have completed many unique projects for clients in a variety of markets. To see if we have completed work similar to your next project, check out our projects page.
5. How is your safety record? How do you ensure everyone’s personal safety on the jobsite?
Construction companies should strive to keep their jobsites safe. A clean safety record including a low Experience Modification Rate (EMR) or Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) can help tell the safety story. If the company you are considering has had several accidents, it should be a red flag.
In addition, ask if the company has liability insurance and offers workers’ compensation for all employees on site. Knowing this information is important if there is an accident as you want to be protected as much as possible if someone does get hurt on your property.
Safety is not optional at Mowery. Each team member and subcontractor undergo mandatory safety training. Plus, each day, our team conducts safety huddles at each jobsite where we proactively share information on issues and concerns. Our goal is to send team members home safely each night to their families. To learn more about Mowery’s safety program, click here.
6. How soon can construction start?
Let’s be honest – when it comes to a construction project time is of the essence. With large commercial projects, like warehouses and auto dealerships, the longer a project takes, the more money it costs the project owner. Asking how soon construction can start upfront will allow you to determine if the construction company can meet your needs. It is also critical the company you choose puts a timeline in place with mutually established start and end dates, which incorporate extra time for unpredictable circumstances, such as weather.
7. Do you provide guarantees?
Working with a construction company who offers guarantees for their work is a benefit. Ask if the company offers guarantees and if they do, be sure to get the specifics in writing.
Mowery offers all clients a three-year extended warranty along with many other benefits that set us apart from the competition.
For 95 years, the Mowery team has been providing clients with a remarkable construction experience. By providing rapid delivery, smooth communication processes and strong foundations, we have built positive, long-term relationships with our clients. If you are looking for more than a partner for your next project, reach out to the Mowery team today to learn how we can work together to bring your vision to life.
