Specialized industrial construction requires an experienced team to complete a project to completion. This means that the project will experience some roadblocks that can delay progress. These are typically handled during a pre-construction meeting with all involved stakeholders.
Ask for References
Asking for references is an important part of the vetting process. Many people think that asking for references isn’t very useful, but it’s actually a very valuable tool. This allows you to talk to former clients about their experience working with a specific contractor, as well as getting their take on whether or not the work was completed in a timely fashion and for a fair price.
It’s also a great way to see how honest the contractor is. They should be able to give you a list of satisfied customers, but you should also try to get in touch with one or two dissatisfied customers as well. A lot can go wrong on a construction project and if you have a history of unhappy customers it should be a big red flag.
It’s also a good idea to get in contact with the contractor’s material suppliers as well. Asking them questions like “How long have you been selling materials to this contractor?” and “Has the contractor ever had any issues with payment?” will help give you insight into how their financial business practices operate.
Look at Portfolios
A portfolio is a great way to showcase your skills and experience. You can build one online or in a physical format like a 3-ring binder. Be selective about what you include, focusing on your best work. You want to make an impression on the people who review your portfolio.
Whether you are a solo handyman or a commercial contractor building skyscrapers, having a portfolio can help you win more jobs. A well-organized portfolio can highlight your abilities and accomplishments, as well as show that you are a dedicated professional.
Having the right tools to manage your project portfolio can help you improve performance and communication with stakeholders. For example, a bid tabulation template ensures that all submittal items are combined correctly and that the final bid amount is accurate. Using this type of tool can help you avoid costly mistakes and save time. It also helps you keep track of budgets and resources.
Ask About Processes and Procedures
You want to choose a contractor who will be able to meet your project’s timeline. Ask the contractor about their process and procedures, such as how they handle RFIs, submittals, and inspections.
During preconstruction meetings, the contractor should discuss with you and your team how they will manage the project’s expectations and schedule. They should provide a clear timeline for your completion date and include extra time for uncontrollable factors like weather.
Ask about the contractor’s quality program, such as dar al zain engineering construction lean techniques or Six Sigma. It’s also important to find out if the company has any specialized equipment or materials that can help with your specific project. This is where a specialty industrial contractor can truly shine. These contractors will streamline the construction process to minimize downtime and unnecessary costs for you. They will also offer industry-specific safety solutions to ensure your project stays on schedule and within budget. They may also be able to self-perform portions of your project to save you time and money.
Ask About Insurance
Insurance is an important part of a contractor’s business and can help mitigate financial risk. However, not all contractors carry the same types of coverage or have the same limits and deductibles.
Asking a potential industrial construction contractor about their insurance will give you an idea of their level of risk management. Often, contractors will carry a commercial general liability policy and workers’ compensation insurance to protect themselves from damages caused by accidents or injuries that occur on-site. It’s also a good idea for contractors to have a cyber insurance policy to mitigate risks of a data breach.
Earning your CRIS credentials demonstrates that you have the knowledge needed to meet the complex insurance needs of industrial construction contractors. You can display your IRMI Certification Digital Badge with confidence on LinkedIn and other online platforms, knowing that your accomplishment is recognized by the industry’s leading credentialing body. IRMI has partnered with Credly, the world’s largest and most connected digital credential network, with best-in-class security and privacy features.
