It’s More Than Just Construction
You or someone you know has had a construction project “not go as planned.”
I’m currently working with a customer who is having a pole structure built for a new home. We are going to do the interior framing and drywall after the structure is completed. The problem is that the building erectors left before things were finished. Then they would tell the customer they would be back on a certain day… and then not show up.
This happened over and over for weeks causing the customer a lot of frustration.
More than once, I’ve heard people say the worst experience of their life was a construction project. IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY!
I’ve seen situations like this get back on track with a little honest clarification, and I’ve seen them end up in a court battle.
Clarity up front is the most important—and most overlooked—part of construction.
The root of many construction problems can, and should, be addressed before any actual construction begins. The underlying issue behind most disagreements is a lack of clarity.
Before construction starts, you should have a clear understanding of the scope of work, construction design, schedule, price, and expectations for the project. A good contractor should help you work through any questions before construction starts.
Without that clarity, problems can quickly develop.
Some of the most common problems customers experience includes:
- Misunderstandings due to poor or nonexistent communication
- Unexpected cost overruns or hidden costs
- A finished project doesn’t meet expectations
- Not understanding construction terminology
- Poor quality workmanship
- A cluttered and unorganized job site
- Being left with an unfinished project
- Poor scheduling or time management
That’s quite a list.
But here’s the good news: most of these problems can be traced back to three basic things.
1. Better Communication
A lack of communication can create all kinds of problems. You may not understand exactly what is included in the project. Your contractor may not understand what you expect. Changes may happen without being clearly communicated. You may not know when the contractor is going to show up or why the schedule has changed.
Good communication takes time and effort. Time and effort translate into additional cost.
This can mean your project’s price may be higher. Price is important and often leads to choosing a cheaper bid. But sometimes, the things that make a contractor’s price higher are the very things that can make your construction experience better. And that brings us full circle to the importance of communication.
As a customer, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good contractor should want you to understand what you’re getting into before the work begins. If you are aware of the differences and are presented with a clear plan, you can make the best decision for you and your project.
2. Quality Workmanship
Price is important, and everyone wants to get a good deal. But choosing a contractor based solely on the lowest price can create problems later.
Quality workmanship matters. Ask about experience, look at previous projects, talk to references, and pay attention to whether the contractor seems more concerned about doing the work right or simply getting the job done.
The level of craftmanship expected has been decreasing for years. I believe this is the result of placing more importance on price rather than quality. But the cheapest project isn’t necessarily the least expensive project.
3. Honesty and Integrity
Construction doesn’t always go according to plan. In fact, I can guarantee that some kind of problem will happen. What matters is how those problems are handled.
You want a contractor who will tell you what is happening and be honest about what needs to be done. This is another area where the bar has been lowered and needs to be raised back up.
Contractors need to say what they do and do what they say.
That sounds simple, but it can make all the difference in the world.
A construction project doesn’t have to end with frustration, arguments, or a trip to the courthouse. A lot of problems can be avoided by getting clarity before construction begins and choosing a contractor who values:
Better Communication
Quality Workmanship
Honesty & Integrity
Those three things won’t guarantee that nothing will ever go wrong. But when something does go wrong, and something eventually will, they can make the difference between a problem that gets solved and a project that falls apart.
If you have construction questions, you can schedule a free 30-minute meeting, and we’ll be glad to give you some construction clarity.