4 MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN HIRING A CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FIRM

The construction process is getting more and more advanced as technology and methods have expanded over time. Imagine how detrimental it would be to proceed with the building process of a project, only to lack the expertise of an experienced site safety management firm. You are sure to walk through hardships without the guidance of this integral part of your team. At Menotti Enterprises, we want you and your team to move forward with the utmost safety and swiftness. Below we will cover mistakes to avoid when deciding which construction management firm to choose.

Do Not Wait Until the Last Minute

This phrase may take you back to high school or college — a time when it was unwise to wait until the last minute to begin, or even finish, a project. In the same way, it is not suggested to wait until the last minute to hire a construction management firm. If you think back to the results of completing a project or assignment right before the due date, it was likely low-quality work — especially if the project required planning and research. Now imagine waiting until the last minute to hire the risk management team that will oversee the safety and completion of your construction project — it could result in dangerous, even detrimental, circumstances. This is not something you want to have happen to you construction project.

Being Too Vague

It is crucial that the construction management firm you choose is completely clear on your expectations as you move forward. Ensure that the risk management firm you have chosen has answered detailed questions centered around the services they will be providing you.

On the other side of this coin, it is just as important that you learn the history of a construction management firm before you commit to working with them. If the company is too vague regarding their licensure and past, this is a very clear red flag that something is not right. Additionally, take a moment to look at their reviews and previous projects. Ask questions such as this:

• How long has this company been doing business?
• Do they have a history of fraudulent practices?
• Do their specialties align with the type of project we are working on?

It is your due diligence to research the construction management firm you are looking to do business with. Failure to do so could cost you time and money.

Choosing the Lowest Bid

Taking advantage of the lowest deal does not always result in money saved. In fact, it can be risky to move forward with a company that has provided an extremely low bid. Low bids can mean any of the following things:

• The company uses low-quality materials — this, as you can imagine, decrease the quality of your construction project.
• The company may have low morals and choose to take short cuts and cut corners to avoid doing things the long way, though the long way may be the right way.
• The company may lack a qualified team, leaving you with the short end of the stick.

The moral of the story? If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Do not fall for low bids and compromise the well-being and success of your construction project.

Proceeding With No Written Contract

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it happens more often than you might think. This is arguably one of the worst mistakes that you can make when moving forward with a construction management firm. Because it can be challenging to hold someone to words alone, we highly recommend proceeding only after an official proposal has been written. In this case, a written contract is legally binding, meaning a company can be legally held to whatever the contract states.

Here are the items that we suggest including in the written contract:

• Notice for cancellation
• Payment schedule
• Process of handling change in work orders
• Detailed description of the project
• Scope of work
• Project start dates and completion dates
• Materials being used in their respective quantities

All In All

Take the time to thoroughly research your prospective construction management firm. In NYC, choosing the right firm can mean the utmost success or all-out failure of your project. Here at Menotti Enterprises, we are here to support you and your future project endeavors by providing processes and solutions to help you. If you are in need of a construction management firm, we would love the opportunity to earn your business. We know that no two construction jobs are the same so we pride ourselves in making the right decisions for you! Contact us today to discover why the Menotti Enterprises team will make all the difference in your next project! You will not be disappointed!