18 December 2019

Choosing a construction company for your project

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Planning building work is often the single largest cost that a business or individual will face. That being the case, it is very important to choose the right construction company to carry out the work. Ideally, you should look for a company that offers total services from start-to-finish for your peace of mind. Here are some more tips to help you make this important decision:

Find an experienced company in your area

Construction is a wide field of expertise. Infrastructure, such as dams and factories are very different to a family home or school, for example. Finding a company that is specialized in your type of project and has a good track record in the right area is important. This will result in a smoother experience for all. Consider your needs, as a project to refurbish a listed building will require different skills to those involved with a new build modern office, for example. For complete Building Services Manchester, visit a site like https://www.piggottandwhitfield.co.uk/building-services/

Always look for reviews from previous customers

Many recommendations come through word of mouth from a friend, colleague or family member, but if you do not have access to information like this or you do not know anyone who has had the kind of work done that you seek, what do you do? Any reputable company should be happy to share reviews and testimonials from previous customers with you. Satisfied customers are the best advocates for a company. Do not be afraid to ask questions about issues or problems the company has experienced in the past, as surprises always crop up during build projects. It’s how you deal with these issues that can make or break a building project.

Do not ignore warning signs

Companies that want your business normally have to present themselves in a good light when at the tender stage. If something feels off at this stage, do not ignore the red flags. Perhaps the company does not return your calls, has made mistakes in documents or hasn’t given you a timely quote. If you are having problems so early on, do not expect the rest of the process to be smooth. If the connection fails at this early stage, the construction project could be hard work!

Beware the lowest bid

We all appreciate saving a few pounds here and there, so of course it’s tempting to see a lower bid and think that’s the best one. However, be aware that the lowest bid may be missing some important elements, such as VAT. With the possibility of missing items, you may not be comparing like for like quotes. A good deal can only be assessed if you receive the full cost up front. In fact, the estimate can change as nobody can 100% predict what will happen during a project. However, if you’re looking for a full-service build, you need to know that as much as possible has been cited for or you might end up with a nasty surprise!