By the time we see some projects, the architect has already designed the whole building. The owner has already committed to a budget based on square footage estimates from the internet. And then they’re surprised when the real bids come in 30% higher than they expected. If we’re involved early — during planning, before the final design is locked in — we can tell you what things actually cost. We can suggest alternatives that save money without compromising quality. We can help you prioritize what’s important and where you can cut if you need to. The partnering approach we use brings everyone together at the start: owner, architect, engineers, contractor. We work through potential problems before they’re expensive problems. We make sure everyone’s working toward the same goals. It’s not complicated. It just requires somebody who’s willing to share information honestly before the contracts are signed.
What You Should Actually Ask a Contractor
Forget the generic “are you licensed and insured” questions. Here’s what actually matters: How long have you been working in this area? Not “how long in business” but specifically around here. A contractor who doesn’t know your local inspectors, suppliers, subcontractors, and building codes is going to learn on your project. Can I see similar, local projects you’ve completed on time and on budget? Not just pictures. Can they put you in touch with the owner? What went right? What went wrong? What work do you do with your own crew? If the answer is “none” or “we subcontract everything,” think hard about that. Will I have access to the project schedule and budget in real time? We use Procore, so our clients can log in and see exactly where things stand. No surprises.
The Truth About Staying on Budget
You can’t eliminate every risk. We’ve been doing this 77 years and we still run into surprises. Last winter’s ice storm. Supply chain problems. Labor shortages. Things happen. But budget overruns aren’t inevitable. They happen when contractors don’t plan ahead, don’t communicate honestly, don’t have backup plans, and don’t have the in-house capability to solve problems on the fly. We’re not saying we’re perfect. We’re saying we’ve been doing this long enough to know where the problems come from and how to head them off. If you’re planning a building project and want to talk through what’s realistic, give us a call. Even if we’re not the right fit for your project, we can probably point you in the right direction.
