Evaluating the 4 Ps of a Construction Project
This article has been prepared to assist you during the contractor selection process of your construction project. The material is based on information provided by Architectural, Manufacturer, and Trade Associations, as well as Consumer Protection groups. They provide this information as “Contractor Selection Criteria Guidelines” for building owners.
If you do your homework, and take the time to make the proper decisions, you will be one of the satisfied owners and not one of the victims. Generally, most dissatisfied construction project victims limited their focus to
“How Much Will the Project Cost” and
“When Can The Work Get Started”
However, authorities have suggested focusing on many other questions before awarding your project to anyone.
Contracting is not a process that most building owners are familiar with. There is a lot to learn before awarding your project, such as, what products are available and which procedures to use.
Therefore, its vital to know that you can rely on the contractor you choose to give you good advice about those products and procedures that may be new to you.
The critical factor in a successful contracting project is selecting the right contractor.
Architect Associations, Building Material Manufacturers, Trade Associations and Consumer Protection Agencies have published guidelines for selecting a contractor.
In this article, we have condensed that wealth of information into the four critical areas, which today we call the:
4 Ps of Owner Protection
1.PROBLEMS: What are the problems that are causing the need for construction?
2.PRODUCTS: What products and procedures solve those problems?
3.PEOPLE: Who is the contractor to install the products and how do you qualify him/her?
4.PRICE: How do you determine if the price quoted is fair and competitive?
SELECTING A CONTRACTOR
The critical success factor in any construction project is the contractor. A qualified, professional, experienced contractor knows what results are required for Owner Satisfaction as well as what will lead to dissatisfaction down the road.
Allow yourself a minimum of 1 hour to sit down with each contractor. Both of you need to explore the problems, products and prices. You will be surprised at how many options and questions can be discussed with a professional contractor.
Taking only 1 hour of time getting to now and quality the contractor prior to awarding your project can save endless hours of time dealing with dissatisfaction.
Most dissatisfaction involves an owner who did not fully know what they selected or committed themselves to. A professional contractor will take pride in his work and will have no problem discussing your options, his previous experience and his list of satisfied customers
Ask these questions:
WHAT IS THE FULL NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE COMPANY?
DOES THE COMPANY CARRY INSURANCE AND IS THE COVERAGE ADEQUATE?
IS THE COMPANY A LICENSED CONTRACTOR?
IS THE CONTRACTOR A MEMBER OF A TRADE ASSOCIATION AND IN GOOD STANDING?
HOW LONG HAS THE CONTRACTOR BEEN IN BUSINESS?
WHAT IS THE CONTRACTORS TRACK RECORD FOR HANDLING COMPLAINTS?
WHAT IS THE COMPANYS WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY?
Our next article will go into detail about each of these questions, the specifics and how to spot a good contractor.
Stay tuned! Castro Roofing