Because commercial construction seems to be taking place all around us at all times of the year, there are a handful of common misconceptions that arise among people who are looking to undertake such work for the first time. In this article we’ll go over 3 common construction myths and why they need to be dismissed.
Any Contractor Will Do
Despite the name, even general contractors have their specialties. Choosing one that has the most experience related to your project is a necessary part of your planning process. As is the case with lawyers, you don’t want a personal injury lawyer defending you in a criminal case, nor would you want a general contractor who usually works on house renovations to build you a 40 story skyscraper. Ask for referrals, look at past work and learn about the qualifications and expertise of the various members of the team. By ensuring their skills and experience relate to the project at hand, you’ll be that much closer to realizing a finished project that’s on time and within budget.
You Can Negotiate The Costs
Good general contractors have enough business experience to understand the costs of the various subcontractors, the materials involved and the labour costs needed to finish the project on time and without having to ask for more money. An experienced general contractor will have added in a buffer for cost overruns, but that doesn’t mean that you can lower the costs without significantly changing the type of work done. Hard costs of the project will be non-negotiable unless you’re looking for a different scope of work.
You Can Do It Yourself
When it comes to commercial construction, if you’re not already a general contractor you simply won’t have the experience necessary to safely complete a project on time, within budget all the while meeting all the necessary codes and standards. Without years of technical experience, trusted relationships and an understanding of the legal side of the business, one cannot expect to be able to take on such a project. A general contractor is like a orchestra conductor who understands how each instrument works and how they relate to each other as well as the score.
