With the pre-construction process coming to an end and your project start date approaching, your contractor will soon be prepared to begin construction. If your small business has never dealt with construction or business renovations, you might be uncertain about how exactly the process will unfold. We’ve compiled a list of five things you can expect throughout your commercial construction project with help from Jennifer Wilson, owner and director of business development at Southern Construction to help ease your mind.
1. Delays may happen.
Your project may go off without a hitch from beginning to end. Oftentimes, however, factors that are beyond the control of both your business and your contractor can delay certain steps of the construction process. These factors can include everything from change orders and late material deliveries to weather conditions – especially in the rainy climate of the New Orleans area.
While any changes can be stressful, keep in mind that when working with a reliable contractor, you’ll have regular updates on these issues and the support needed to adjust schedules and ensure prompt completion.
2. You may have a different point of contact.
Your pre-construction point of contact plays a key role in your overall project by answering questions about planning and other key details. But once construction begins, Wilson says, your point of contact may change, and you’ll likely be dealing with someone who’s directly involved with the hands-on work. Typically, this will be the project manager.
It’s worth noting, however, that this isn’t always the case – with some companies, you may retain the same point of contact throughout the entire process due to the contractor’s smaller team.
3. You can (and should) ask questions.
If you selected your contractor carefully, Wilson says, you shouldn’t be worried about asking questions. Asking questions might make you nervous, but it’s important to bear in mind that every business starts somewhere. Your contractor has probably worked with businesses with your level of expertise before, so don’t hesitate to consult your point of contact with inquiries throughout the process. With that said, Wilson suggests trying to avoid micromanagement, as this may slow progress.
4. Your contractor will get the job done right if you trust in the process.
Building off the prior point, if you’re new to the construction game, it’s natural to worry and ask questions when you’re uncertain. But, Wilson explains, so long as you thoroughly researched your contractor, it’s safe to expect that they’ll get the job done right without your constant oversight. “Let your contractor do what they know and are licensed to do,” Wilson says. “We take care to put the best team on every project, because we want it right for our clients.”
Furthermore, bear in mind that your project might not look exactly as you’d expected while it’s in progress. Every project is different, and certain steps will take longer than others depending on your business needs.
5. Progress payments will be required.
You may already be aware of progress payments, because they should have been covered in your contract. If you’re not quite sure what these payments entail, here’s a quick review.
Progress payments are business-to-contractor payments that are typically paid in regular intervals as the project unfolds. The interval between these payments is often negotiable, and it may vary based on your project, your business’s needs and your contractor’s needs. But contractors must pay their employees and suppliers, which naturally means that they’ll require payment as they complete various phases of a project. In most cases, Wilson explains, you’ll only be charged for work that’s actually been done.
Think you’re ready to take the plunge and begin your first commercial construction project? Southern Construction, LLC can lend a helping hand. Contact the company today to learn more about all they offer or to schedule your project consultation.