Congratulations!
You won the tender bid, everything’s looking good, and access to the site is agreed.
Now, it’s time to get started. You worked hard to get to this stage and want to do a good job.
But what do you need to do to make sure this site is a success?
In this article, we share the top 7 steps you need to remember in those first few crucial weeks on site.
1. Collect All Contact Details.
Picture this: You’re knee-deep in a project, and suddenly, you need to get in touch with someone crucial. But you don’t have their number. Now what?
Save yourself the hassle by getting contact details for everyone involved, from the client to the architect, the civils and structural engineers – everyone who makes the decisions. It makes for a much smoother process.
2. Know Your Nominated Subcontractors.
Nominated subcontractors make a difference on site. Get to know them, get their details and keep communication clear.
Whether you’ve chosen them yourself or not, everyone on-site needs to work well together. Plus, you never know what site you might see them on in the future.
3. Start with the Finish Line.
Before you bulldoze your way in to get started, take a step back. Think of the end results and work backwards. Can the kitchen be ordered in the first week? Where’s the tap going to be? Where will the toilet be positioned in the bathroom?
Ask these questions now before you’re left scratching your head for the answers when it’s too late.
4. Look at Provisional Sums.
It might seem early to do this at the start of a project, but it’s worth it. For example, find out if the architect can give you the details of what they need for that provisional sum.
Doing it at the start of the project saves time and helps prevent extra costs and variations later on.
5. Turn Down Tender Drawings.
Don’t waste time on tender drawings that could be outdated.
Get construction drawings from the architect, civils structural engineer and M&E consultants. There could be changes from tender to construction drawings you need to cost.
6. Secure Your Contract.
Whatever you do, do NOT step foot on site without a signed contract. Protect yourself and your client by having a contract you read carefully and agree with.
It might be time-consuming, but you’d be surprised how quickly things can turn, so do yourself a favour and get a signed contract in place.
7. Agree on a Payment Schedule.
No one wants to chase invoices and bills. Agree on a set payment schedule from the get-go so everyone’s on the same page.
Don’t walk around with empty pockets; a clear payment schedule keeps cash flowing and everyone happy on site.
Final Thoughts.
With these important reminders in your back pocket, you set your site up for success from the very first day. Make sure everyone’s on the same page and communication is clear for a project you can stand by.
Ready to build a successful site? Contact us at Carroll Estimating to help you bring it all together from tender bid to final account.