One of the most crucial choices that any property owner has to make prior to construction is the selection of the right site contractor. Site work sets the stage for all other aspects of a project, whether it’s constructing a new home, a commercial building or land development.
Prior to construction, there are excavation, grading, drainage, utility installation and land preparation. Issues can persist through the entire project if these are not performed properly. Unfortunately, there are a number of common pitfalls many property owners fall into when they’re choosing a contractor and this can result in delays, unforeseen expenses, and hassle down the road.
Knowing what these pitfalls are will help you decide wisely and be able to set up your project for success!
Focusing Only on the Lowest Price
major error that people make when they are hiring a contractor is selecting them for their price.
Within budget is a good thing to keep on mind; however, it is not always the lowest bid that is the best. If the estimate is much lower than the final figure, it is possible that some services are being overlooked, materials may be being underestimated, or the contractor might not have the relevant experience to perform the job.
When evaluating bids, it is important to take three factors into account:
| Evaluation Factor | Why It Matters |
| Experience | Helps prevent costly mistakes |
| Scope of Work | Ensures all necessary tasks are included |
| Price | Supports budget planning |
In addition to price, look at the services each contractor provides and the experience that each one has to see if it fits with what you need.
Not Checking Experience with Similar Projects
Not every project for site work will be the same. A reputable residential contractor will not necessarily have the necessary skills to tackle commercial construction. Likewise, if a flat lot contractor is involved in a property with terrain and drainage problems, they will likely have trouble.
There are several questions to ask a contractor before hiring:
- Do you have any previous experience with this sort of project?
- What were some of the difficulties in carrying out those projects?
- How did those challenges be overcome?
When you can see how you will handle unexpected situations on a job site, that will be helpful to a contractor’s experience.
Overlooking Licensing and Insurance
Owners will often assume that all contractors have the proper license and insurance. But making assumptions can introduce unnecessary risk.
In the event of accidents, injuries or damage to the equipment used on the project, proper insurance coverage will help to shield the property owner, as well as the contractor.
Prior to signing an agreement, check:
- Liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation coverage
- Licenses and certifications required
- Compliance with local regulations
It will take just a few minutes to verify these details, but will avoid major problems in the future.
Ignoring References and Past Work
Often, a contractor’s pre-sales demonstration is not as revealing as the work he has already completed.
Numerous property owners forgo the process of checking references or finding examples of work completed. Consequently, they are not exposed to the much-needed knowledge of craftsmanship, communication, and trustworthiness.
Consider requesting:
- Images of finished work
- Client references
- The reviews are those of previous customers.
- Schedule information regarding projects.
Past performance can provide a realistic picture of what to expect.
Failing to Discuss Project Timelines
Construction schedules depend heavily on site preparation. Any delays that may occur as a result of excavation, grading, or utility installation may impact the following stages.
Some property owners only consider pricing, not scheduling.
Questions to ask before work begins include:
- What is the earliest date that the project can begin?
- What is the work’s duration expected to be?
- What other events might happen that could impact the timeline?
Clear expectations help to avoid misunderstandings and better coordinate projects.
Not Understanding the Scope of Work
Another common mistake involves accepting a proposal without fully understanding what is included.
Site work can involve multiple services, including:
- Land clearing
- Excavation
- Grading
- Drainage installation
- Utility work
- Soil stabilization
If responsibilities are not clearly outlined, property owners may face unexpected expenses during construction.
A detailed proposal should explain exactly what work will be completed and identify any exclusions.
Overlooking Communication Skills
Being technically proficient is valuable but communication is an important factor.
Projects are rarely smooth – conditions change, the weather does, permits will need to be sorted out with other contractors. Talking to a contractor that communicates well can help keep a project on track.
Some warning signs might be:
- Laggards in answering questions.
- Unclear explanations
- Lack of ability to communicate about progress of the project in a clear manner
- The absence of transparency with regard to potential problems
Clear communication establishes trust and minimizes misunderstandings in the project.
Choosing Without Considering Local Knowledge
The conditions at a site may differ from one location to another. The soil, drainage, permitting and environmental regulations vary from place to place.
Local contractors are familiar with these factors and can often pick up on potential issues before they escalate into costly issues.
When homeowners are considering site work contractors Rochester NH, there are a number of benefits to local knowledge throughout the planning and building stages.
Rushing the Decision
It is the nature of many property owners that they need to start construction as soon as possible. Consequently, they might choose the first contractor that they call, without doing due diligence.
Instead, you should evaluate several options, scrutinize proposals thoroughly, and ask questions before committing to a selection.
It can make weeks of delays and thousands of dollars of unnecessary costs disappear without even giving them a few additional days to review the contractors.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a site contractor is more than just about hiring anyone who has heavy equipment. The right contractor will have experience, planning, communication and local knowledge.
Property owners can make better decisions by avoiding common pitfalls like price consideration, reference checks, insurance, and speeding up the hiring process. The selection of a competent contractor can provide a better foundation for the construction process, and enhance the success of the project from start to finish.