How To Select Your Ideal Builder with a Key Selection Criteria

We’ve all learnt from experience; engaging the wrong builder for a project can put yourself, the client and the builder in a world of pain when those inevitable project nuances arise.

So, to set your builder selection on the right track, let’s look at the very beginning of the process when finding the ideal builder for your client/project.

Fundamentally, finding the right builder for your project requires you to have a clear vision about what you need the builder to bring to your project and how they will go about their work.

Just like taking on a new employee, the starting point is to set a key selection criteria for builder selection that identifies experience, registrations, work methods, insurances, building contract preferences, quality, personality traits … and more.

Download this free Builders Key Selection Criteria Template and access free canned webinars for architects & designers

To illustrate, here is a handful of the items you might include in your key selection criteria:

Nominate Your Project Speciality

If you’re seeking a renovation/extension specialist, tell them so. Or, if you’re tendering an apartment block, insist that all builders considered, regularly deliver these projects.

There’s little value engaging a generalist builder for a project if it’s not their “typical” project.

2. Available Start Dates

If your client would prefer to start within a particular timeframe, cast your tender net wide and let the builders know.

Only entertaining builders who can start within the client’s preferred start date range delivers extra value for your client and helps them cope better with the project inconveniences in their day-to-day lives.

Another benefit of starting projects sooner (rather than waiting for a builder) is the continuity of work, focus and project momentum for your practice.

3. Experience

Does the build require a highly experienced and capable builder who know all the tricks of the trade or will a less experienced builder be up to the task?

Each option presents you and your clients with pros and cons.

4. How Do They Manage Projects?

Do they have a system? That is, do they use a software or cloud based online system to manage their projects? Or, do they run a spreadsheet with emails and phone calls for project communication.

Download this free Builders Key Selection Criteria Template and access free canned webinars for architects & designers

5. Size of Builder’s Company

Would it be beneficial to you to have a “one man show” who works on site on each job (often doing one project at a time) or would larger building firm with site foremen, multiple projects and busier scheduling be better for your project?

6. Communication

No matter the quality of a builder’s work, effective communication skills should be a baseline requirement.

Nobody needs a project partner that’s hard to work with or fails to set clear (and reasonable) expectations for the project.

Setting your key selection criteria is the first, and most fundamental step, to finding a builder that’s a good fit for your practice, your project and your client.

Want more Key Selection Criteria ideas? Download this free Key Selection Criteria Template and access free canned webinars for architects & designers

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