Is your contractor really listening to you? It’s an important question to ask. Sometimes, the answer is no. When that’s the case, an owner can face a long list of potential problems that could result in lost time and lost dollars. 

First off, owners need to be mindful of who they’re working with. Hiring an unlicensed contractor without insurance is never a good idea. Before breaking ground on any project, have a long talk with the contractor and make sure they have the experience and credentials to handle the job. If they don’t want to have this conversation, then they don’t need to be hired.  

Site Design Is Essential 

Another critical issue is site design. The way a building sits on a piece of property will oftentimes determine the success or failure of a building, regardless of its use. A good design-build contractor should know how to take full advantage of a site and increase the structure’s performance, whether it’s a church, office, or a drive-through burger restaurant. If an owner asks about site design and the contractor isn’t listening, there’s a good chance they are not up for the job.  Building expansion and traffic flows should be forecast to ensure the positioning allows for future needs. 

Prevent Problems Before They Start 

Finally, a common issue, and perhaps the most common issue, is cost overruns. If not properly managed, costs can soar and the project run longer than needed. Throughout the lifespan of a project, from site design to the final punch list, a design-build contractor should listen to the owner, respond to their concerns, and solve problems before they occur.  Many times, an owner may not be able to interpret plans and envision a finished product like the contractor can.  It is critical to explain what they can expect before it is installed to ensure they will be pleased. 

If you are looking for a contractor that knows how to do just that, call Leon Williams Contractors, an experienced Maryville construction company, with more than three decades building for clients in East Tennessee. Check us out online or give us a call at (865) 982-1734 to learn more.