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Advantages of Design-Build Construction for Your Project

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What’s the not-so-secret recipe for successfully completing construction projects on time and under budget? That would be teamwork, plain and simple.

Teamwork in integral to the design-build construction services that we offer at Leon Williams Contractors, your Maryville construction expert. This involves a collaborative approach where our team works hand-in-hand with an outside design firm from the start of a project.

The Design-Build Institute of America describes the design-build model as an effective way to streamline the construction process:

The owner manages only one contract with a single point of responsibility. The designer and contractor work together from the beginning, as a team, providing unified project recommendations to fit the owner’s schedule and budget. Any changes are addressed by the entire team, leading to collaborative problem-solving and innovation, not excuses or blame-shifting.

This approach allows for increased cooperation and coordination as the project proceeds — minimizing delays, reducing costs and mistakes, and reducing paperwork. We’ve put the approach to work for many clients throughout East Tennessee.

Not every contractor is suited to provide construction design-build services. It requires a team-oriented mindset. At Leon Williams, we believe the foundation of a successful project is reliable communication and attentive on-site management.

This carries over into our day-to-day operations throughout the lifespan of a project — from site design and to carrying out the final punch list, we listen, respond to concerns, and help solve problems before they because costly issues. A project isn’t complete until we’ve met all the expectations of the project owner.

If you’re interested in learning how our design-build construction services could benefit your next project, contact Leon Williams Contractors today.

 

Don’t Trust Unlicensed Contractors

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When it comes to your new commercial project, who should you trust to do the job right?

If your business is looking to start a new construction project or to renovate an existing commercial building, you’ll naturally be looking to get the most out of your money. When weighing costs and budget, it can be tempting to just go with the lowest bidder.

If you make that choice without properly checking their qualifications, though, you’re courting danger. That cut-rate contractor might be unlicensed, and if you end up hiring them, you’re putting both the project and your business at risk.

Why is hiring a licensed contractor important?

So, what’s the big deal about hiring an unlicensed contractor? You’ll save some money, right?

Wrong. Hiring an unlicensed contractor for a commercial project is the same as writing a blank check. If something goes wrong, your business will be on the hook for damages and loss. If the workmanship is shoddy, you’ll have no recourse.

In the event of mishaps during construction, you want to be sure your contractor is licensed and insured, so that you are not held liable for accidents. For instance, if a contractor’s worker was injured on the job site, you would want to know that the contractor has insurance to cover the worker’s injuries. In the case of a major accident, this could become extremely costly financially.

When it comes to paperwork and record-keeping, hiring a licensed contractor will provide you with peace of mind that they are conducting business according to best practices and have passed all the requirements of the governing body overseeing commercial contractor licensing.

Experience and training

A licensed commercial contractor employs trained workers who have experience and skills that keep a jobsite safe and make sure the work is done under the supervision of highly qualified construction managers to avoid accidents and shoddy workmanship. The best licensed contractors also work hard to stay up-to-date with the best and most efficient construction techniques.

The bottom line is, if you are unhappy with the work of an unlicensed commercial contractor or they provided subpar work and skipped town, you’re just out of luck. Don’t be fooled, hire a licensed commercial contractor like Leon Williams Contractors, and always check references before working with any contractor. Ready to learn more? Contact Leon Williams today.