By Margo Smith, V.P./Supervision with an assist by Louis Parenti, Sr. VP – Engineering/Project Management – The Building Group, Inc.

in harmony with the homeowner’s association, its residents and employees. The RFP should include a description of the project with as many details as possible to present a clear message of expectations for the project. For larger projects, a pre-proposal, building/project walk-through with contractors is warranted. At this walk-through details such as working hours, equipment/materials delivery and storage stipulations, contractor parking, and more need to be communicated so there are no surprises later. Some projects require a more detailed RFP such as specific size/capacity/ type, specific list of manufacturers, due date for proposals and so forth. A properly presented RFP will help weed out the wrong talent by eliminating potentially unqualified or overqualified contractors and bringing all of the bids together in a more comparable form. Ideally the RFP should be in written form.

Many of us have a wide and varied list of projects that we have completed or been a part of in our history. But even the most-seasoned professional is bound to end up being faced with a project that leaves us feeling as if we were in the opposing team’s locker room. Regardless of your experience

It is a good idea to evaluate a list of at least three contractors.

with similar types of projects, it is a good idea to evaluate a list of at least three contractors. More information can be obtained by interviewing the candidates, requesting references and consulting peers for past performance. Some factors to consider are firm size and number of employees. The job will be completed more quickly if you have a larger crew vs. one or two workers. Is there a point person to contact should an issue arise during the project? Having a foreman or even someone at the office is key to handle and resolve out of the ordinary issues that can slow down

or halt a job quickly, causing a delay of game. Specific negotiations may be necessary after the job is awarded and the contractor is drafted to your team. This is the time to work out such parameters as noted above, including where the workers will use the restroom and worker conduct while on the property.

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