In different types of activities such as piling, demolition, large-scale drilling, and so on structural solutions are definitely needed. It is because all such activities are based on some sort of structure that needs to be explored or handled in certain ways so as to get the requisite outcomes. [Read more…] about How To Get The Finest Structural Solutions For Your Project?
construction
Need A Heavy Lift? A Heavy-Duty Crane May Be The Answer
Construction can be a dangerous and long-term, heavy-duty undertaking. Sometimes construction workers may not fill every need. If you are faced with a heavy workload that is either impossible or unsafe for normal workers to undertake on their own, hiring a crane is your best available option. [Read more…] about Need A Heavy Lift? A Heavy-Duty Crane May Be The Answer
Why Purchasing Rubbish Chutes Is A Good Idea
If you are in the construction business and are involved with scaffolding erection, there are a number of reasons why you should consider purchasing rubbish chutes.
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What Is Cuplock Scaffolding And What Does it Do?
Cuplock is a proprietary scaffolding design that uses a minimal number of loose fittings and is highly adaptable, durable and safe. It is a multi-purpose system that can be used for both load-carrying and facades.
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Applying For Construction Tenders
Submitting a tender is essential when applying for many construction jobs and it’s key to the role of most building contractor’s jobs as well as small construction company owners. Knowing how to apply for a tender is important when starting the process and making sure you get every stage right is essential.
Should I bid?
Preparing a tender is a great way of giving yourself a better chance of winning a big contract but it can be time-consuming and expensive task so you need to know it’s worth your time. Here are some key points to keep in mind before preparing your bid:
- How much will it cost you to prepare? You can work this out by getting the bid documents, analysing them and ensuring you have the expertise and manpower to complete the project.
- Will the work fit in with your business’ long-term strategy?
- Will the cost of fulfilling the contract be worth it? Will you make any money?
- How will the project effect your ability to carry out or take on other work
You need to weigh up all these factors as well as the reputation of the potential customer before putting ant time and effort into writing your bid. It could be that not tendering could be damaging to your company’s reputation in some instances.
Give them what they want
To ensure you can provide the client with exactly what they require you should try and arrange a meeting or at least have a telephone conversation with them before you start working on the tender. Ask any necessary questions by phone or email if there are discrepancies in the tender document. You need to also ensure the client is serious about their project and that you’re considered a viable bidder. Some companies do choose to bulk out their bidders by accepting people who they have no real faith in so you want to be sure you’re being considered seriously.
Your Tender
Your tender for any construction projects should be designed to match all the specification of the bid document and ask all questions it states. You should begin by summarising your bid and explaining concisely why it answers the client’s needs. This should be the last thing you write once you’ve finished your bid but should be placed at the front to show you mean business.
Your tender should:
- Focus on the client – talk about their needs and how your business is able to solve their problems. You should only talk about yourself in relation to how you can help them.
- Help the client creatively – find alternative solutions to their problems. Show your creativity and you’ll stand out.
- Represent value for money – it’s not about being the cheapest it’s about being worth your fee. Show something you can do that the client couldn’t do themselves – that shows your value.
- Analyse all cost factors included in the contract. This means accounting for fixed costs including wages.
- Demonstrate contract management – show you are resourceful and are able to work in a cost-effective and efficient way.
Bidding for tenders is a key part of any construction companies business and the majority cannot hope to get much work without putting time and effort into tendering for bids and winning valuable contracts.
How to Keep Your Customers Happy During a Building Job
Carrying out construction work is not only about doing a great job on-site, but it is also about keeping your customers satisfied with the work you do and building up a trusting relationship with your stakeholders. The more you are able to manage this crucial skill, the more you will find customers returning to use your services for a second time and the more customers will refer you for other business.
Honesty
Honesty is a recurring theme and cannot be emphasised enough. Unless you want a reputation as a cowboy, always be honest with your customers, in terms of prices, times, anything that has gone wrong, anything that might go wrong and times that you will be unavailable. In a nationwide survey of construction customers it was found that the number one thing that frustrated people with their builders was dishonest about the amount of time a building job would take. Always allow extra time for any unseen eventualities. Saying you can do something quickly and at low cost may sound impressive and land you an initial job, but the dishonesty will cost you in the long run, as customers will not choose to re-employ your services and you will quickly gain a reputation as a dishonest contractor.
Know your customer
Most construction companies have to deal with a wide range of customers and knowing how to treat them and approach them is a skill which comes naturally to some and is more difficult for others. Some employers will want to sit and drink tea with you and chat about multiple aspects, whereas others will want to keep it strictly professional. Be accepting of all forms of hospitality, but also be wary that some people want to be left alone to get on with their own lives. Customers often like to know about the build so it is always good to keep them updated of your progress, even if you have been going slowly or getting behind remember, honesty is the best policy.
Be professional on site
One of the things that customers cannot stand is to see your builders looking lazy on site. Customers are paying a lot of money to have you there and want to know they are getting what they have paid for. Builders have a bad reputation for taking too many breaks. This does not mean you shouldn’t take breaks, because building is hard work. Don’t eat lunch or use your mobile phone on site. When taking a break, take it away from the designated construction site, so that it is clearly a moment of time out rather than the consequence of an apathetic attitude to the job in hand. Also make sure to keep the construction site clean and tidy at all times, especially when not in use.
