Building your new business is as exciting as it is overwhelming. Whether you decide to use a project management company or not, here are some questions to consider before you dive in.
How do I know if I am getting the best price?
With project managers: We direct source items straight from trusted manufacturers and suppliers. Our transparent pricing on our fixed-cost line items shows that we don’t mark up a single dollar. Our requests for information from you give us as much detail as possible so we can give you an accurate budget. Our goal is to get you on-budget or under budget, so you are more likely to invest in our services again.
Without project managers: You will have a reach out to each supplier and manufacturer to compare pricing and ensure general contractors aren’t adding huge markups. Typically in the construction world, people look at a project and ask as few questions as possible so they can give a low quote and win the project.
What happens if the contractor is late? Who takes responsibility?
With project managers: When you work with Iris, we are responsible when contractors are late. We are responsible for trades, their management on site, the quality of work, ordering fixed-cost line items, deliveries, suppliers, and more. With our extensive contact list, if someone is late we can replace trades without losing time on the project.
Without project managers: General contractors pull permits when you don’t hire project managers. This means if someone is consistently late or making errors and you want to replace them, you will need to find a new contractor and wait for them to pull another permit before they can start the project. This could mean big delays for your project, costing you future revenues.
Can I hire my own contractors?
With project managers: Iris is open to requests for specific contractors included in the bid submission. However, we have a strict vetting process that includes quality control and accurate pricing.
Without project managers: You can hire whoever you want! Here are some questions for you to consider:
- Do they know what they are doing?
- Am I getting the right price?
- Am I going to deal with change orders, overruns, or delays?
- How do I know if they are qualified?
What happens if the work was not done properly, and I am not happy with the finishes?
With project managers: This is where communication is most important. Before we even start your build, our designers will walk you through exactly what your space will look like and the quality of work we expect. If a trade makes an error, that’s on us to manage. Our hyper-detailed plans communicate clear expectations, so there should be no questions about the quality of work you are getting.
Without project managers: Deficiencies are at the discretion of the sub-trade or general contractor. Good quality can mean something different to you than a general contractor. A lack of communication, and not enough detail, leaves room for errors and problematic deliverables.
Who do I contact if the equipment is not working?
With project managers: Each piece of equipment has its own manufacturer warranties, service lines, and contacts. We will provide you with a direct line of communication to manufacturers and suppliers that have these warranties. We’ll give you the information that matters like:
- Warranty length
- Contact information
- What to look out for
- Troubleshooting
Without project managers: Warranty information is something you need to figure out yourself if you don’t have a project manager.
How do I know the best location to build?
With project managers: Iris Construction Management works with a lot of industry professionals in the commercial real estate community. If you have questions about locations we can refer you to highly trained professionals who can get you the specific answers you need.
Without project managers: Finding a trusted agent can be difficult. It will be up to you to find the right agent or do the research yourself to pick the right location.
How do I know if I am choosing the right specifications for my project?
With project managers: Millwork, lighting, equipment, and furniture are some examples of fixed-cost line items that are directly sourced. This gives you the opportunity to speak with our designers and project managers to give you the facts about what you are ordering. Whether you are on a tight budget, you want top-of-the-line products, or you want the longest-lasting products at a great value, we can help with all of that. We don’t have an interest in profiting off of these items, so we are directly aligned to help find you the best product for your company.
Without project managers: Figuring out where to look, who to buy from, how to expedite, and how to find the exact products you are looking for is a lot of work that rests on your shoulders if you aren’t working with a project management company.
What do I need to know about permits?
With project managers: We have the experience of building across the country, and we understand that different areas have different turnaround times, codes, and regulations. When we educate you on this, everyone is on the same page. Our design team can work with governing permit offices, landlords, and trades to accurately give you a possession date. We handle the entire application process for you.
Without project managers: You will have to file for permits, figure out timelines, be aware of the codes and requirements to get your project started.
How do I know that I have the best design for my project?
With project managers: Iris Construction Management’s interior design team has an eye for modern aesthetics, but understands engineering from a construction standpoint. When you put these two together, you get a modern look with efficiency and understanding from a structural and mechanical standpoint. We can design something that looks good, but also is optimized for cost and functionality.
Without project managers: You will have to design the project yourself or hire someone who may not necessarily understand code requirements that could leave you in a lengthy back-and-forth situation with governing permitting offices.
How much space do I need?
With project managers: Our internal design team gets to know your business from the operations standpoint and what your goals are for the business in the long-term. We design your space based on your business and your vision.
Without project managers: You may not realize you need much less — or much more —space than you originally thought. Using a design team to optimize your space can give you a better idea so you aren’t paying for a larger space than you need, or crammed into a space much smaller than you imagined.
How can I keep my project on time?
With project managers: It’s all about proper planning and calculated execution. The design, details, and managing expectations throughout the project. It’s important to educate our clients on the effects that changes might have on the turnaround time, and your budget. You are able to make the best decision because all of the facts will be in front of you.
Without project managers: You have little control over timelines and have to hope that the professionals you are working with hold true to their word.
We make it our business to get you in business as quickly as possible. Our industry experts work to keep your project on-time and on budget so you can focus on growing your big picture.
For more information about Iris Construction Management, contact us here.