ASSESSING THE PERFORMANCE OF A CONTRACTOR ON A BUILDING PROJECT
Based on the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Architecture and Construction, a contractor is a person under agreement to undertake responsibility for the performance of construction work, that may include both the provision of services and materials, and specifying the cost and schedule for completion of the project . Building contractors are usually needed if building projects are particularly huge, complex, requiring several trades and skills, and work is in several stages.
Contractors organize and manage the work at construction sites from the earliest phase to the finish stage. While some are a jack-of-all-trades, most of the contractors specialize on one type of building projects only. Contractors that build residential houses may also supervise construction of some building projects but do not engage in large-scale structures. Likewise, contractors specializing in huge-scale projects as bridges, dams, highways, and other complex structures most of the times do not engage in domestic or residential projects.
When hiring contractors, education and past work experiences should always be taken into account. Contractors are usually civil engineering or architecture graduates. Yet, contractors may also hire other engineers and architecture graduates to work for them. They must have a business license. They must be trained in design, planning, methods, administration, and business management. They must also be updated in various technologies. Furthermore, they must be able to provide good references from previous clients. It is much better if they can provide the site of their previous work so it can be visually checked.
When bidding, contractors should know completely well the plans, conditions, and requirements so prices of materials and labor can be adjusted accordingly. Health and safety factors both to the workers and the future tenants are also given its appropriate weight in considering the materials to be used.
Contractors must know how to motivate people and subcontractors, if the latter is included in the project. (Subcontractors are usually involved in the steel works, plumbing, electrical, roofing, concrete, dry wall, painting, heating, tile, and even swimming pool phase of the job). General contractors have full jurisdiction and administrative responsibility over subcontractors. If possible, subcontractors must be licensed, too.
Contractors must communicate very well, making sure that their people understand what they are trying to impart. Sometimes, they need to go down to the level where manual workers as carpenters and steelworkers can easily understand them. They should also make themselves available at all times. They must also project an appearance of approachability to their people so concerns and problems encountered during the building project will be treated in its early stages promptly and accordingly.
Contractors also arrange shipments of materials, if necessary. They also get the required licenses and permits from government agencies. They also see to it that safety rules and regulations are followed, and that building codes as imposed by the government are adhered to. They shoulder all the risks and responsibilities involved.
Contractors also manage expenses and sees to it that expenditures do not go beyond what is stipulated in the contract.
Contractors must also be healthy physically and emotionally. Stressful situations usually present itself most of the times. Pressure to finish the job on time, sometimes coupled with unexpected expenditures, add tension and emotional strain to the already stressed contractor.
On the other hand, steer clear from contractors who, barring acts of God, do not finish the project on schedule. There are also contractors who drag work to extend working hours if there are no time limit stipulated in the contract. Furthermore, there are even contractors who ask for advances in finances outside the agreed time-frame for release of funds.
It is always advisable to source out and interview at least 3 to 6 contractors before going ahead with the project. A good contractor stands out from the first meeting, and is able to sustain his professionalism all throughout the course of the project. He can offer sound advises to the client as to cost, durability, and reasonable time frame of the intended project. He is always willing to listen to the client, and even adjusts his plans and methods to abide by the realistic wishes of the client.
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