Tuesday, August 15, 2017

5 Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring A Civil Consultant



There are several types of engineers when it comes to construction, depending on the type of work. Geotechnical engineers are hired to investigate types of soil and rock in order to decide on the most suitable foundation for a structure. 

Then there are Structural engineers who decide on structural systems that will carry the construction, such as columns or beams, as well as on the material to be employed (steel, wood, masonry, concrete, etc.) And finally, there are Civil engineers who work on maintenance, design, and building.

Whether you’re considering doing some remodeling on your house or you’re a construction company looking for consultants, there are several factors to be considered before hiring the right firm for you and here are 5 most common mistakes to be avoided when doing so.

1. Recommendations


Poke around a little bit, do not just hire the first company that comes your way. Google companies and check out forums if possible to see what other customers are saying. Also, ask around among friends and acquaintances. 





Maybe they hired a certain company which did something for them and were satisfied or they know someone in the business. Word of mouth is still the best ad and if you hear from someone they had some great work done by a company, then get in touch with them and see whether they would be suitable for the project you have in mind.

2. Ask All The Right Questions


In order to ensure that you get the most out of it, it would be a good idea to note down all questions related to the project at hand before hiring a civil consultant firm. This way you’ll be better prepared and choose your candidate more wisely. Some of the most typical questions to be asked are:

  • Can I be involved in the development process and will my opinion and suggestions be taken into account?
  • What sets you apart from other companies?
  • Are the contract terms negotiable?
  • Is there any way the construction cost may be minimized?
  • Is quality control check system part of your delivery?

3. Meeting Your Needs


Not every company can meet the needs of their clients. Therefore, all the pros and cons should be carefully weighed in order to choose the right one for you. Money is another major factor to be considered as well. 

You shouldn’t merely go for the cheapest bid because it may turn out that that company doesn’t get the job done the way you want it. For example, Rise Consulting Civil and Structural Services experts work closely with their clients. Their maxim is: “Working closely with architects, builders, and other project consultants together with keeping a clear communication with our client is the key factor to our successful projects.” So, try to find a company that is willing to commit and give a 110%.

4. Forgetting to Define the Schedule Payments


It is extremely important to define the conditions and time of payment right at the start before any actual work begins. The conditions should take into account both parties’ interest to avoid any kind of delay. 

If the payment conditions favor the contractor, the customer might delay. In contrast, if it is in favor of the customer, the contractor might be the one postponing the work because of insufficient funds. The two parties should meet somewhere in the middle so that the contractor receives some 60-70% up front, and the rest when the work is finished.

5. The Contract


It’s nice to have trust and take people’s word for it, but one can never be too sure in matters such as these. It is better to have it all written down so as to avoid any possible or potential unpleasantries. 

The contract is a binding legal document that protects both parties. And once the contract has been drawn up, don’t make that stupid mistake of only skimming through it. Most people think it is superfluous to say this, but it’s not: read the contract thoroughly before signing it and make sure all the stipulations you requested are there.

These were some of the most important things that should help in your decision process. Be sure to choose what is best for you. And remember: don’t just go for the cheapest offer or the one which promises the fastest delivery. 

Pick the one that promises efficiency, quality, and cooperation and you can’t go wrong. Happy building!

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