Just a quick note to all the doctors who follow our blog and are getting ready to build out a new space. We know that finances are an issue and that most architects will put your project out to bid to three general contractors. Once the number comes in, you pretty much always choose the lowest number and go with that contractor. This is a point where problems can arise because most of you don’t do your homework. Let’s compare what you actually do, to what you should be doing.
First, most of you just accept your architect’s choices and go for the lowest bidder….assuming all general contractors in the process are pretty much the same. Some of you might go so far as to meet with the representatives of all three companies before you make a decision, but even that isn’t enough. You might even ask the contractor for references……but how likely is it that he’ll mention unhappy clients? Before you make your decision, ask your architect for names of the last five clients who worked with this contractor. If they tell you HIPAA prohibits them from giving you that information…..ask the architect if he would mind giving those docs a call and getting permission for you to call them. I guarantee you if he/she still refuses, one of the potential general contractors is a known problem.
I realize you can’t even imagine why your architect would put such a person on your bid list, but we see it happening in every state. There is a definite shortage of good general contractors out there right now….the last building recession closed many fine companies…..and your architect does have a much more limited pool from which to draw. You now add that to the fact that architects are artists at their core, and get attached to the plans they draw. A contractor who charges a bit more than the lower priced guy with iffy ethics, will force them to change their plan to suit your budget. Some architects are OK with doing that and some will fight to the death to retain their plan. Be sure you check your architect and contractor out carefully before putting hundreds of thousands of dollars…..representing your future…..in their hands. There are still plenty of excellent general contractors out there, but please do your homework before settling for the guy with the lowest bid.
