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What To Consider When Reviewing Tenders In Construction

It’s often the case that every tender claims to have what it takes, often at a delightfully low cost. However, risk is always lurking in the background, and determining truth from false promises can be very difficult. Thankfully, there are some key points that speak for themselves, and you can use these as a guide to selecting the ideal Specialist Trade Contractor for your project. Here are the questions to ask.

The Cost: Too Good To Be True?

Costing is often very difficult in construction. For instance, the cost of labour and materials will rise and fall according to various external variables such as supply and demand. International political events can send numbers into chaos, and even aspects such as fuel prices can have a significant impact on the cost of a project. As such, it can be almost impossible to pin down a precise figure. This is where you can use logic to your advantage. A company that is offering unbelievably low prices is not considering the risk of external forces, and you are likely to face additional costs or cut corners as a consequence. Ideally, aim for a mid-range price bracket that reflects the reality of volatile markets.

Qualifications: Are They Accredited?

The qualifications and regulations required in the construction industry are extensive. They can also be extremely complicated. Not only is there national legislation to consider, but the location and scope of the project are also integral. For instance, Local Authorities will have their own sets of regulations, and aspects such as hazardous materials need to be considered as a separate legislative entity. A good Specialist Trade Contractor will have the qualifications and accreditations to demonstrate that they are legislatively compliant. This absorbs your liability, reducing your risk and offering peace of mind, while potentially improving your profile with stakeholders.

Quality Control: Where’s The Evidence?

Many tenders claim to pay attention to quality, but without evidence the assertations can’t always be believed. An excellent example of this is Barratt Homes, whose tagline is ‘quality you can trust’, but who are infamous for high profile media headlines regarding the number of defects in their newbuilds. Clearly, quality control has gone awry. When considering tenders, it really pays to do a little research. Do they have evidence for their quality control? Have they made mistakes that they’ve not been able to explain? Don’t be afraid to go and look at past projects for yourself to make your own assessment. Find out who their other clients are and make sure that you ask for references and testimonials as proof of experience, company ethos, expertise and quality.

Networking: Who Are Their Partners?

Specialist Trade Contractors may need to work with an extensive network of contractors. Everything about these relationships will influence the success of your project. For instance, if the tenderer is networking with a supplier who has a poor track record of quality control, it is an instant red flag. Equally, if there are communication problems, the project is likely to run into costly delays. Aspects such as sustainability, social value, net zero, and training and health and safety culture are also vital. Always ask about the companies that your tender chooses to partner with. The longer and more established the relationships, the more reliable and trustworthy the tender.

What Next?

At SC4 Carpenters, we pride ourselves on offering honest pricing. This reflects our comprehensive adherence to the full spectrum of health and safety legislation, as well as our long-nurtured relationships with our partners. Please get in touch for more information.

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