HardHatChat

APRIL 12, 2019

Any long-time readers of Hard Hat Chat have probably picked up on the fact that I’m a big fan of the negotiated bid. The GC then works with the client to budget the job based on pricing from subcontractor partners. Many large or complex construction jobs are budgeted and built out in phases. It’s A Multi-Phase Project.

Negotiation 177

Negotiation Bidding Commercial Construction 177

HardHatChat

JULY 11, 2013

Englewood recently began work on Season’s 52 in Chicago. The summer always brings more commercial construction activity, more bids, and, as a result, higher pricing. It’s a common misconception that commercial construction general contractors make money on the change orders that sometimes take place during a project.

Commercial 276

Commercial Construction Bidding Chicago 276

HardHatChat

MARCH 17, 2015

In fact, last year, the value of all commercial construction contracts signed in the Chicago area was close to $10.6 Interestingly enough, we have found owners for many of the commercial construction projects out-to-bid are looking to work with design-build construction firms. Relationships on a project count for a lot.

Design 120

Design Commercial Budgeting Budget 120

HardHatChat

JULY 19, 2011

Also, heed my warning on hiring low-bidding pick-up truck contractors. The more information you provide, the more accurate the shopping center construction budget – especially if you plan to work with retailers who have proprietary facades. And I know people don’t believe this, but the best Chicago contractors hate change orders.

Commercial 201

Commercial Retail Change Orders Construction 201

HardHatChat

JANUARY 18, 2011

Don’t always take the lowest bid. I know this is a tough one to follow as we all need to keep commercial construction budgets in check, but we saw too many companies go with pick-up truck contractors in 2010 only to be burned later. While bidding on the commercial construction remodel of a 500+ sq. Take a leap of faith.

Commercial 263

Commercial Bidding Negotiation Construction 263

Construction Knowledge

DECEMBER 3, 2012

Rather than proceeding with the traditional complete design and public bid method, the KTC and the IFA went with a Public Private Partnership (P3). Then they interviewed and short-listed four firms to prepare more detailed designs, with bid costs and schedules. The Walsh Group from Chicago, IL won both competitions.

Kentucky 40

Kentucky Indiana Schedule Change Orders 40

HardHatChat

OCTOBER 7, 2010

The spot is about the costs of commercial construction and how buying building materials in bulk can help GCs save money and bring down a construction project bid so they win the contract. Buying construction materials in bulk today won’t help your construction budget if prices for those materials are expected to drop tomorrow.

Commercial 235

Commercial Materials Construction Contractors 235