Benchmarks For Choosing A Qualified Sitework Contractor
Site work construction is one of the crucial phases of a construction project, but it doesn’t include the property’s physical structure. It entails a series of work like excavation, grading, and construction.
To prevent or reduce site accidents and workplace incidents, contractor vetting is mandatory. Benchmarking for the ideal site contractor is the process of identifying a suitable contractor who is conversant with the existing safety regulations and the client’s safety management requirements.
The process of getting the ideal contractor should include evaluating the contractor’s safety performance, existing worker’s compensation, worker injury rates, level of competence of the contractor’s crew, and how often the contractor conducts periodic safety programs.
Why You Need A Selection Criteria For Sitework Contractor
The process of selecting the ideal contractor is crucial because it enables you to examine the contractor’s demonstrated capacity to maintain workplace safety. It also helps you determine how effectively the contractor’s safety framework is implemented in all phases. Additionally, it enables you to understand how the competency assessment being conducted complies with the existing workplace safety management policies.
Vetting of site work contractors requires a comprehensive review of workplace safety specifications during bid meetings and pre-award meetings. To demonstrate their expertise and competence, contractors must be taken through several pre-qualification processes based on client preferences and requirements for safety management.
To ensure the contractor has the required certification and license to work with competent personnel, the client must do qualification assessment processes. Contractor qualification assessment helps draw in multiple contractors with the required ability and capacity to take on different projects with varying levels of complexity.
The benchmarking process also helps weed out contractors with questionable reputations, legal claims, history of litigation, and poor performance reports. For any project, contractors are required to bid on informal contracts which have safety pre-qualification requirements.
Elements Of Sitework Contracts
Examples of site work construction conducted by most construction companies in South Carolina include:
● Earthwork
● Building pad preparation
● Electrical trenching
● Grading
● Landscaping
● Sewer installation
● Septic system installation
● Retention of basins
● Storm drainage system installation
● Curb building
● Driveway paving
Selecting The Ideal Sitework Contractor
The experience and skill sets of a site work contractor must be considered throughout the selection process. Here are the benchmarks to use when carrying out this process:
Pricing Policy
The overall cost of a site work contract varies depending on the company. Other factors may also influence a company’s pricing policy. For instance, some companies charge per square area or according to the type of the site work and the quality requirements for the project.
A better approach is to compare different quotes from several contractors to make informed decisions. However, it is advisable not to make your selection based entirely on price since you may compromise quality work with low quotes.
License And Insurance
The contractor must be a licensed professional who’s fully insured. They must have the capacity to pay for any liability charges if such claims are brought forth due to accidents or injuries occurring at the site. Because litigation and legal claims can be a big issue in the future, great care should be taken when considering this. Only insured contractors should be hired. They should also have a verified state license to work in your site’s specific location.
Good Reputation
A contractor’s reputation helps you understand their credibility and competence in their industry. It is best to go for the renowned site work contractors with an established name in the industry as their record speaks for themselves. This will help you avoid competency and credibility issues in the future.
Written Contract
Get all the details about the contract in writing. The contractor must spell out all the deliverables, the equipment they use, quotes, the specific deadline for the projects, and other contract specifications. The written contract should also include the price quote and the average number of workers they’ll have on-site.
Tools, Equipment And Working Methodologies
The chosen site work contractor should have all the necessary tools and equipment required for the project. These tools must not be outdated or malfunctioning but must be of practical efficiency and capacity to complete the job within the specified time. Otherwise, lack of the necessary equipment and technologies or defective tools can yield poor work results.
Make this a mandatory requirement when selecting the ideal contractor for the site work. Obtain a detailed bid from the contractor before commencing the actual construction work. Ask them to create a schedule for each phase to help you keep track of the ongoing project.
Advantages Of Benchmarking For A Qualified Contractor
Here are some proven advantages of selecting a qualified site work contractor:
● It assists in preventing or minimizing variability during contract execution.
● It helps accelerate project completion target effectiveness like quality, cost, and project schedule.
● It makes it possible to build a rapport with the contractor before site work begins.
● It helps the contractor and the client understand and appreciate what each expects from the other.
● It helps clients determine if the contractor can provide knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced personnel with sufficient resources to meet the safety and quality requirements.
● It provides reviews for statutory and regulatory requirements of the contractor.
● It provides an opportunity for the contractor to discuss job-specific safety plans.
● The contractor can evaluate the effectiveness of job-related training and orientation periodically.
● It makes it possible for the contractor to review plans and job safety management requirements before the commencement of work.
● It helps the contractor to carry out field audits, table the audit’s findings, and recommend the necessary corrective action to the site work owner or executive personnel.
● It enables the contractor to investigate any safety incidents, injuries and near-misses reported then take the necessary action to improve safety management.
The above-detailed criteria can act as a guide map for choosing the ideal contractor who can plan and implement the proposed project according to the specific requirements set forth by the client.
The Takeaway
A reliable and reputable charleston construction company has no qualms about fulfilling these requirements. You must be diligent in this initial benchmarking process to ensure the success of your site work project.
Additionally, let the contractor know that you will accept bids and take quotes from other contractors as you make your comparisons. Set a specific time frame for making and concluding those comparisons. Rank them based on the competency level of their workforce, quote, company policies, safety requirements, and professionalism. Also, consider the warranty period of the tools and equipment they intend to use in your comparison.
Let the contractor spell out their working terms and conditions, preferred payment terms, and VAT charges that apply for all contractors. But after all is said and done, making an informed decision will save you a lot of frustrations in the future. It’s also a wiser step than picking the first contractor that comes your way. When you factor in the above qualification requirements for the ideal contractor, you can expect the best possible outcome of your construction project. Contact OLTC to learn more about sitework constructions in Charleston, SC, and how to choose the ideal contractor for your projects.