| Who to Hire for Your Steel Construction Project | | | | is a record of delivering a quality project, on-time, |
| More and more we are seeing businesses building and | | | | on-budget, and having it go right the first time. |
| or acquiring new space. This is largely because there | | | | A good sign is when the project manager or |
| is a need for companies to grow their operations. In | | | | company has professional certification. This |
| order to do so, facility space is critical to the growth | | | | demonstrates that there is some sort of accrediting |
| mix. This is especially so in manufacturing and | | | | body that has certified this contractor to erect steel |
| distribution businesses. Once you have made that | | | | buildings. Ultimately, experience is essential and |
| decision to grow and take on a steel building project, | | | | non-negotiable. Therefore it is important to check the |
| you need to think about who can help you design | | | | credentials and experience level of your candidate of |
| your new building. In order to start thinking about | | | | erectors. Now, for you as the business owner, it |
| who would be the most appropriate firm or person | | | | might not be so obvious of who the best candidate |
| to hire, you need to assess your own needs. Ask | | | | is and what some erectors may have as far as |
| yourself the following questions: | | | | credentials, all the right "initials" and even years of |
| - What is my vision for the building design? | | | | experience. This is why you should shop around, ask |
| - What is my budget? | | | | questions, and even check with your local Better |
| - What will having this building allow my business to | | | | Business Bureau (BBB). The Internet provides a |
| do in the next 2-3 years? | | | | wealth of information on contractors, prefab metal |
| - Is a pre-engineered steel building for my business? | | | | building companies, and even has consumer sites |
| If you have thought through these questions, then | | | | available. |
| you are ready to find someone to help you realize | | | | A quick note about references that might help you. |
| this goal. Remember that who you hire to build it is | | | | Ask for references that will show that the candidate |
| just as important as what you build. So, let's look at | | | | you are considering has experience with the metal |
| some of the things you should look for in the builder. | | | | building system you are considering. How good is the |
| First, you will need to have someone who has prior | | | | work they claim to have? How many referrals do |
| experience with your selection of construction. In | | | | they have? Do they have any unresolved complaints |
| these kinds of construction situations, there is no | | | | with the BBB? Also ask questions of the company |
| substitute for having a good depth of experience in | | | | that will be erecting the building. Do they provide |
| moving these projects forward. What happens if | | | | regular training to the crew that will put the steel |
| your project falls behind or there is an unexpected | | | | building up? Also, the erector you are considering |
| wrinkle in the timeline? You will need to make sure | | | | must be able to supply a copy of an OSHA-approved |
| that that the contractor or company that you deal | | | | (in the US) safety program. They should be current |
| with can handle these bumps in the road. Second, | | | | on all safety requirements and hold frequent work |
| accuracy is critical. Incompetent erectors can easily | | | | site safety meetings. Overall, you should choose to |
| cause you numerous and costly headaches on your | | | | work with only the best. So, do your homework, |
| project. The most obvious potential issue is erecting | | | | check your references, and find the best erector for |
| the building incorrectly. Experience is important, but so | | | | your project. |