If you’re about to start a construction project in Colorado Springs, take a look at your project plan and answer this question: How confident are you that the plan in front of you will deliver success? Is it a certainty? Or do you harbor some reservations?
If it’s the latter, you aren’t alone. It’s prudent to go into any project with some realistic concerns. But there is a way to address them, and that’s by hiring the expertise of construction consultation services.
Find out more about this service and what it offers in this guide.
Construction Consultation: What It Means
If you’re planning a construction project, you’ll face a lot of decisions about the people and services you need to hire. Professional services like consultation might be on your list, but how much do you know about what’s involved? We’ll cover that now.
A Brief Overview of Building Consultation Services
Consulting is there to provide a team with a range of expertise and construction advice. It spans every part of a construction project, including the planning, implementation, and completion stages.
Within that broad category of consultancy, you’ll find specialists. You’ll have project managers, architects, engineers, legal experts, and strategic consultants.
Each of these experts has valuable knowledge and experience to offer to a construction team, like guiding on design work, advising on how to navigate permits, or helping to write the project plan.
Roles for Consultants in a Construction Project
A consultant may offer support in several areas during a project’s planning stage.
First, they can examine your designs and planning documents. They will be able to turn these into actionable strategies and tasks for the team, providing a bridge between the vision of a construction project and turning it into a successful delivery.
Consultants can also examine the feasibility of a construction project. They can advise on critical decisions like the budget and timescales to determine whether they’re realistic and likely to be achieved.
These experts can also help identify the project’s resources, including advising on the best construction methods. Consultants can also take a hands-on approach to construction project planning.
They can create schedules, finalize the budget, and secure resources. That will include adopting risk management techniques to help manage potential problems that can arise on a construction project.
Consultants can also act as liaisons between different project groups, including stakeholders, suppliers, and other third parties.
They can even be a point of contact with government bodies and help secure the approval you need for your development. Their expertise can help navigate some of the intricacies of the law, like safety and environmental issues.
The Benefits of Hiring Construction Consultants
There are many compelling reasons to hire construction consultants. Here are some benefits you should know:
An Improved Design Process
A consultant can help improve your design process and make it more efficient. Consultants understand fundamental design principles and best practices in construction and also have insights into modern techniques.
They can help deliver a design with enhanced functional and aesthetic appeal that’s sustainable and tailored to the client’s needs.
Good design input and efficient solutions positively impact the later stages of the project, reducing waste and costs and helping to meet timescales.
Risk Management
Consultants bring with them the experience that can help spot risks others might miss. These range from safety to financial or legal issues and many more.
They can help establish proven mitigation strategies for the most concerning project risks, helping to keep the project on track and costs under control. Good risk management is about being proactive and keeping an eye on the horizon.
When the rest of your team has their head down and is focused on the project details, having a consultant look ahead is a crucial benefit.
Improved Budget Control
A construction consultant can help you keep control of your budget and lower your project costs. They can run a detailed cost analysis and help remove any unnecessary expenses.
They can also review your resource allocation and look at ways to use it better.
Consultants are also skilled negotiators and can work with your suppliers and other third parties to bring down prices and discuss more favorable contract terms.
Stakeholder Communication
Consultants can play a significant role in helping to keep your stakeholders on board. They can communicate with all parties, bringing with them the benefit of being outsiders and, therefore, an objective voice.
They can also be a hub, keeping communication flowing between all the different groups and helping to prevent it from becoming a bottleneck on the project.
Clear and open communication channels are crucial to the success of any project. They prevent misunderstandings and ensure every team is working towards the same goal.
How to Choose the Right Construction Consultants
While construction consultants can be game-changers in a project, success depends on choosing the right one. Here’s what to look for in a consulting team.
Qualifications and Credentials
Check the qualifications and credentials of any shortlisted team. Ideally, they should have an educational background in planning, engineering, architecture, or construction management.
Credentials from industry bodies are also a sign of a reputable consulting team. It shows a commitment to the profession and an understanding of best practices.
Look for the CMAA (Construction Management Association of America) or the AIC (American Institute of Constructors).
Experience
Always vet potential consultants to ensure they have the depth and breadth of experience that will allow them to add value to your project. Look at their project portfolio to find similar construction builds.
You’ll always want to examine success metrics, such as whether those projects came in on time and under budget.
It’s worth digging deeper into your research by getting client references. Speaking to past customers will help you better understand their knowledge, skills, and approach.
It’s also vital you conduct face-to-face interviews. Connecting with a consultant is as important as their credentials.
Skillset
Communication skills are a must, so always start there when shortlisting consultants.
You’ll also want someone who understands complex processes and knows how to handle these on a project and run things efficiently. Relationship building is another skill that will be high on your list.
They’ll need to get on with the team and be able to form relationships with stakeholders and third parties.
Experienced consultants also pay attention to detail. So, while they may focus on the primary project goals, they won’t lose sight of the everyday tasks your team needs to complete to help reach them.
Tips on Getting the Most from Your Consultancy Service
Professional services are there to add value. But this doesn’t mean you should sit back and wait for things to happen. There are many ways you can get the most from construction consultancy, and here are some top tips.
Prepare for the Initial Meeting
Always prepare for the first meeting with your construction consultant. Gather together whatever project documentation you have to ensure you can cover as much of your plans as possible.
This will help the consultant get a comprehensive overview of your goals, potential issues, and how they can add the most value.
Set Communication Guidelines
It’s important from the outset that you let your consultant know what you expect in terms of communication. Everyone is different, but you need to find a style that aligns.
If you want weekly emails with updates on how things are going, ask for this. If you prefer face-to-face meetings, tell the consultant from the start that’s what you need.
The method of communication isn’t as important as ensuring it’s consistent and clear throughout, so make it your priority.
Be Proactive
Collaboration is the best way to handle a partnership with a consultant. Ensure you are involved in crucial planning sessions and are open and honest when discussing potential insights or problems.
Use a collaboration tool to help you throughout. Online collaboration software makes it easier to share information and track progress. It will help make sure all parties know what’s happening at all times.
Leverage Their Expertise
Don’t forget consultants bring specialist knowledge and expertise to a project. Use it as much as possible. Reach out to the consultant for their insights and opinions before making important decisions.
Encourage them to run risk assessments and feasibility studies. You should also ask whether they have a network of contacts that could be valuable to the project.
Keep the Consultation Going Until the Project’s Completion
It’s true that careful planning is the foundation of any good project. But don’t overlook the value a consultant can add at the other end of the timeline when the project reaches completion.
They can help ensure the dates remain on track and provide helpful input on issues like quality control, ensuring the final construction meets the standards outlined during the planning stage.
Construction Consultation Services: Is It Right for You?
There is no denying the benefits of construction consultation services. If you feel your project carries risks and you need outside support, this could be the best option for you.
Hammer Construction is here to work by your side and ensure your next project is a success. With over 30 years of experience to offer, discover more about why we are the best choice for you.