Choosing the best firm for a long-term investment such as precast concrete can be challenging. How can you determine which manufacturer is the best? What criteria do you use to determine who to choose?
Precast concrete is a high-quality product, so it shouldn’t be difficult to locate a reputable supplier. To avoid the common pitfalls arising from selecting the incorrect precast concrete supplier, the following are a few you can follow.
Portfolio
Although a firm may have excellent recommendations, are they capable of performing the service you require? It would be best if you viewed a portfolio with jobs similar to yours. If the firm has only worked on modest residential projects in the past, but you have a large commercial job, you may want to look elsewhere for a contractor. This is a personal preference, but looking for organizations that have previous expertise with the type of work you want is a good indication they are up to the task.
References
When selecting a firm or service, it is usually a good idea to check references first. Understand who you are working with and whether or not they are dependable. If possible, seek online reviews from reputable review sites, or inquire directly from the company and ask them for specific references and testimonials.
Reinforcements
What type of reinforcement do they use in precast concrete? For example, to reinforce precast concrete walls and ensure they last for generations, the precast concrete should be reinforced with proper steel. If you want to create a high-quality product, compare different products and the reinforcement options before settling on a company or product for your project.
Responsibility
What is the company’s responsibility? Do they only supply the product, or do they manage installation as well? When it comes to installation, you need a company with a network of firms they collaborate with, who they can recommend to ensure that the task is done correctly. If anything goes wrong, or if there is an issue down the line, what do you do then? All of these are questions you should answer in advance so you can be adequately prepared for whatever situation that may arise.
Questions to Guide You
Do the supplier’s objectives align with yours?
When determining whether or not a supplier is a suitable fit, it is critical to understand their mission, beliefs, goals, and business culture. When a company’s values match yours, it’s usually a strong sign that the collaboration will work well. Differences in general mission, values, goals, and culture may lead to conflict throughout the project.
Is the provider knowledgeable?
Inquire about the supplier’s experience and its relevance to your project. Is it connected to the industry? When a supplier has the experience, it’s typically a good indicator that they also offer the expertise that will bring value to your project and help things flow more smoothly.
Is the provider flexible?
In construction projects, there are countless uncertainties and changes that occur, necessitating flexibility for all parties involved. The capacity of a supplier to collaborate with you, retain flexibility, and adjust to change is critical. Keep in mind that while a supplier may claim to be flexible, reviews and previous work typically reveal more about how a supplier operates.
What quality of product or service does a provider offer?
Do in-depth research to determine the quality of the supplier’s goods or services. Your supplier’s product or service quality has a direct influence on the overall success of your project. Again, look at evaluations and previous work testimonials to get a genuine picture of who you are dealing with.
Will the supplier add value to the project?
Consider the value the supplier will add to your project before making a decision. Is the supplier’s reputation for experience, flexibility, and quality in line with how you would like your project to be perceived? Keep in mind that a high-value provider comes at a cost.
Is the supplier’s price reasonable?
Finally, taking everything into account, is the supplier’s price reasonable? Do you believe their product or service and their overall cost of opportunity are genuinely worth it? And does that cost correspond to your project budget?
Here are a few additional questions to ask when choosing a supplier:
- Does the supplier offer discounts?
- Are there additional costs involved?
- Can the supplier deliver on time?
- Can the provider supply the required volume?
When you choose the right company, you automatically select the right product. By following these guidelines, you are on your way to finding the right precast concrete supplier. The TKL Group has a reputation for excellent service and products. Once we take on your project, you have joined a team that has been tried and tested; and passed the test.