Managing a multifamily construction or remodeling project can be a daunting task for property managers. You may be experiencing pressures from the building’s owner or residents, and you’re likely not an expert on construction processes. But there is a way to minimize the headaches and hassles: Build a good relationship with your contractor!
A great way for property managers to work well with contractors is to learn some construction business basics. Taking time to understand the key aspects of building projects goes a long way toward the success of a job. Here are four things contractors want every property manager to know.
1. Reach Out to Your Contractor in Advance
The construction industry is booming — spending is estimated to hit $1.35 trillion in 2019 — so contractors have no shortage of jobs to complete. That means if you have a specific deadline for a project, you’ll need to reach out well in advance to secure a contractor. While the amount of time required for a multifamily construction project varies, a good rule of thumb for most large projects is to reach out to a contractor four to six months in advance.
2. Sometimes the Timeline Has to Change
Know that contractors don’t want delays to happen, but they can’t always be avoided. Weather, material shortages and — for remodeling jobs — surprises in the building’s existing construction can derail a timeline. Be understanding when delays come up and work with your contractor to manage expectations for the schedule going forward.
3. Be Clear About Who Is Making Decisions
The property manager is often the contractor’s day-to-day contact but may not be the ultimate decision-maker for the job; sometimes, the responsibility for approving budgets, materials and plans falls to someone else. Be upfront with your contractor about who is making the final decisions, so they can develop a project timeline the meets everyone’s needs and allows for decisions to be made at critical points in the project.
4. Communication Between Property Managers and Contractors Is Key
Throughout a multifamily construction project, keep lines of communication open, regularly checking in with the contractor and making yourself available for questions. Consider setting up regular check-ins, so you can go over what’s coming up for the following week. Do you need to direct residents to park in a different area? Do you need to remove furniture from common areas? Is there a specific location that they should direct their suppliers to drop off deliveries? Working through the details ahead of time will help prevent any last-minute issues from coming up.
By knowing what your contractor is expecting from you, you’ll help your project stay on track. If you’re still trying to figure out where to start on your multifamily construction project or remodel, find out how ABC Supply can be a resource for property managers, or reach out to your local ABC Supply branch to discuss your upcoming project and next steps.
