In a competitive bid situation, contractors can go to the extremes to lower their bids, especially when work opportunities are scarce. In the end, a business owner may like the price, but may not like the final results.
Cory Sursely
An Answer to the Price per Square Foot Question
It never fails. Each and every trade show where I “man” the booth, the same question is asked that makes me cringe. This question is impossible to answer on the spot, as there are so many variables involved and it’s a slippery slope to give anyone an incorrect answer. Some of you may have guessed already, but the question I’m talking about is “What would the estimated square foot price be for a new [insert building type here] building?” Whether it’s a restaurant, manufacturing, medical or dental show, the answer is always the same—“it depends on the site, size and cost of the finishes you select,” which is usually followed by an eye roll of the inquirer. It's not a good feeling to let down a prospective customer, but, like I said, it’s never good to guess and tell someone too low and unknowingly get them excited about how inexpensive it could be, on the flip side, if you tell them too high, they walk away without any further discussion.
To Use or Not to Use a Pre-Engineered Metal Building
We have had all kinds of business owners from varying professions ask us about using a pre-engineered metal building when they’re fact finding about new construction for their business. We tell them a general rule of thumb to consider is that metal buildings are best for businesses that want an industrial look, or have a big enough budget to dress up a pre-engineered building with brick or EIFS (for example) to mask the industrial façade.
Using Your Building as a Marketing Tool
In your marketing plan you’ve probably included a budget for advertising, special events, direct mail, tradeshows, logoed goods, internet and social media to name a few, all in order to drive traffic to your business. One thing you may not have considered is the role of your building and how it can drive traffic to (or away from) your business.
What Makes a Contractor an Expert in Medical Construction?
In light of our staff architect, attending the Health Facilities Planning Seminar this month, I thought it was timely to discuss what makes a contractor specialized in medical office construction. To some people, all buildings with walls, floors and a ceiling are the same and the contractor shouldn’t make a difference when constructing it. While I believe that it always matters who the contractor is and how professional and customer service oriented they are, obviously, most any contractor can build simple buildings (how much hassle you want to deal with is up to you). However, a medical building is not a simple building. The healthcare industry is highly regulated and uses a plethora of specialty equipment or med gases each with its own requirements. Plus whether you’re dealing with a Patient Centered Medical Home or a surgery or endoscopy center, it’ll be easier to successfully achieve your goal
Investigating Ancillary Services for Your Practice (a White Paper)
Adding a new, complementary service to your existing business structure can help increase your revenue during your regular business hours. This is especially helpful for businesses that feel they have reached a maturity or decline stage.
Succession Planning & Your Building for Medical or Dental Professions
Remember the good old days—a few decades or so ago—when a doctor could practice for 30 – 40 years and then sell his or her practice to another doctor when they were ready to retire, or better yet, have a son or daughter to take over the practice. Jump forward to present time and it’s not as easy to find someone to take over a medical or dental practice. The reality is there are far fewer doctors graduating than there are practices out there and doctors should start succession planning well before they’re ready to retire.
Your Building Makes an Impression on Your Business
What Is Yours Saying?
It makes a lot of sense that your building emits an attitude and gives a first impression that reflects your corporate culture. Immediately, visitors are assuming things about your customer service, quality, competency and staff when they come in your parking lot. So why is it that some business owners aren’t aware of the message their building is sending?
Tips for Improving Your Building Investment This Winter
As a business owner or manager, your building is an investment that you’d like to protect from harsh weather; therefore, here are a few tips on how to prepare your building and grounds for cooler temperatures, ice, and snow.
Environmental Choices That Should Save Money for Your Office
(Updated 11/18/20) You may or may not have ever thought about what your company could do to save the environment, but I bet that you’ve thought a lot about how your company can cut costs. The Florida Green Building Coalition has a list of simple actions that a company can take to save energy and water and just be a little greener in general. Here are the 7 highlights from the Florida Green Building Coalition's list:
- Get Educated – designate a staff member to do research or subscribe to a newsletter.