Construction: A Guide To Selecting The Right Team For The Job

A building is nothing without a strong foundation.

The foundation does not begin concrete or when the first shovel breaks ground. Your dream of the final product can be secured or compromised during the face that is often overlooked—the preconstruction phase.

Imagine standing on an empty job site, already picturing the building that will soon rise from the ground. Crews moving with purpose, materials arriving on time, and a seasoned project manager confidently guiding every step. This seamless vision is achievable, but only if the right contractor is chosen from the start. 

Building the blueprint to your project’s success begins long before construction. It begins with choosing the team you trust to bring your vision to life.

There are many factors to consider when choosing your team. Understanding the importance of each of these pieces and assembling your ideal project “puzzle” will ultimately determine the success of your build.

Cost vs. Value

It’s tempting to focus on getting the lowest bid. After all, everyone wants to save money. But remember, the contractor’s fee usually accounts for just 8-10% of the overall project budget. While saving a little here might seem like the right decision, most of the time it ends up being too good to be true. Corners get cut and issues go unaddressed; ultimately, leading to more costs down the line. 

A good rule of thumb to avoid this: look at the total value a contractor brings. 

Ask the following:

• How effectively do they manage subcontractors?

• Do they communicate effectively?

• Do they offer innovative solutions that align with your budget?

Schedule and Speed

Time is money. A good contractor doesn’t just set a schedule—they guard it fiercely. 

Ask the following about their track record: 

• Do they frequently run past deadlines? 

• How do they handle sudden delays, like supply chain hiccups or weather setbacks? 

The best teams can pivot quickly, finding creative ways to keep the timeline on track without sacrificing quality.

Experience and Expertise

Would you trust a major legal case to the cheapest attorney around, or one who’s handled similar cases successfully? 

Construction is no different. Experience matters. Seek out contractors who’ve completed projects similar in size and complexity to yours. An experienced contractor has already navigated many common pitfalls and can solve problems before they derail your budget or timeline.

Risk and Problem-Solving

Every construction project hits obstacles—from unexpected site conditions to design changes. A strong contractor doesn’t just react to problems; they anticipate them. Look for someone who can walk you through “worst-case scenarios” and explain their plan of attack. Their confidence in handling risks can give you peace of mind when challenges arise.

Management Fees and Transparency

A contractor’s management fee might only be a small slice of the overall pie, but you want total clarity on where each dollar goes. 

Ask the following:

• How does the contractor charge for overtime?

• How does the contractor handle changes in scope or unforeseen conditions? 

Transparent contracts build trust, and trust is essential when you’re investing significant time and resources.

Subcontractor Oversight

Most of your project’s costs (about 90%) lie in subcontracted work. Even the best contractor can be undermined by a poor-quality roofer or electrician. 

Ask about their subcontractor vetting process:

• How do they choose them, monitor their work and ensure quality?

With the right oversight, subcontractors can help the project glide smoothly to the finish line.

Making the Choice

When you’re ready to pick a contractor, consider all these factors: cost, schedule, experience, risk management, fees, transparency and subcontractor oversight. Think of it as assembling the perfect team, not just striking a bargain. After all, the true measure of success isn’t finding the cheapest bid—it’s crossing the finish line with a solid, enduring structure that matches your vision.

At 39Forward, we don’t just cross the finish line with you, we help you establish that strong foundation. From contractor selection to budget strategy to risk planning, we ensure your vision is protected long before construction begins.

After all, the strongest builds start well before the concrete is poured, and we’re here to make sure yours does too.