Selecting a general contractor is a critical decision, especially when your entire company depends on the success of your latest project. Technical and laboratory facilities present significant risks and require more forethought and planning before engaging a contractor. It’s vital to your operation that the end result of your project meet functional, safety, and regulatory requirements. It’s also important that your facility outcome, whether a new build or renovation, is sustainable and maintainable for the long-term. Here are five key questions to ask potential general contractors when planning your next facility project.
Does the contractor have specific experience with your industry?
Specialized projects like technical labs, medical facilities, and laboratories demand specialized knowledge. You need a general contractor that not only has years of experience in the field, but specific experience with your niche. Can they efficiently construct the facility to be in compliance with the functional needs of the laboratory owner, and comply with all local, state, and federal building codes, as well as OSHA? Whether you work in aerospace, medical, or consumer goods, ask potential contractors what recent projects they have worked on in your industry.
Will the facility meet my needs?
This includes understanding your needs for specialized equipment, ventilation systems, plumbing, and fume hood installation. Partner with a general contractor that has experience installing all the features on your list.
For example, LCS considers your facility needs and budget requirements from start to finish. Whether it’s design-build, design-bid, facility support or maintenance – LCS’ priority is providing the highest quality facility to meet your needs, within your budget.
Will the job be completed within the estimated cost?
Budget is a critical factor in any project, big or small, so it is essential to discuss projected costs with any potential general contractor. Ask them their process for estimating costs and how they handle potential issues that can delay production.
At LCS, we maintain an extensive database of costs and other factors that impact estimates. This, combined with our breadth of experience, enables LCS to deliver an accurate conceptual estimate based on minimal design criteria or schematics. After years of experience managing some of the industry’s most demanding projects, we know how to avoid the problems and capitalize on the opportunities inherent within each.
Will my job be completed on time?
When completing large-scale facilities, time is of the essence. It’s important to ask any general contractor you are considering what their process is, their turnaround time, and how they outsource work.
For example, because LCS uses our in-house skilled craftsmen, we control the primary labor components of all lab projects, meaning we are not at the mercy of subcontractors for the critical “lab phase” of the job.
Does the contactor have a solid reputation in the industry?
A reputable general contractor should have a strong portfolio of relevant projects and reference from previous clients. A contractor with a solid reputation will be transparent about their past work and readily provide the information you need to make an informed decision.
Why LCS?
With over 30 years of experience and over 3,000 labs and technical facilities successfully completed, LCS is a pioneer in the industry. LCS is wholly focused on the needs of laboratory and technical facility owners, providing ongoing facility support to the lab owner years after the completion of the original project.
Want to learn more? Connect with us about your next project.