What makes building companies stand out in a highly competitive marketplace?

Last week we talked about what to look for when hiring a building company, focusing on essential considerations such as accreditations and price. This week, we wanted to discuss how the values of and people in a company can make all the difference to the client’s experience. There are countless construction companies out there, so what makes one really stand out? Besides the obvious reasons such as performance, there are subtle ways a company such as PBG can make their mark in such a competitive industry.

Company character

Just like people, Sydney commercial builders have ‘personalities’. Companies need to make sure that they present a positive character. The clever ones develop values or a mission statement that clearly expresses their vision. It is this vision that aligns staff, and drives them in every project. As a potential client, it’s a good idea to do your research on a company’s values before committing to them. When you’re going to have a working relationship for months or even years, it’s very important to make sure that you share the same ideals. Here at PBG, we have three key values at the core of our company: excellence, reliability, and passion. These values dictate everything we do.

Below are some further ideals that make building companies stand out:

• Authenticity – unfortunately, being genuine is a rare quality in the building industry.
• Approachability – businesses should work with you as a partner. They should be friendly, approachable, and happy to answer questions or discuss any issues. We can’t stress enough how important communication is!
• Commitment – all companies should be committed to seeing a job through to the end, and taking responsibility for every step along the way. This also includes being accountable for any errors.
• Honesty – the best companies pride themselves on being straight with their clients. Clients appreciate when companies are honest about any issues and shortcomings. Honesty plays a huge part in defining a company’s integrity and credibility.

Each staff member should reflect the Sydney construction company’s ideals and expectations. This ensures that every single project is delivered to the same standard. It is the management’s role to make sure that there is consistency across the company’s branding and performance.

Skills and training

The top construction companies take skill levels very seriously. There are a number of people involved on a building project – from engineers to labourers to project managers. Great companies hire or train people to specialise in these niche areas of construction or management. Experts are the best in their field, and hiring them ensures that every project is completed to the best possible standard. For instance, at PBG, we have project managers, contract administrators, civil engineers, architects, and site managers on staff – all of which have contributed to our successful track record.

While skills are essential, continual training is something that makes a company like PBG stand out in the marketplace. The construction industry is evolving all the time, and it’s important to keep up with these changes. There are always new techniques, tools, and regulations to learn about, and the top companies are committed to keeping up to date.

What to look for when hiring a building company

Hiring a building company is a process that requires careful consideration. If we’re being honest, the building industry doesn’t have a stellar reputation. Because of this unfortunate status, clients need to be alert and educated when they are approaching construction companies. Similarly, those companies need to be able to prove their skills and reliability. When embarking on a building project, you’re investing both money and time in your contractor. Of course, you want to make sure you will be working with the best possible partner. To help you avoid encountering any problems, we’ve compiled this guide to hiring a Sydney building company. We suggest you use it as a checklist when you’re at the initial stages of your project.

Qualifications

Fortunately, it’s very easy to find out a company’s qualifications. From a client’s point of view, a company’s accreditations are a useful indicator of how qualified they are, and what exactly they are qualified to do. As accreditations are awarded by third party boards, they attest to a contractor’s reliability and consistency. They prove that the company is genuine and accountable to someone other than their client. Finally, they give you, the client, peace of mind. Look out for accreditations such as Quality Assurance and OH & S.

Experience

When hiring a company to undertake a commercial project, experience is a major factor. We recommend choosing one that has experience with the type of project that you have. This is the best way of knowing that they have the skills and resources to do the job right. Luckily, all you have to do is ask for their project portfolio. A genuine, reliable construction company should be able and happy to provide you with this information.

References

As well as asking for proof of successfully completed projects, it’s also a very good idea to ask for recommendations. If people make the effort to refer a company, they are confirming their trustworthiness, reliability, quality of work, and communication skills. Such references will help you to determine if the company’s ‘character’ suits your needs.

Price

As a general rule, in the construction industry, you get what you pay for. Therefore, price is a very important consideration. Just like in any other industry, every company will charge according to their own fees and resources. Remember, the price does match the quality. If the quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. Projects are a long-term investment, so it’s worth spending that little bit more on a verifiable Sydney commercial builder that you know will do the job well.

Time

Make sure that the company has the time to complete your job within the given time frame. This hurdle can be taken down in the interview stage. Just ask them outright if they can meet your deadline. If they seem to be overstretched, it might be in your best interest to move on to the next one.

Put everything in writing

Repeat after us, everything must be in writing! This should not be a problem at all, and if it is, cue the alarm bells. Draw up a contract at the beginning of the project, and make sure it is signed and agreed upon before anything else. In addition, if there are any changes to the original contract along the way, put these in writing as well. Avoid verbal agreements at all costs. It’s the sensible thing to do.

Predicted Building Trends for 2012

In almost every industry, the turn of the new year has brought with it a discussion about the trends that will dominate 2012. The construction industry is no exception. There have already been a number of reports from Sydney developers as well as companies like McGraw-Hill predicting where, what, and how to build this year. Here are some of the findings.

Multi-purpose commercial buildings

While the residential sector of the construction industry has been quite unstable in the past few years, commercial buildings are on the rise. In particular, multi-purpose buildings will be key. These buildings need to house various companies and functions at the same time. For instance, industrial units, high-rise office blocks, and loft-style offices are all buildings that can cater to large number of working people comfortably. As well as the style of the building, location will also be a major consideration. The value of a commercial building increases when it is centrally and conveniently located near public transport and shops. Though the land may be expensive to purchase at first, the return on investment will be worth it.

Functionality

In 2012, functionality and practicality will reign over extravagance. After years of unique, superfluous designs that were sometimes a little too artistic, minimalism is back. The building industry will see a return to simplicity, to clean lines and classic design. Admittedly, this trend has been driven by the instability of the economy and funding, but it is a positive change. Building in a functional and practical way reduces unnecessary expenditure and use of space. This trend also links closely to the increase of multi-purpose buildings, as the aim is to create buildings that allow more people to live and work in them effectively and comfortably.

Green Building

Many eco organisations are optimistic that 2012 will be the year where green building becomes a standard for Sydney commercial builders. The ultimate aim is for green buildings to become the norm rather than an afterthought, but this is a gradual process. ‘Green’ buildings are more affordable now than ever, and will only become more popular as people discover how space, time, money, and energy saving they are. As well as these benefits, building ‘green’ is also about using space in the most smart, practical way. Some ‘green’ features that are predicted to really take off in 2012 are green roofs, water saving fixtures, efficient lighting, and solar power. Also, excess free space (such as large foyers) will be replaced with more practical uses.

Of course, the year has barely begun, so these are just predictions. They are based on extensive research, so it will be interesting to see if they turn out to be accurate. Regardless of how they play out, Patterson Building Group will continue to focus on commercial buildings and keep up our green initiatives.

Why Building Accreditations Matter

Building accreditations are all about defining and recognising quality. There are a number of different accreditation schemes, but they all outline the skills, knowledge, and code of conduct required by Sydney commercial builders. When a builder is qualified with an accreditation, this instills faith and confidence in the client. More than that, it is incredibly important for honest, capable people to be in charge of building! On a personal level, for builders, accreditations also serve as a record of achievement.

Standards

First and foremost, accreditation schemes are important because they establish the high standards that builders should work towards. By setting standards in this way, Sydney construction companies are aware of the expectations placed on them, and the quality of work they should aim to achieve. They also know the minimum standards, and what they need to do to achieve further accreditation. Consumers can rest with the knowledge that accredited builders will act professionally and lawfully. Some of the most vital accreditations include Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental, and Quality Assurance.

Credibility

To put it quite simply, certification directly relates to credibility. Accreditations attest to the building company’s capabilities and achievements. By doing so, they promote the company’s trustworthiness, integrity, and ability to comply with the law. Building companies have to prove their eligibility for certification and really earn the label, and as such, it is one they have a right to wear proudly.

Third party involvement

Accreditations are assessed by council certifiers (70%) and private certifiers (30%). The involvement of this type of third party is important for both builders and consumers. Consumers have peace of mind in that they know the work of accredited Sydney developers is overseen by a strict board. Furthermore, they know that they can confidently contact that board if any issues arise.

Development

From a builder’s perspective, being involved in an accreditation scheme is invaluable. By obtaining and maintaining membership, a Sydney construction company like PBG can gain further insights about the industry. They are updated on new techniques, legislation, and initiatives. They also benefit from the results of the board’s complaints and auditing program, which allows them to learn from the successes and failures of their peers.

A Breakdown of Patterson Building Group’s accreditations

• PBG has a certified Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with AS/NZS ISO 9001: 2008. To put this in a way non-builders can understand, QMS is an international quality benchmark. It is set to ensure business performance and customer confidence.
• PBG also has an accredited Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) system in accordance with AS/NZS 4801-2001. This means they continue to provide safe premises, machinery, and materials, as well as appropriate training and supervision.
• Finally, PBG has a certified Environmental Management System in compliance with AS/NZS 14001:2004. PBG manages its business in such a way to avoid any adverse effects on the local government as well as protecting both on-site workers and the community.