2015 Trends
So far 2015 has started with several conditions, although
not seen to this effect in recent years; the conditions are not surprising with
the situations leading up to 2015. Projects that have been pushed back and delayed
years previously are now being slated for 2015 work. Based on the amount spent
on construction over the past 3 years in the U.S., the average growth of
construction projects was 7% more each year (Huesman, Holland, & Langley,
2015) .
There is more work in the market place and not enough man power to execute the projects.
Contractors are even turning down the invitation to bid because their backlog
is already full for the construction season. With less tier one contractors bidding,
it becomes more of a challenge to receive the most competitive pricing for
upcoming work.
Upcoming Projects
With capital projects slated for 2015, it is crucial the
projects get bid out as soon as possible while still allowing time for the
proper design and expectations to be factored in. Inviting more contractors
that are qualified for the job will also be beneficial. Not only local
contractors but also inviting regional contractors will yield a competitive
price. Due to the amount of projects in the market place, inviting more
contractors then one might normally
expect, with the expectation a few might decline the invitation, competitive
prices are still obtainable.
During the bidding phase, one might also ask the contractors
their schedule for performing the work. Having firm start dates and completion
dates might be a contributing factor of inflated pricing. If possible, it would
be better to work with the contractor on their current backlog and still meet
milestones such as substantial completion before end of summer opposed to
project start on a firm date. Their still may be a narrow window for the work
to take place, but the more one is willing to work with the contractor during
the bidding stage, the better the prices will be.
With the construction season rapidly approaching we wish you
the best of luck for your 2015 Capital Projects.
Works Cited
Huesman, J., Holland, L., & Langley, T. (2015, January 02). Construction Spending.
Retrieved January 12, 2015, from United States Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/construction/c30/prpdf.html
