Garbage in means garbage out. This is a standard in the coding world but it should be known as a universal truth. Your next construction project is only as good as the materials you use. Even one batch of inferior bolts can bring down a building. So, quality counts and should be a priority. But, how do you ensure you’re using the best construction supplies for the job? These tips should get you started.
Make Quality a Top Priority When Reviewing Bids
When you receive a bid, it’s easy to fall in love with the cheapest option. Often, every dollar you save goes straight into your pocket. That’s short-term thinking. Those savings won’t last long when you have to redo work when the project fails. Collect multiple bids and pay attention to the differences in supply costs. Pay for quality supplies and your work will last.
Don’t Sacrifice Quality Supplies When the Budget Gets Tight
No construction project goes exactly as planned. Every problem turns into a budget drain and needs to be absorbed somewhere. An easy fix is to lower the cost of supplies in other areas. Be careful. Unless you are finding a new supplier offering the same quality for less cost, reducing the price of supplies can hurt you. Especially if the savings result in materials incapable of performing in your plan.
Engineer Everything
Engineers don’t just design things. They also make sure that the materials used are up to the task. Small things, like bolt shear ratings, matter. If those bolts are holding heavy industrial light fixtures over a factory floor, failure could get someone hurt. Sure, some plans seem like overkill. It comes down to either trusting the expert you hired or not. Odds are, the recommendation was made for a reason and you should stick to the plan.
Look to the Code for Guidance
Most building codes specifically recommend certain minimal ratings for materials and supplies. To achieve these ratings a high level of build quality must be present. Inferior materials and code violations played a major role in this department store collapse and had disastrous effects. Don’t let this happen to you.
Discounted Supplies Cost Less for a Reason
Steer clear of heavily discounted supplies unless you know exactly why the price was reduced. Often, batches of products come from the factory with a flaw. Manufacturers are unwilling to take a total loss, so they offer the product at a deep discount. Don’t purchase someone else’s mistake. Stick to quality supplies from reputable suppliers.
Controlling costs is a real thing. Projects that spiral out of control can end a company. But, fixing a financial issue should not affect build quality. There are plenty of places to save money on a project that don’t require sacrificing safety. Find them, and keep your project going. By hanging on to quality, you’ll be better off in the long run.