Top 5 Things to Consider When Evaluating A PEMB Erector Partner
Selecting a PEMB erector partner for your building is one of the most important decisions you will make during the construction process. Make the right choice and your project will be completed on time, on budget and within the stated parameters. Make the wrong choice and you could be looking at missed deadlines, a bigger price tag, and cut corners that can result in long-term problems.
To help you conduct a proper evaluation, we’ve put together this list of the top five things you should consider when selecting a PEMB erector partner.
#5 – The Basics
It may seem like a no-brainer, but before you enter into a partnership with a PEMB erector, make sure you run a business check through the local state licensing board. A quick Internet search will return information that can include licensing status, insurance and bond status, construction-related civil judgments, poor reviews and more.
#4 – Is Their Bid Realistic Compared to Others’?
Tempted to go with the lowest bid? Be sure you’ve completed your due diligence. The bidding process for large-scale division 13 construction projects is a minefield of potential future back charges, so be sure to evaluate proposals with this in mind. Sometimes, the higher bid ends up costing the least amount overall, because it is based on a more comprehensive examination of the plans and material requirements.
A PEMB erector partner that wants to take an active role starting in the design phase may provide a higher estimate at the outset, but their early participation can help to identify issues on paper before they become problems on the job site, leading to lower costs every step of the way.
#3 – What is Their Safety Record?
A PEMB erector’s safety record says more about a company than you may think. An impeccable safety record not only reflects a commitment to employee well-being and OSHA compliance, it is also an indicator of the overall quality of jobsite organization and efficiency. In addition to providing regular safety talks and requiring basic safety equipment (helmets, harnesses, head, ear and eye protection, etc.), a safe jobsite operation is also clean and well-organized, which saves money overall because it produces less waste. Labor is used more efficiently and less time is spent looking for misplaced tools and miscategorized materials. A jobsites’ safety logistics are concerned with the economy of movement for both people and machinery, and the erection strategy is orchestrated to happen with the fewest possible people standing around waiting.
These benefits are in addition to the lower costs associated with insurance premiums and work comp claims.
#2 – Do They Have Experience Building in Your Region?
Speaking of back charges…when evaluating PEMB erectors, it’s really important to verify that they have experience working in your project’s geographic area. Nothing racks up back charges faster than improperly bid equipment rental and defective workmanship. A solid PEMB erector partner will have access to a quality local labor pool and will be able to produce accurate cost estimates for equipment rentals in your project’s geographic location.
Nationally situated PEMB erectors are often comprised of team members from all over the United States and have experience in various markets throughout the country. But this is not necessarily guaranteed, so it pays to make sure they are experienced and comfortable with the logistics of building outside of their home state.
#1 – Their Portfolio
Finally, and most importantly, what does the PEMB erector’s experience portfolio look like? Do they have just one project or two? Do they only work in one city? How many years have they been in business? What is their repeat business rate? These questions are the ones that get down to the true quality of a large-scale PEMB erector.
Because these projects are large-scale, small mistakes can become big and expensive under the weight of so much square footage. A PEMB partner that can show they have successfully executed big projects in a variety of geographic areas is worth a second look even if their price tag is a bit higher than the competition’s, because, with a partner like that, you know you are getting reliable experience and capability, and a dependable price from the outset.
When Evaluating PEMB Erector Partners, Remember…
Make sure all licenses and insurances are current and check for any lawsuits or judgments, if possible.
Does the low cost of their bid seem too good to be true? If so, it probably is.
Check their safety record – and remember – a safe jobsite is an efficient jobsite.
Be sure your PEMB erector bids labor and rental equipment based on the prices in the project area.
Make sure the erector has a quality subcontractor network in the project area.
Review their portfolio – have they successfully completed projects of a similar size and scope as yours?
If your project is in a different state from their business location, be sure they have experience working at a distance from their headquarters.
FSE – We check all the boxes. Review our portfolio.
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