What Services Do Construction Companies Offer?

What Services Do Construction Companies Offer?

I love this topic because it’s not always clear. In fact, there isn’t just one solid pattern for what services construction companies offer. In this blog, I’m going to take you step by step through some of the key services that general contractors can provide. This will help expand your understanding and ensure that we are leveraging all the capabilities of general contractors. Let’s dive into it!

General Contracting Services
One of the main services your construction company can provide is General Contracting Services. This role involves managing the overall construction process, hiring subcontractors, coordinating schedules, and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget. In this arrangement, the general contractor assumes the financial risk for the budget they agreed upon according to the contract.

Design-Build Services
Another fantastic service is Design-Build. I used to have a certification from the Design-Build Institute of America, and it’s something I’m really passionate about. In this model, whether it’s the architect or the builder, all parties are contracted under one entity. In my experience, the general contractor typically controls the process, hiring architects, engineers, and any other third parties required to accomplish the project. This one-entity model allows for a single point of accountability, which can greatly streamline operations.

Pre-Construction Services
Next up, we have Pre-Construction Services. These are crucial, as no builder can move forward without proper planning. This involves developing a clear construction plan, managing permits, zoning, and coordinating all stakeholders before the project breaks ground. In fact, I’ve written extensively on this in my book, The First Planner System. Pre-construction is one of the essential services to expect from any competent construction company.

Construction Management
Construction Management is another key service. This can involve a construction manager (CM) overseeing a general contractor or directly managing the project themselves. They act as the owner’s representative, ensuring everything runs smoothly, whether it’s through multi-prime contracts or managing general contractors. A construction company offering this service brings significant value to any large-scale project.

Renovation and Remodeling Services
Not everything is about new builds. Renovation and Remodeling are major services that require a unique set of skills. It’s one thing to build a project from scratch, but it’s another to remodel or renovate an existing structure. The analogy I love for this is that remodeling is like changing a tire on a car moving at 60 miles per hour. Some construction companies specialize in this, and it’s something to definitely consider if you’re not starting from a greenfield site.

Site Development
Site Development is another important service that construction companies can provide. This includes mobilization, surveying, clearing, and grading the site. In some cases, the construction company will also handle utility work to prepare the land for building. Site development sets the stage for everything that follows, so it’s essential to hire a construction company that excels in this area.

Development, Design, and Engineering Services
Some companies also offer Development, Design, and Engineering Services. When all of this is handled in-house, it can streamline your project by reducing red tape and ensuring smoother communication between different teams. If your project requires high-level design and engineering, finding a construction company that offers these services is invaluable.

Sustainable Design Services
Sustainable Design is becoming increasingly important in construction. While many companies hire consultants for this, some construction firms have in-house expertise in sustainability. A company that prioritizes sustainable design and has the necessary certifications can be a huge asset, especially when environmental considerations are a priority for your project.

Self-Perform Work
This is a big one: Self-Perform Work. Companies that self-perform certain tasks are often more reliable because they are Builders at their core. They tend to have a better grasp of critical project durations, and since they are doing the work themselves, they may have fewer change orders and a deeper commitment to the success of the project. This service shows that the company is truly invested in the building process and not just acting as a middleman.

Facilities Management Services
Finally, some construction companies also offer Facilities Management. This includes handling warranty calls, tracking maintenance tickets, and monitoring the building’s performance over time. A good example is Hensel Phelps, a company that expanded from construction into facilities management. They take care of the entire lifecycle of a building, from initial planning to long-term management, which can be a major benefit to owners.

I hope this blog has broadened your understanding of the services that construction companies can provide. Whether you’re looking for general contracting, design-build, or facilities management, you now have a clearer picture of what to expect.