Client Highlight
Our clients at The Back Nine Golf both worked full-time with demanding schedules, so they turned to BuildZoom to keep their project moving forward efficiently.
BuildZoom sourced three competitive bids ranging from $114,000 to $155,000. However, there was a challenge, architectural plans were still in progress when the bids came in. To avoid delays, BuildZoom helped negotiate a Letter of Intent with the preferred contractor, allowing them to be involved in the design phase.
By integrating the contractor early in the process, the franchisees secured a final contract at $103,000, $12,000 less than the lowest original bid. With BuildZoom’s guidance, they not only saved money but also kept their project on track.
Contractor Highlight
Royal Family Construction has 20+ years of experience, 794+ satisfied clients, and over $100M worth of projects.
BuildZoom Partner Since 2023
BuildZoom Score Their BuildZoom score of 175 ranks in the top 1% of 128,670 Washington licensed contractors.
Previous projects include Veggie Grill, Robeks, Middle World Herbs, Forest Fairy Bakery.
Project Types
They specialize in commercial projects and restaurant build outs.
New Location
We are excited to see that our clients at Mavis Public House in Solon, Ohio have been thriving in their new location. They opened their doors late last year and shared updates of the construction process along the way. They celebrated their first St. Patrick’s Day this year with a huge turnout!
Pro Tip of the Month
The Importance of Bid Comparisons—How to Spot Red Flags
When it comes to tenant improvement (TI) or buildout projects, comparing contractor bids isn’t just about finding the lowest price—it’s about ensuring you get the best value for your investment. An unvetted bid can lead to unexpected costs, delays, or poor-quality work. Here’s how to analyze bids effectively and what red flags to watch out for.
Key Elements to Compare
- Scope of Work
- What to Look For: A detailed breakdown of tasks, materials, and timelines.
- Red Flag: Vague descriptions like “as needed” or missing key items (e.g., plumbing or electrical).
- Material Specifications
- What to Look For: Clear descriptions of material types, brands, and quality.
- Red Flag: Generic terms like “standard materials” without specifics—this could mean lower-quality supplies.
- Labor Costs
- What to Look For: Reasonable labor rates that reflect the project’s complexity and location.
- Red Flag: Bids that are significantly lower than others may indicate inexperienced contractors or cut corners.
- Timeline
- What to Look For: Realistic start and completion dates, factoring in permitting and inspections.
- Red Flag: Overly ambitious timelines that seem “too good to be true.”
- Contingency Plans
- What to Look For: Allowances for unexpected costs or delays (e.g., material price fluctuations).
- Red Flag: No mention of contingencies, leaving you vulnerable to change orders and budget overruns.
Top Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Missing Insurance and Licensing
- Why It Matters: Uninsured or unlicensed contractors put you at risk for liability and project delays.
- BuildZoom Tip: Always request proof of insurance and verify licenses.
- Unclear Payment Terms
- Why It Matters: Ambiguous terms can lead to disputes or requests for excessive upfront payments.
- BuildZoom Tip: Stick to milestone-based payments tied to completed work.
- Unusually Low or High Bids
- Why It Matters: Low bids may indicate inexperience or cost-cutting, while high bids could reflect unnecessary markups.
- BuildZoom Tip: Compare multiple bids to spot outliers and ensure fair pricing.
How BuildZoom Makes It Easy
Bid comparisons can be overwhelming, especially for large-scale projects. That’s where we come in. BuildZoom’s project managers analyze every bid for transparency, quality, and fairness. We help you avoid red flags, negotiate better terms, and ensure your project is set up for success.
This edition of the Project Pulse is sponsored by Holly at UConnect Solutions.
HOLLY IS OFFERING 2 EXCLUSIVE PROMOS FOR BUILDZOOM CLIENTS
Holly’s clients have experienced an increase in sales by 25%, company-wide consistency in customer service/culture, and pure focused leadership with a plan for long and short-term success.
Use code BUILDZOOM to redeem these offers.
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