Does Size Matter when you want to hire a construction company?
By Jamie Beliveau
When choosing a custom homebuilder or renovator, service and quality is more important than size, according to Doug Kerr, owner of Kerr Construction, a multiple award-winning Vancouver Design/Build firm.
Kerr, who has been building custom homes and handling renovations for over 20 years, is now recognized at the top of the field, capturing numerous industry awards and, more important, praise from clients. “Our experience, resources and drive to be the best have come together. We have developed the procedures needed to deliver superior service, consistent quality and true value.”
There are inherent advantages in both small and large companies. Some smaller companies have close relationship with the client, but lack the resources for training staff to provide proper service. They may also lack specific knowledge in design, permits, the latest construction technology, building codes and old world craftsmanship. On the other hand, big companies tend to lose the intimacy and consistency of the one-on-one communication necessary to positive client relations.
Kerr said he has been able to find the proper balance, allowing his company to carefully grow while providing the benefits of a large company with the close client contact and service. This assures a renovation or design/build contract reaches its full potential.
“Bigger is better, but only when you focus on the little things,” Kerr explained.
For instance, Kerr provides warranties, follow up service, professional resources, staff training and staff dedicated solely to quality control. “It all adds up to a more professionally done project for the homeowner.”
In today’s busy renovation market, many companies take on too much work simultaneously and do not have the proper systems in place to keep track of the little details, Kerr explained. “Yet it is the little things that personalize a renovation or custom home and getting them right is critical,” he said.
An over-booked contractor often finds the sheer volume of details on each job overwhelming. The little things are missed, quality starts to drop, the project begins to stretch out, and the contractor never seems to be around because he or she is always on another project.
“One of the solutions to this is to have one project supervisors per job and present from start to finish. That’s how Kerr achieves consistency. The project supervisor is always there for the homeowner or subcontractors when issues arise.”
Simply put, Kerr says, “One person cannot be an expert at everything from design, getting plans approved at City Hall, project management, all the legal issues of running a business and still be on top of all the different trade skills, technologies and materials that go into a modern day construction project.”
Kerr’s advice for anyone looking for a good company to design/build or renovate their home is to ignore the size of the company. Look instead at how they operate. Here are some of the things to consider:
- Do they have a separate quality control person inspection the work? It has to be someone other than the person doing the day-to-day work so you get an unbiased look with fresh eyes.
- Do they have their own in house design them? If you want to stick to a budget it is best to have the design, budgeting and construction all done under one roof. It also allows the project to move faster when design issues come up throughout the project.
- One project per supervisor. You want to have one person in charge of the project from start to finish with all their attention solely on your project.
- Do they have systems in place to ensure the project runs smoothly? For example Kerr implements a detailed 70 item checklist for every project before the job even starts to ensure nothing has been missed or forgotten in the planning and setup stage.
“Ask to see the company’s written policies and procedures,” Kerr said, “You can be sure it isn’t written down it will not be done.”
You can reach Kerr Construction at 604.263.0343 or visit www.kerrconstruction.ca
