You can’t blame them – especially in tough times. And when a tender comes in with a price that you can’t refuse, it’s tempting to bite their hands off.

But while the implications of this for any part of a construction project can be serious, for the build element of a tensile structure, having an inexperienced or unqualified supplier can be doubly so. Putting it right can take longer and cost more than getting it right in the first place. Construction also involves working at heights using specialist equipment – with all the potential hazards involved.

The company that gets it wrong may not still be there to do that work after it’s gone belly up – and you might also be facing penalty clauses for a late handover.

So how do you spot a contractor that hasn’t earned his stripes? You decide which is which.

1 Track record

Either they have one or they don’t. This is a very specialist area of construction. And beware those contractors claiming credit for a project manufactured or installed by sub contractors. And supplying small standard structures – does not necessarily qualify you for far more demanding bespoke versions.

2 Offering best value

Having won the work, do they get on with it without saying anything? Or do they look at the specification and offer helpful suggestions on getting an even better job done within the budget – the mark of a supplier who actually knows more about the subject than the client.

 
3 Taking out the element of chance

Do they offer a detailed methodology and risk assessment of that specific project, to prove that all site logistics have been considered? Or do they just pay lip service to regulations by issuing a standard set of safety statements – casting a detailed eye on their paperwork should provide the answers.

4 The price is right

How did they arrive at the tender price? An experienced provider will ask each department to estimate the job down to get the most accurate price. An inexperienced one will have just one estimator who provides the price and ‘retro fits’ it through the departments. One route might give you the lowest price, but not necessarily the best value… and certainly not the best workmanship.

5 Good lead man, shame about the team

Finally, beware the contractor that has a first rate man leading the project – but with a crew that has rarely (if ever) done this sort of work before. Again, this is where a specialist company comes into its own – like the proverbial stick of Blackpool rock, you know what you’re getting all the way through!

What are your views? Or your suggestions on how to spot a beginner?