Negotiating Contractors

Building a new facility is much more of a hassle then one might expect regardless of in-house talent. These were busy people before the project began. Many of the personnel including the CEO down are involved. Changes in building design at any level costs money. Have key players including consultants involved with the blueprints, including: architects, contractors, sub contractors (sometimes), engineering firms (mechanical, electrical and civil) at the table. Consultants would include any involved with the infrastructure. As is building design such as room size, layout (what is the applications), buildout, cablings, room space, IT, telephony (do not confuse the two) or you may pay big bucks on backend of project. Key to remember; The bigger the square footage, the more negotiating with all knowledgeable parties at the table and the earlier to start negotiating.

Often architects specializing in industries, why? to know about that industry. So do all professional firms specialize (not including the BIG ones that know it all and will charge). Buyer Beware: Firms that claim to do it all. A recent conversation with a CEO of a small company said about a vendor "Oh, they are huge. Sorry sir, I've been by their office, had a friend I was helping out, non-profit scenario. The huge company? It's a one man room operation. The door was even locked...!! Huge! No it wasn't a government contractor been there too.