5 general RFP questions to ask a construction firm

Finding the right construction company for your build depends on asking for relevant information in your request for proposal. You don’t want to include anything in your RFP that isn’t pertinent to your goals and what you need. Instead your questions should validate and verify what a company can already accomplish without having to learn as they go. 

What is a RFP in Construction? →

McCownGordon Construction understands each project can be vastly different, so when creating your document, consider RFP best practices before you start. With that in mind, there are general RFP questions that can steer you in the right direction. Read on to learn more. 

1. Describe your management approach and how you would execute the project throughout the process.

It’s one thing for a company to come up with a good idea, but if they do not offer a clear path toward execution, that idea may not come to fruition. McCownGordon always lays out a clear plan and unique project approach, and we never offer an idea we don’t believe our associates can execute. 

You may include specifics here about the firm’s preconstruction services, communication approach and quality control measures. You want to get an idea of what it’s going to be like working with this firm and make sure they will be a great partner for your construction project. 

2. List your previous experience building similar projects with X delivery method.

Seeing if the construction firm has built projects of similar size and complexity in the past helps give you an idea of their capabilities to build your project. If you do a one-step process with just an RFP or if you didn’t ask about experience in the first step, be sure to ask about it now. References are also a great resource to ask about from past experiences.

3. Detail your firm’s ability to collaborate and partner with design firms.

The connection between architects and the construction management company is crucial at the early stages of your project. During the preconstruction phase we ensure the architect’s design stays within budget. Through our engineering services team, we also act as the connection between the designer and your engineering firm to verify all components come together before construction begins. 

4. Outline your method for cost estimation and your cost estimating capabilities. 

Accurate cost estimates are key to adhering to the budget. You don’t want an estimate to be so off base that you’re forced into a financial corner. One benefit of working with McCownGordon is our real-time estimating technology. Our tools give direct insight on how changes in design can impact the overall budget. This allows owners to see the ramifications of their decisions before they make their final choice. 

5. Provide a summary of your safety program and requirements for X industry. 

With any kind of construction project, safety requirements should always remain at the forefront of everything your construction company does. For all of our builds, we implement a site-specific safety plan catered to your project’s unique factors. 

Download a sample RFQ to get started on your process

Learn more RFP questions with McCownGordon Construction

At McCownGordon, our team of builders and engineers maintain a customer-focused mentality, allowing us to outperform even your highest expectations. Dedicated to promoting integrity, performance and relationships, it’s our people and values that truly make the difference. 

Our customers aren’t simply another project; they’re an extension of our team and community. Together, we don’t just build—we bring creative visions to life. From first thought to final nail, we deliver quality work to ensure our builds stand above the rest. 

We have four regional offices —Kansas City, DFW, Manhattan and Wichita. Call us at 888-304-4929 or use our free online quote tool to start building today. 

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