Don't Take our Word for it

Perspectives
A Quarterly Information Source from Benchmark, Inc.
Volume 57 October 2006

Don’t Take our Word for it

by Kent Mattison, P.E.

When roof or pavement construction is required, Benchmark is often asked to recommend the appropriate product(s) to be used and the contractor(s) to perform the installation. Based on specific criteria, our job is to determine what product(s) and contractor(s) would best meet our client’s objectives.

Benchmark has experience with numerous products, the manufacturers of those products and the contractors that install them. We have put thousands of hours into analyzing, reviewing, testing, inspecting, installing, observing and debating these products, manufacturers and contractors; it’s an ongoing process.

Through this process, Benchmark has narrowed the number of products, manufacturers, and contractors that we can confidently recommend to our clients. Occasionally, we may make a recommendation that is not on our list of approved vendors, but appears to fit the circumstances that meet our client’s needs better than any other choice.

Even though we have done what we feel to be a thorough and critical evaluation of these vendors, we think it’s important that our clients also get involved in the decision making process. It’s important that the building owner or manager has some level of comfort and confidence with the materials, suppliers, and contractors being used on their project.

We understand we are being hired to give counsel and good advice. Part of our advice is for our clients to try to make time to get to know the products and people that a significant amount of time and money is being invested into. The better the manufacturers and contractors get to know the building owners they are working for, the more responsive, loyal and helpful they will be down the road. Like any business dealings, it’s about building relationships of trust and confidence. No matter what advice we provide, the owner will be living with the choices that are made. So we recommend that building owners do the following whenever possible:

Learn as much as possible about all parties and products involved in the construction. Visit the plant where the product is being manufactured, the contractor’s operation, and some of the older applications of the product(s) and contractor(s) being considered. Interview the manufacturer and contractor. Ask the contractor if you can interview the superintendent for your project. Ask for references.

Following are five important questions to ask when getting to know your product suppliers and contractors:

Five Questions to ask Product Suppliers:

1. What is your oldest application using the current product formulation?

2. What have been some of the primary problems or concerns you have experienced with your product / installation and what have you done to correct them? (if they say none, they haven’t been in business long enough).

3. What does your contractor training program consist of?

4. What makes your product more suited for this project than others?

5. When and how often will you have your technical rep visit my project?

Five Questions to ask Contractors:

1. How long have you been installing this product or system?

2. Do you have a written safety program and director?

3. Have you ever failed to complete a project? If so, why?

4. What’s the experience level of the superintendent who will be assigned to my project?

5. What are your primary concerns with the product / application we are considering?

So don’t take our word for it. Make sure you take whatever time is necessary to prequalify and understand the products you are paying for and the contractors you are hiring to work on your project.

Roofs and pavements are perhaps two of the most important assets a building owner has to maintain. As such, it’s worth it to ensure you are making educated

choices when hiring the people to work on them.