Guest Blogger:
John Negich, Vice President of Sales at Star Building Systems

When it’s time to build or expand, the first step is finding a builder that fits your needs, like we discussed in part one. Not only will they be the integral part of your entire project, they will be your guide to navigating all the details, issues, and questions that will arise during the process.

And that is where we find ourselves today. The questions.

Once you have found a builder you are comfortable with, checked their references, visited with their previous clients (see part one for a list of things to look for in a good contractor), and are ready to move forward, the next step is answering an initial set of questions that will direct your project.

To help you get started, here is a list of questions you should be prepared to discuss with your builder:

1. What do you need the building to do for you?

The builder needs to understand the usage of the building. For example, what if you need a big generator in the middle? Or a lot of storage space? Maybe you need racks or need space to move a crane and the height to lift things? Perhaps your needs will require more square footage than previously considered or less. These are all questions your builder will take into consideration when helping you plan the project. With a thorough understanding of the building’s usage, the builder can create a design with value-added ideas that could help save you money.

2. Do you have financing for the project?

Knowing what kind of financing is or is not available for the project is as important as knowing the topography of the land and the length of the building. Material cannot be purchased without funding. Also, if you have not secured funding yet, the builder may have suggestions on what financing options would be best for you to pursue.

3. Do you have equipment going into the building?

Depending on the usage and on your business, the builder will need to know if there are any special requirements, needs, or issues that will help him create a building plan that works best for everyone. The more information the builder has on the building’s usage, the better.

4. Have you considered leasing?

Not everyone needs a new building. There are lots of leasing options out there that might suit you just fine. Or, if you already have a current location, your building may only need a renovation or a retrofit for it to suit your needs. Good builders know that many customers come to them with an idea in mind that may be several years away from reality. They will sit with you and help you determine what is the best course of action, even if that means you may not be a paying customer for many years to come.

This is the reason Star Building Systems is so dedicated to partnering with the best builders in the industry. The builder is the cornerstone of any project. They guide it, shape it, and execute it. The right builder will take the client through the entire building process step-by-step, knowing it is an educational process for most people.

Check back next week for part three, the final piece of this series, to learn from a builder’s perspective why a trusted relationship between the builder and client is so necessary.

This article is written and sourced by Star Building Systems and is available at http://blog.starbuildings.com