It’s a competitive market in Calgary – even more so due to the hit our economy has taken over the past couple years in our oil sector.  More than ever Clients are looking at the bottom line for the best available pricing on the services they are requesting with their home.  As always, there are many different General Contractors and Builders to choose from and with that said, price points will also varying significantly.

Being in the industry, we price numerous projects and although we are not awarded every single project, we still like to follow up with those Clients to find out if there is anything we could do differently, in order to gain a better understanding on future project bids.  

The Client responses we have received are mixed and for the most part, understandable.  Referrals is still the highest attribute that a Client starts off with in selecting their General Contractor or Builder.  I know personally that if I really like a product or service, subconsciously I become a walking unpaid advertisement for the product or service I received.  This word of mouth is invaluable and offers an instant subliminal trust to others.

Having an initial connection with a Builder at your first meet and greet is without doubt, important as well.  This connection paves the way to gaining trust which can in turn, lead to a great working relationship throughout the duration of your home project.  Of course there are always going to be personalities that meld better than others so instinctively, most Clients will follow that.

There are however, Clients who have mentioned pricing is their main factor when choosing their General Contractor or Builder.  Huh?  This takes me by surprise and generally, it should come as a warning light to others.  Now don’t get me wrong, the most expensive does not equate to better quality in workmanship and finishes.  Although in that same light, we can often forget the cliché – you get what you pay for, and in fact many Clients have realized this during the construction process when they already have a vested interest.  We have had Clients come to us and engage our services after firing their prior builder, all based on different reasons in each circumstance.  At other times, Clients have reached out to us to remediate deficiencies and warranty issues on their home that came up within the first 2 years.  Why did they come to us?  Their General Contractor or Builder was no longer in business and nowhere to be found.

Clients need to understand the importance of hiring reputable builders and general Contractors by understanding the affiliations that they hold, the number of years the company has been in business, the insurances, wcb, licensing, bonds and safety protocol in place, along with having trade partners working with them who are certified (ie. journeyman) in their field of work to ensure that the quality in the workmanship is there.

My short and sweet on this is, DO your research, ASK the questions, SEE proof of documentation, and LISTEN to your instincts.  Whether you are planning on building a new home, or adding an addition to your existing home, contact TriLink Builders Ltd. today and let us give you the peace of mind, customer service, best pricing, and trusted workmanship you expect with your home.