Do-It-Yourself Project Selection Tool

We all know that construction is a risky business. Every new project presents unique risks to our bottom line. The question, however, always remains, "How risky is this project?" In the past, we were left with our instincts to measure risk. Experienced professionals could "feel" the risk inherent in working with a new owner or attempting a new type of construction or working with new subs in a new geographic area so, after many sleepless nights, we would go with our "gut feel" and make the "go/no-go" decision. 

Beyond Gut Feel

Extensive research has confirmed that there are no bad projects, just bad matches between projects and construction firms. The probability of successful "go/no-go" decisions in project selection should no longer rely on our "gut feelings" but can be accurately measured in advance with the new revolutionary Project Selection Tool. Rather than relying on anecdotal evidence, the risk elements impacting successful project selection are statistically weighted to produce an accurate numeric scale of how well the prospective project matches the firm’s experience. Designed for general contractors, subcontractors, construction managers, estimators, and senior construction professionals, the Project Selection Tool is also effective for architects, engineers, and vendors and can even be utilized in the owner’s selection of a contractor. What was done by "feel" in the past can now be measured and weighted statistically to replace “gut feel” guess work in project selection.

No More Sleepless Nights

The risk elements that pile up in a construction professional's mind as he or she ponders a new project are the same elements our research analysis weighs in the Project Selection Tool. We picked them out of a typical contractor's sleepless night.

A Construction Professional’s Dream (or Nightmare)

"I wonder if we should tackle a project this big. We've never done anything this size before… And this is a research facility. We've never built a laboratory. I wonder if there are technical surprises in store for us. And the subs in this county are very different from our local outfits. Those farm boys don't play by the same rules...

I'm told this owner's reputation is one of being a little hard-nosed. Can we handle this guy and his henchmen? I better double check to make sure they have the financing in place to build this high-tech structure. I mean, they should, but you never know…

Are my guys really clear on the costs? These new materials and unfamiliar suppliers make me a little nervous. I better check their numbers. And the schedule; how long does it take to source these exotic materials?

I have complete faith in my field supervision after all these years, but we better have another meeting on this laboratory since we've never built anything like it before. I wonder if they feel confident. This is a new geography for us. Have they checked the soil conditions? And what about all these curved walls and triple insulated -86°C freezers? I don't know if they're on top of this stuff...

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About the Author

Thomas C. Schleifer PhD

Thomas C. Schleifer, PhD, is a turnaround expert and former professor at Arizona State University. He serves as a consultant to sureties and contractors and can be contacted via his blog at simplarfoundation.org/blog.

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