Every great business needs a great building. Whether it’s an office, a hotel, a restaurant, or a school, it takes a lot of work to turn a business’s needs into a reality. Planning, budgeting, securing materials, subcontracting labor, and the actual physical work of construction are all crucial parts of the process—which is why construction companies across the Greater New Orleans region work hard to create ideal spaces in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
So, how do local contractors approach a new project?
For starters, construction is an intensely collaborative process. It involves, at minimum, the business owners, the designer and the contractor, so local experts say the best results usually happen when all participants are brought on board at the same time, ensuring a unified vision from the start.
“Different parties have different perspectives, needs and resources, even among stakeholders of the same company,” says Lauren Gibbs, CEO of Gibbs Construction.
For that reason, Gibbs says that once a team has been assembled, the most important step is to learn about a client’s hopes for their project. What are the must-haves? What are they willing to be flexible on, if needed? How can the must-haves be achieved in a way that doesn’t break the bank?
“We want to understand what the most important parts of their vision are and incorporate them into the project,” Gibbs says.
Bryan Hodnett, VP for Business Development at Donahue Favret, says it’s important to be both transparent and solution-oriented every step of the way, ensuring there are no unpleasant surprises for the client. Hodnett says he and his team are always willing to show owners the bids they’ve received on various parts of the project as designed. When owners have wishes that go beyond their budget, Hodnett says a contractor shouldn’t just dismiss the idea entirely: instead, they should try to offer an alternative that could achieve the same purpose at a lesser cost.
Ken Flower, president of Woodward Design + Build, agrees that a good contractor should always offer options to their clients if the initial plan will cost the owner too much money. He also says they provide as much information as possible about various aspects of the project: price, timeframe, functionality and long-term durability.
“If they have an idea, we work tirelessly to try to figure out how to make it happen,” Flower says.
Achieving a client’s vision within their budget is the top priority, which is another reason Flower says it’s important to have a complete and unified team before any decisions are made. Late additions to the team, he says, can lead to headaches all around, as the owner may have fallen in love with an architect’s design without realizing it will cost more than they can afford. If the project has to be redesigned to fit the budget, that will cause significant delays and disappointment for the owners.
“Redesigning is a waste of a client’s time, resources and money,” Flower says. “We’re not the type of contractor who just sits back and waits.”
Nick Moldaner, market leader for Palmisano LLC, also advocated for constant communication between all involved parties from the start. “When an architect says XYZ, it may satisfy the owner, but without cost, materials and labor factored in, it’s all in a vacuum,” Moldaner says.
When all parties are working together from the start, it is important that the communication is honest, constructive and productive. If that happens, and if you know everyone’s goals from the start, there’s a much lower likelihood of misunderstandings and conflict. In turn, there’s a much higher chance of creating a product that everyone can be proud of.
“It’s got to be a project-first mentality,” Moldander says. “Find out everyone’s goals, and leave your ego at the door.”
Of course, a contractor’s cost concerns are not limited to building. Flower says it’s important to ask questions the client might not have even considered. For instance, sometimes an owner might not be aware of how much maintenance will cost if mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems are installed a certain way. Some systems might be cheaper to install, but pricier to maintain, while others might cost more upfront, but are more durable and cheaper to maintain long-term. Flower says contractors should always educate clients on how much any part of the building will cost upfront and what the regular maintenance costs will be.
Additionally, Gibbs says knowledge of the local market is one area where contractors provide a lot of assistance to clients—and is another reason they should be involved in the process early. A good contractor won’t just know what the costs of labor and materials are: they will know about the availability of labor and materials in the area, too.
Building in New Orleans also requires durability. Constructing a building that is built to last in New Orleans is an aspect that local contractors must actively consider throughout design and construction. Gibbs says local contractors are trained to focus on keeping water out of buildings in areas known for hurricanes and severe thunderstorms, both of which can lead to additional expenses. Effectively meeting the needs of a business, she says, requires both good design and good quality control.
“Buildings are long-term investments for the community,” Gibbs says. “We’re always going to advocate for a durable building.”
These complexities may seem intimidating, but Greater New Orleans is home to a community of efficient and professional contractors who are ready to help clients navigate the construction process. With their knowledge, skill and expertise, they’re giving businesses all the tools they need to successfully establish and scale their operations for years to come.
What’s the Most Rewarding Part of the Job?
Anne Teague Landis, CEO of Landis Construction: Working together with the project owner, architect, consultants and subcontractors, as well as community stakeholders, to improve outcomes for everyone is so motivating. We see this on projects where values are aligned, and everyone is looking out for each other’s best interests, not just their own.
Ken Flower, President of Woodward Design & Build: I really love trying to figure out projects for clients. I enjoy handing the building over to them and coming back a year later to see how it’s going.
Lauren Gibbs, CEO of Gibbs Construction: Seeing the finished product. Driving down the street and being able to proudly say, ‘We built that.’
Bryan Hodnett, VP of Business Development for Donahue Favret: I truly enjoy whenever an owner has an idea as a sketch on the back of a napkin and we’re able to see it through to the ribbon cutting.
Nick Moldaner, Market Leader for Palmisano: If you’re a people person, this is a great business…The jobs change, but the one thing that’s consistent is being able to get a win for your clients through collaboration and teamwork.
