WHY DO CONTRACTORS CONNIVE

I frequently get complains that the builder what we always terms as the contractor to be conniving.

This becomes a repeated complaint in every job. Let us break this behavior into parts so we can understand what creates this habit.

ACTION 1 : Client has a construction problem which he does not have the manpower or knowhow to execute. He/She requires help with people who are conversant with building construction.

ACTION 2: Client engages his Architect & Engineer and Cost consultants to advice him.

ACTION 3: Architect Engineers and Cost Consultant relate their experience into document but are not in the business of construction.

BEHAVIOR A: The Contractor is someone who is able to know other people who can construct different aspects of the building; Structure work, Plumbing, Electrical Carpentry, Brick Laying etc. The whole team is not necessarily educated like Architects and Engineers but learns along the way. They have other skills that consultants don't have, such as communicating in 3 languages, speaking to multiple parties to get each thing correct.

BEHAVIOR B: The Contractor reads the documents generated by the consultants and reciprocate with what he understands to be the amount he should offer.

BEHAVIOR C: upon the Contractors submitting his offer price, consultant informs them that they need to fervently honor what they offer. The contractor sincerely agree in earnest.

ACTION 4: The construction work starts but the contractor realized that he has forgotten to price certain things which were not mentioned by the consultants because they do not have the experience to understand this. The contractor then realizes that he has created a deficit for himself. He has already sincerely carried out the job earnestly but cant go on with running the job at a loss.

BEHAVIOR D: Contractor tells himself that he can still fulfill both his and the client's goal if he reinterpret the contract. He starts making excuse of no stock availability, or a construction problem in hope that the scope of work will be revised thereby justifying an increase of budget.

THIS IS WHAT CONSTITUTES TO WHAT WE OBSERVE AS CONNIVING.

The more important question is how do we reduce this impact?

1. More detailed pricing.

2. More dialogue between contractor and consultants before agreeing to the price.

3. Hire consultants with a construction experience to be involved in the documentation.

4. Hire a construction site project manager to vet through the contract before tender.

5. Client must look beyond pricing. Learning to look at number from classroom helps you to think simple first. The complicated will not go away, so after looking at numbers, you need to look at the process of construction and how those affect the pricing.

6. Client needs to speak honestly and relate a clear agenda. With the client having this habit, the contractor will also try to behave the same way.