What’s my new office building going to cost? How much will my new home cost to build or renovate? Should I be sitting down when you tell me?

Outside of industry participants, or those whose work involves the purchase, planning or oversight of building projects, few individuals are equipped to effectively measure the prevailing cost of construction in their local market. In some areas, where accessibility to labor and material is limited, additional challenges exist. Navigating through the building permit process often adds an element of intrigue. Attempting to measure the final project cost and establish a timeframe to accomplish building goals under such circumstances can be problematic for the industry professional… and an extreme challenge to the inexperienced outsider!

Trumbull-Nelson’s eighty-eight year longevity and success in the northern New England business community can be partially attributed to a clear understanding of its resources and capabilities, and those resources available through the wider subcontractor community. Company management personnel are aware of what it takes to meet exacting project requirements. Some contractors ‘fail’, or prove woefully inadequate in construction management performance because they fall short in meeting the resource needs of customers and clients. Inevitably, the project is understaffed and mismanaged, and the all-important project budget and schedule go by the wayside. The work is eventually completed, but not without customer aggravation and frustration. Such scenarios play out all too often. Clients who find themselves in such a position become less trusting of the contractor community. Unfortunately, those industry participants who value professionalism are colored with paint from the ‘broad brush’ of resentment.

A buyer of construction services need not be an expert in the task of securing labor and materials, or have estimating experience. There are credible organizations, like Trumbull-Nelson, to help with the task. Most people within the contractor community take pride in their commitment to service and professionalism. No client ever wants to be put in the uncomfortable position of basing expectations on an unrealistic contractor promise. And no legitimate contractor wants to over-promise, and under-deliver. As noted, an inability to deliver on promised results taints the reputation of the contractor candidate, and the industry. By active participation in the qualification process, customers can achieve more predictable results. They need to ask questions of candidates to establish who will do the work, what exact management resources are available to them throughout the project, and how they can be assured that the project will be finished, on time and on budget.

At T-N, we value each additional business opportunity. But incremental business must be able to meet the higher standard of superior customer service and professionalism before we sign on to the task. It’s a policy that is well understood by our management personnel, and one that helps keep us connected to our many valued clients.

Trumbull-Nelson is working on projects in a variety of locations this summer. Work will begin shortly on two prominent Lebanon, NH, projects: Dartmouth Regional Technical Center, at Centerra Resource Park and Sachem Graduate Student Housing. Groundbreaking ceremonies were recently held at Proctor Academy, in Andover, NH, for another T-N project; an addition to the Academy’s Music Building. Interior renovation work has started at Plymouth State University, in Plymouth, NH, on the Hartman Union Building. New building construction has also been started at Crossroads Academy, in Lyme, NH, and the Company has begun work on two separate additions to P.J. Noyes Company, in Lancaster, NH.

We hope that you are enjoying the wonderful summer months, and enjoy this issue of Constructive Images magazine. If we can help you with any building and renovation plans in the months ahead, please give us a call.