Strategies for Greater Transparency in Commercial Construction

Transparency inherently lends itself to sharing information—good or bad—and keeping communication lines open among all parties. We find this “best practice” in many workplaces, but is it commonplace in commercial construction?

Unfortunately, transparency isn’t always the leading thought that dictates how a project reaches the finish line—but it can be. And that’s what Burge Construction consistently aims for. The result is increased trust, efficiency, data-driven decisions, and accountability. 

Whether you’re beginning work on a mixed-use development or finalizing blueprints for a high-end multi-level restaurant, transparency should be the main priority. If not, you risk wasted time, derailed budgets, and unsatisfied clients. 

Creating a detailed budget and clear plan of action

Regardless of the project's bottom line, price is naturally everyone's concern. Realistic and detailed budgets anticipate overall costs, maximizing each dollar. Such planning will help determine the feasibility of the project at the onset and enhance the ability to increase the return on investment (ROI). 

A clear plan understands the client’s constraints, limits, or flexibility on the project and assures a common goal between all parties, allowing for a smoother flow from design through project closeout. 

Disclose potential issues before a real issue arises

The pandemic and the resulting supply chain blockages have led to shortages of everything from labor to lumber, with costs increasing exponentially. The demand for siding and other building materials felt a ten percent increase alone over the previous year, with lumber prices tripling in the last six months. Supply chain issues are only one example of a potential roadblock in construction—one that each party needs to know to do their job efficiently and, most importantly, deliver a quality product on time.

Cultivate a culture of reporting

There’s an app for everything in the information age, including construction. If the goal is to emphasize transparency, contractors should lean into data collection applications to improve safety compliance by providing everything from daily inspections to job safety analyses. These insights cover client deliverables, legal documentation, and everything in-between.

Burge Construction won’t compromise on clarity

At Burge Construction, we like to defy the “norms”—transparency from beginning to end is our DNA. We pride ourselves on realistic budgets and quality construction, one factor to thank for our 40+ years in business.

Contact our California-based and family-owned company today by calling  (949) 492-1175 or by following us on LinkedIn.