I've been working in the industry for about 13 years and the company I worked for only built homes using project management contracts. The funny thing was that I had no idea that this wasn't a common way of building, when I finally found out how most builders operated I was quite shocked. That the client had no idea how much every item plus works done would cost individually and couldn't shop the market for better deals?
When the penny finally dropped I finally worked out why suppliers would tell me they would give the client a higher price when I did client selections. I would say back " um no tell them the price I'm getting it at, because the client will be paying you directly of course "???
I was so oblivious to the fact that the 'normal' way to
build- is the client doesn't get the trade price passed onto
them and will never see the invoice for the cost of the tiles
etc. If a client of mine wanted to upgrade on a tile or
change someting on the plan they have the freedom to do
so without having a variation bill.
If a client makes huge savings in one area of building they
should have freedom to spend a little extra on someware
else if the choose to do so.
I don't understand the old and outdated way of building,
clients are treated like incompetent children when it comes
to making decisions and deciding where their money is best
put, when the time comes to make that decision.
Builders should be paid for what they ACTUALLY do, and the client should be able to see and hear WHAT they do, every week! Besides what builder wouldn't want to have a weekly cash flow?
We are all adults and our money is more precious than ever so I truly hope the industry wakes up and moves into the
21st century and stop treating clients like they have no
idea what's going on. The Internet and this Forum are proof that we ARE wanting change and have all the information at our fingertips.
We are on the brink of a project management uprise!
As you can't half tell this is a topic I'm very passionate about, every other industry has changed and adapted with
the times and refined customer service all but one industry?
Hummm let me think...
I've experienced such great client feedback over the years
When working with the project management system, the lines of communication are always open, and shock horror! Even after the project has been completed and no outstanding invoices!
Wow, Thanks for listening to my rant!
Sarah
Would love to hear any thoughts I'm very interested in collecting client feedback on this subject.