Hiring a company from the scores of Alberta pipeline companies is like hiring a contractor to build a custom home but separated by the scale of the project and the purpose. A contractor can talk a good game, but swing and miss on delivery. You need a contractor, and you need one that can deliver on time and within budget. Take a look at some simple do’s and don’ts to help guide your bidding process.
Don’t!
1. Look only at the bottom line. Companies that go with low bids often wind up with a project that is over budget, over deadline, or both. Best value bids are starting to supplant low bids as a primary consideration in highly technical projects.
2. Forget to check references. A visit to the job site or glance at the portfolio won’t give you the whole picture. Checking references on past work can give you information such as the ability to deliver on time and within budget.
3. Skip a visit to their job sites. Get a list of current job sites and visit one at random, without a chance to prepare you’ll get a real look at how your bidders operate when no one is looking.
Do!
1. Check their safety record. Check your bidders’ safety records with the National Energy Board and the Alberta Energy Regulator’s office. Unsafe practices can cost more than money; they can cost lives.
2. Make sure that they have the equipment to do your job. If the company does not have the equipment to do the job, it will have to rent or lease equipment. This can add expenses not originally contained in the formal bid.
3. Make sure that they have the technology to keep you abreast of the project in work.
Platinum Pipefitting stands out among Alberta pipeline companies by virtue of experience, portfolio, equipment, and the ability to field personnel where you need them most. When you need quality work, hire a quality company that stands out in their field.
