5 Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring A Civil Consultant

There are several types of engineers when it comes to construction, depending on the type of work. Geotechnical engineers are hired to investigate types of soil and rock in order to decide on the most suitable foundation for a structure. 

Then there are Structural engineers who decide on structural systems that will carry the construction, such as columns or beams, as well as on the material to be employed (steel, wood, masonry, concrete, etc.) And finally, there are Civil engineers who work on maintenance, design, and building.

Whether you’re considering doing some remodeling on your house or you’re a construction company looking for consultants, there are several factors to be considered before hiring the right firm for you and here are 5 most common mistakes to be avoided when doing so.

1. Recommendations

Poke around a little bit, do not just hire the first company that comes your way. Google companies and check out forums if possible to see what other customers are saying. Also, ask around among friends and acquaintances. 

Maybe they hired a certain company which did something for them and were satisfied or they know someone in the business. Word of mouth is still the best ad and if you hear from someone they had some great work done by a company, then get in touch with them and see whether they would be suitable for the project you have in mind.

2. Ask All The Right Questions

In order to ensure that you get the most out of it, it would be a good idea to note down all questions related to the project at hand before hiring a civil consultant firm. This way you’ll be better prepared and choose your candidate more wisely. Some of the most typical questions to be asked are:

• Can I be involved in the development process and will my opinion and suggestions be taken into account?
• What sets you apart from other companies?
• Are the contract terms negotiable?
• Is there any way the construction cost may be minimized?
• Is quality control check system part of your delivery?

3. Meeting Your Needs

Not every company can meet the needs of their clients. Therefore, all the pros and cons should be carefully weighed in order to choose the right one for you. Money is another major factor to be considered as well. 

You shouldn’t merely go for the cheapest bid because it may turn out that that company doesn’t get the job done the way you want it. For example, Rise Consulting Civil and Structural Services experts work closely with their clients. Their maxim is: “Working closely with architects, builders, and other project consultants together with keeping a clear communication with our client is the key factor to our successful projects.” So, try to find a company that is willing to commit and give a 110%.

4. Forgetting to Define the Schedule Payments

It is extremely important to define the conditions and time of payment right at the start before any actual work begins. The conditions should take into account both parties’ interest to avoid any kind of delay. 

If the payment conditions favor the contractor, the customer might delay. In contrast, if it is in favor of the customer, the contractor might be the one postponing the work because of insufficient funds. The two parties should meet somewhere in the middle so that the contractor receives some 60-70% up front, and the rest when the work is finished.

5. The Contract

It’s nice to have trust and take people’s word for it, but one can never be too sure in matters such as these. It is better to have it all written down so as to avoid any possible or potential unpleasantries. 

The contract is a binding legal document that protects both parties. And once the contract has been drawn up, don’t make that stupid mistake of only skimming through it. Most people think it is superfluous to say this, but it’s not: read the contract thoroughly before signing it and make sure all the stipulations you requested are there.

These were some of the most important things that should help in your decision process. Be sure to choose what is best for you. And remember: don’t just go for the cheapest offer or the one which promises the fastest delivery. 

Pick the one that promises efficiency, quality, and cooperation and you can’t go wrong. Happy building!

Investment Opportunities In Civil Engineering

Abu Dhabi by SPOT Satellite (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The world of finance takes investors to some intriguing areas of opportunity. Some of the most exciting opportunities for investing come in the form of civil engineering projects. The need to upgrade infrastructure or initiate new projects is ongoing in society, creating favorable circumstances for investments in those efforts. Five areas in particular currently present interesting ventures to finance. 

High Speed Rail 

Interest is growing in private investments in high speed rail. Routes that are expected to handle a lot of traffic will be lucrative, drawing the interesting of investors. New York and California, for instance, both offer potential investment opportunities. California in particular has a clear vision for private investment opportunities in high speed rail. The U.S. has fallen behind other countries in private investment in high speed rail, but recent successes and growing plans could change that. A planned rail between Dallas and Houston combines with the success of a new route between Boston and Washington to create a positive outlook. 

Alternative Energy 

Offshore wind offers an intriguing opportunity for investing. The U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Interior believe there is enough wind potential in close range of shore to equal the amount of energy in the country's electrical system as it is now. There are high initial costs to finance offshore wind, but the potential to harness even more energy from further offshore could mean significant returns on investments. Timing and a keen eye on prices can help an investor to make a choice at the opportune moment. 

Solar Energy 

Investments in solar power continue to represent a great deal of potential. These solar projects culminate in physical products as well as energy production, which make them an investment that finance professionals can envision bringing in high returns. Solar energy also offers any number of models for investment, creating versatility and choices in surveying opportunities. 

Solar projects are expected to continue growth, larger projects in particular presenting the best chances for returns, as they tend to be more viable economically. Additionally, municipalities, state and federal projects offer some incentives for investment in solar projects. The increasing diversity of choices and the growing interest in clean energy make solar energy attractive to investors. 

Inland Waterways 

Underinvestment from public funds has created opportunities for private investment in inland waterways. Global investments present a variety of options for those ready to finance a project that promises returns. Projects planned in India, for instance, are open to private investment. Projects in the U.S. also offer promise, given the successes seen in public-private joint funding. Partnerships between public interests and private investments are likely to be explored in the U.S. in the wake of public budget obstacles and a complicated political atmosphere. 

UAE Investing 

The United Arab Emirates is experiencing continued growth and urban development, Dubai in particular attracting a great deal of interest. Dubai tops many lists of the best places in which to invest, and the large number of opportunities give investors a number of options. Likewise, Abu Dhabi represents opportunities for investors to explore. The leadership in alternative energy in the region provides additional investment options to consider and makes the area even more enticing when contemplating choices. 

Choosing a project to finance as an investment can be a difficult undertaking. There are no certainties in the world of investing, and many factors must be weighed. The first thing to do is study the investment products under consideration. It is also crucial to understand the risks of options being considered. A careful review of the various options from which to choose can also help investors decide what suits them best. Only the investor planning to finance a project can determine what to do once all of the information is analyzed. 

Author Bio 

William Stevens is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to technology. In this article, he describes investment opportunities in civil engineering and aims to encourage further study with an online masters degree in civil engineering.