4 Reasons Why In-House Capabilities Matter
By Joey Goscha, Vice President of Operations
When it comes to finding the right construction partner, the prequalification process has some shortcomings. On the one hand, it’s a tried-and-true tool for gathering objective data. Does the subcontractor have the financial strength to bond on the project? Do they have three years of good safety ratings? Have they ever failed to complete a project?
These are all valuable data points to assess future performance. However, the process falls short when it comes to identifying value – especially in terms of capabilities. Are key capabilities performed in-house, or are they outsourced? Outsourcing enables contractors to extend their service offering. However, that does not always equal more value for the client.
Here are four reasons why in-house capabilities matter.
- The right expertise is tapped for your project. Technical know-how does not always equate to subject matter expertise. A firm that specializes in building information modeling (BIM) or Wave Equation Analysis Program (WEAP) analysis might have access to world-class technology. But if the team doesn’t have deep expertise in the field, they may not recognize potential issues on contract drawings.
- There are more incentives for design optimization. An engineering firm that specializes in WEAP analysis is not necessarily invested in shaving time off the project schedule. In-house WEAP experts have more context, time, and incentives to offer improvements to the design and schedule. They have reason to analyze the data early and often to ensure projects are set up for efficiency.
- There’s a faster turnaround. Construction partners that rely on third parties for core capabilities have less control over the schedule. In-house teams, however, have greater visibility to workflows, so they can staff up or increase hours as needed to turn the work around.
- Fewer hand offs reduce risk. Every hand off creates a risk for errors and delays, and outsourcing critical functions adds more hand offs to the process. Conversely, when different disciplines and capabilities are housed under one roof, there’s less friction during the design process and lower risk of missed details and miscommunication.
The Added Advantage of Working with a Full-Service Construction Partner
At Baker Gulf Coast Industrial, we don’t leave anything to chance. That’s why we keep critical capabilities like WEAP analysis, BIM, and comprehensive deep foundations capabilities in-house.
Our office-based co-workers cut their teeth in the field. They understand what our field crews need to execute a project safely and efficiently. As a result, they are better able to anticipate and address questions and issues during preconstruction, when it’s easier and less expensive to make adjustments.
Likewise, our lines of communication are open. Reports that might take days to get back from a third-party provider can be handed over to our client engineering teams within hours. And because we are backed by the resources of Baker Construction Enterprises, we have access to a substantial inventory of equipment, providing a cushion against supply chain disruptions.
Most important, our co-workers are motivated to find the smartest, most efficient, and most cost-effective solutions for our clients. This is true no matter the nature of the project or our role on the project team. It’s how we add value, earn the trust of our clients, and build long-term relationships in the industry.
Enjoy greater confidence that your next project will exceed expectations. Contact us to discuss how we can bring more value to your next project.
