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Construction Bidding 101

Sep 07, 2021
Once a site has been secured for a new construction project, the next step is finding a contractor who can complete the job. Contractors will compete for your business by submitting bid proposals that outline the scope of work. This is called bidding, and there’s more to consider when it comes to the bidding process. 
Do The Research

Keep the list of options limited to a small group of contractors to avoid getting bogged down in details. Turn to your network for word-of-mouth suggestions, consult real estate agents with knowledge of the area, and look for portfolios online. Visit previous projects in person, and look for general contractors that have experience and expertise.
Ask The Right Questions

General contractors understand that their clients have plenty of questions about the construction process, so dive in and get answers. 

What are their areas of expertise?
How long has the contractor been in business?
Is the contractor licensed and bonded? What about insurance?
Can the contractor provide references and testimonials? 

Use the answers to those questions to drill down on the contractors selected to submit a bid proposal.

Finetune Plans

After establishing a shortlist of general contractors, revisit your project plans. Make sure they are clearly written and concise, with a detailed explanation of the scope of work and the materials needed for the job. The clearer the plans, the more accurate the bid proposals will be when the general contractor submits it. If the project is still in concept mode, there are other ways to estimate the costs -- just ask the contractor for their thoughts.

Create A System

Keeping bids straight takes some documentation. Start with a template to make side-by-side comparisons of bids easier and create a spreadsheet to compile information as it comes in from the general contractors. Take it one step further and invest in software that automates this work; a smart investment for businesses looking to tackle multiple construction projects at once.

Assess The Bids

When comparing the bids side-by-side, look for discrepancies between the proposals on the same line items. This clearly highlights pricing differences; follow up with the contractors on why their prices are higher than the other proposals received. Read any fine print, clauses, exceptions, and other amendments carefully to mitigate delay of work, breach of contract, or legal disputes.



Treat It Like An Interview

Think of the bidding process as a job interview: The project is the position, and the general contractor is the candidate. Schedule a meeting either in person or virtually to get a better idea of the team working on the project and the person who’s in charge of communicating directly with clients. Don’t accept any bids before all questions have been answered and all stakeholders are comfortable with moving forward.

Put In The Time

Construction projects are time-consuming and costly, and choosing a general contractor should be more than just choosing the first number that pops up in an internet search. Putting in the legwork to find the right general contractor for the job offers a big return on investment. When it’s time to start a construction project, consider us for the job.


Wright Building Systems may have only been around since 2018 but don’t be fooled by that number. The project manager has been an experienced journeyman union carpenter for over 20 years, managing jobs both big and small.


We are a proud, family-owned company whose employees all share one thing: the passion to deliver quality and profitable projects on time and on budget. Through hard work and determination, we have built a reputation for being the contractor of choice for value-minded clients who want the job done right the first time.


We are highly experienced in all aspects of a build: estimation, construction, project management, preconstruction services, and construction and can bring any project from idea to completion at a fair price and a reasonable timeframe. For a job done right, call Wright Building Systems!

Tips for Office Renovations

10 Apr, 2024
How long has it been since you refreshed your office space? Choosing to rebuild entirely or renovate what you already have is a critical decision, and while rebuilding can yield excellent results, renovations may be more cost-effective and timely. We've helped business owners across the St. Louis region renovate their spaces and improve productivity. Let's discuss some tips that will help propel your office renovations and give your team the space they deserve. Assessing Your Needs and Setting Goals Before diving into the renovation process, it is essential to step back and evaluate your current workspace. Identify pain points, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. Are there bottlenecks in workflow? Is the layout conducive to collaboration and productivity? By pinpointing these issues, you can establish clear renovation objectives and desired outcomes. Business owners should consider budget constraints and timelines to ensure the team has realistic expectations from the outset. Envisioning Your Ideal Workspace With goals in mind, it's time to unleash your creativity and envision the future of your workspace. Draw inspiration from various sources such as design magazines, websites, and competitor spaces. Engage with your employees to understand their preferences and needs. What elements would enhance their work experience? Creating a mood board or vision board can crystallize your ideas and visualize the desired aesthetic and functionality. Finding the Right Contractor Choosing the right contractor is a pivotal step in the renovation process—research and vet potential candidates with experience in commercial office renovations. Ask for referrals and view past projects to assess quality and reliability. Obtain multiple quotes and compare services, timelines, and pricing to make an informed decision. Remember, communication is key—select a contractor who listens to your vision and collaborates effectively. Collaborating with Your Contractor Once you've chosen a contractor, establish open lines of communication and set clear expectations. Communicate your vision, goals, and budget constraints. Collaborate on establishing a timeline and project milestones to track progress effectively. Throughout the renovation, maintain regular communication to promptly address any concerns or changes. A collaborative partnership between you and your contractor is essential for a successful outcome.

Commercial Roofing Project Tips

07 Mar, 2024
While unseen to the average patron, a commercial building's roof is a critical and complex infrastructure that must be tended to regularly. Precision, planning, and attention to detail are paramount for city commercial roofing projects. Whether you're working on a contemporary skyscraper or a historic landmark, the challenges and requirements can vary significantly. This blog explores some valuable tips to ensure the success of your next commercial roofing project. Thorough Assessment and Planning Before embarking on any roofing project, a comprehensive assessment of the roof's current condition is crucial. Identify structural issues, drainage problems, and insulation needs to form the foundation of your project plan. A detailed plan that outlines the scope of work, timeline, budget, and required resources is essential for streamlining operations and minimizing disruptions. Choose the Right Materials Selecting the appropriate roofing materials is a critical decision that directly impacts the durability and longevity of the structure. Consider weather conditions, building design, and energy efficiency when selecting materials. In metropolitan areas, where pollution and urban environmental factors can pose additional challenges, opting for materials with enhanced resistance can prolong the roof's lifespan. Compliance with Building Codes and Regulations Navigating the maze of building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards is non-negotiable for any commercial roofing project. Ensure your team obtains all necessary permits and approvals before commencing work to avoid delays and legal complications. Compliance safeguards your project and enhances your reputation as a responsible contractor.

Historic Building Preservation: Do's and Don'ts

16 Feb, 2024
As stewards of our architectural heritage, commercial construction companies specializing in historic building preservation play a vital role in ensuring that these treasures of the past continue to enrich our communities for generations to come. However, navigating the complexities of historic preservation requires a delicate balance between honoring the past and meeting the present needs. Here are five essential "Do's" and "Don'ts" for historic building projects to guide you on this journey.  The Do's Research and Understand the Building's History Every historic building has a story to tell, and understanding its history is paramount to successful preservation. Before embarking on any project, take the time to research the building's architectural style, original materials, and historical significance. By uncovering the building's past, you gain invaluable insights that will inform your preservation efforts and ensure that your work respects its unique heritage. Engage with Preservation Experts Historic preservation is a multidisciplinary endeavor that requires expertise in architecture, history, conservation, and construction. Collaborate with preservation architects, historians, and consultants specializing in historic buildings. Their knowledge and experience will help you navigate preservation regulations, address technical challenges, and make informed decisions that balance preservation goals with modern requirements. Document and Preserve Original Features Historic buildings are repositories of craftsmanship and architectural detail, each element bearing witness to the past. When undertaking a preservation project, prioritize documenting and preserving original features and materials. Whether it's intricate woodwork, ornate plaster moldings, or handcrafted masonry, these historic elements contribute to the building's character, and the team should conserve them whenever possible. Adapt with Sensitivity While historic buildings provide a link to the past, they must also meet the needs of contemporary users. When making updates or additions to a historic structure, approach the design process with sensitivity and respect for the original fabric. Seek inspiration from the building's historic character and use materials, colors, and techniques harmonizing with its architectural style. By blending the old with the new, you can create spaces that honor the past while serving the needs of the present. Regular Maintenance and Monitoring Preservation is an ongoing process that requires proactive care and attention. Implement a regular maintenance schedule to monitor the condition of the building and address any issues before they escalate. Regular inspections, cleaning, and repair work can help prevent deterioration and prolong the lifespan of historic materials. Investing in proactive maintenance safeguards the building's integrity and demonstrates your commitment to its long-term preservation.
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