Keys to Building Strong General Contractor-Client Relationships

As a commercial general contractor, building strong relationships with clients is important to the overall success of a project overall. A good working relationship built on trust and understanding can go a long way should any issues arise on a project. 

Below are some of the key elements that go a long way to building valuable client-contractor relationships:

Communication & Openness

Regular communication throughout a project provides reassurance to your clients. From the beginning, it’s helpful to establish who your main point of contact is and determine their communication style. Furthermore, consistent transparent communication is key. Any strong relationship starts with honesty and transparency, especially when it comes to challenges, delays, or changes, to ensure the client trusts you. 

Collaboration & Details

If you’re really looking to build a strong relationship with your client, you want to work with them, not for them. The key to collaboration is to ask plenty of questions and know what their needs and pain points are. Understanding the desired outcome of the project will allow for better collaboration when necessary, and ultimately ensure you deliver exactly what the client wants. Take the time to break down the details of the job and provide further explanation when needed. It’s also important to set their expectations up front in terms of what is needed from them to be a good partner. 

Technology

Leverage the right technology for each step in your project. Use technology to ensure you are providing accurate estimates and delivering what your client expects. Provide automated updates when possible. Use tools to create project plans or timelines, and especially financial aspects of the project like invoices and payments.

Contracts

A clear and comprehensive contract is the cornerstone to building and maintaining a strong relationship. A strong contract should be easy to understand and thorough, clearly outlining roles and responsibilities for both the client and the commercial contractor. The scope of work should detail all expectations, timelines, tasks, and outcomes. The contract should also clearly explain the total, final price for the work and any contingencies or variables that may impact the pricing. Another helpful component of the contract is detailing how disputes are to be addressed and resolved. 

At Green Heart, we give our clients the experience they deserve every time. Ultimately, strong client relationships can lead to repeat business and referrals. Strong communication, accurate information and status updates, and ensuring the experience is a positive one will all pay off in the long run.

To learn more about how Green Heart can help with your next project Contact Us Today →