The 7 Core Metrics of Construction — Cost, Quality, Speed, Communication, Organisation, Transparency, and Health & Safety — are key factors that help contractors win clients and improve their business performance.
Date Written:
November 12, 2024
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed herein are based on personal experience and observation. It is advisable to conduct your own due diligence before making decisions for yourself and your business as every individuals circumstance are different.
In Construction, winning clients and delivering successful projects comes down to a handful of critical metrics. I believe that most clients use these 7 Core Metrics to determine who to hire.
Let’s break down each one and see how they can guide your business to greater success.
Getting the price right isn't easy. If you’re inexperienced in pricing, consider speaking with experienced contractors or a Quantity Surveyor. You can't afford to be running at a loss and try to make up for it on the next job. Make sure your Quotes are realistic, fair, and comprehensive. Clients expect transparent and justified pricing, so make your numbers make sense.
Clients will always pay attention to quality, especially for projects they want to last. No one wants to hire someone else to fix your terrible work. If you pride yourself on high-quality workmanship, make it known and prove it. Those who care about quality work are willing to pay for it. Personally, I believe the High-end market of the Construction industry is the best place to be because the clients let you do your job and are happy to pay afterwards. What a breeze!
In today’s world, speed is highly valued because people have gotten used to instant gratification. Fast turnarounds, especially for urgent jobs or emergency fixes, can be a huge selling point. Clients who need quick results will often pay a premium for it, so if you can deliver fast, highlight that in your Work Schedule.
Email. Email. Email! Yes, phone calls are good for a detailed conversations with clients. But, I highly recommend using a Business Email and pushing all your communication through there to maintain your business's professionalism. Documenting conversations covers you legally and ensures that clients know exactly what’s been agreed upon. Good communication is the backbone of any construction project and documenting it will save your ass if anything goes wrong. Strong, clear communication also boosts client trust and confidence.
Clients appreciate a clear Work Schedule that outlines key project stages, from start dates to finish times. Sticking to a timetable isn’t just about speed; it’s about reliability. A solid schedule lets clients plan around the construction, adding value to your service. Once set, keep your word on dates—this builds credibility and avoids penalties, like liquidated damages in contract-bound jobs.
Honesty in pricing and project details is essential. There’s no point hiding charges anywhere to be honest and it's a real amateur move, because people are going to get other quotes to cross reference your numbers. When you’re transparent, it reflects integrity and makes clients feel they’re getting a fair deal. Also, everyone’s pricing is typically the same when you’re comparing apples with apples and oranges with oranges, so you may as well be upfront about it.
Health and Safety are strictly regulated in New Zealand because there are tangible consequences that are enforced under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Having robust Health and Safety systems in place not only protects your workers but also broadens your market access, letting you bid on jobs that require rigorous Health and Safety standards. Prioritising safety can set your company apart as a trustworthy and responsible contractor.
Ultimately, these 7 metrics aren’t just benchmarks for clients—they’re tools for identifying areas of improvement in your business. If you consistently deliver on cost, quality, speed, communication, organisation, transparency, and safety, you’ll not only build a strong reputation but also create lasting client relationships. So, take a look at these metrics and see where you can level up.
