Planning a new facility or expansion for your business is exciting. It means growth, new opportunities, and a chance to build exactly what your operation needs. But before you sign any contracts or break ground, you need to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success.
Over the past 35 years, we’ve worked with hundreds of Erie business owners on everything from small warehouse additions to 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facilities. The projects that go smoothest always start with owners who ask the right questions upfront.
Here are five critical questions that will help you choose the right contractor and avoid costly surprises down the road.
1. What Work Does Your Team Actually Perform?
Not all construction companies operate the same way. Some act mainly as project coordinators who hire subcontractors for nearly everything. Others self-perform major portions of the work with their own crews.
Why this matters: When a contractor self-performs work like concrete, steel erection, and carpentry, you get better quality control and faster problem-solving. There’s no waiting for a subcontractor to return to fix an issue. The team on-site reports directly to your project manager.
Self-performed work also means better cost control. You’re not paying markup on top of markup as the general contractor adds their percentage to every subcontractor’s bid.
What to ask:
- Which parts of my project will your own crews handle?
- For the work you subcontract, how long have you worked with those teams?
- Who on your team will be on-site daily?
At MGM Construction, we self-perform significant portions of our projects. Our crews handle site work, foundations, concrete, steel erection, carpentry, and interior finishing. This approach has helped us complete over 4,000 jobs on time and on budget.
2. How Do You Handle Value Engineering?
Value engineering sounds like industry jargon, but it’s actually one of the most important ways a good contractor saves you money without cutting corners.
Value engineering means finding smarter, more cost-effective ways to achieve your goals. Maybe there’s a different foundation system that works just as well but costs less. Or perhaps adjusting the building layout by a few feet eliminates the need for expensive site work.
Why this matters: The best time to save money is during the planning phase, not after construction starts. A contractor who understands value engineering will work with you from the beginning to design a facility that meets your needs at the best possible price.
This is especially important for Butler® metal building systems, which offer incredible flexibility during the design phase. Small changes early on can lead to big savings without sacrificing quality or functionality.
What to ask:
- Can you give me an example of how you’ve saved clients money through value engineering?
- At what point in the project do you start looking for cost savings?
- Will you work with me to explore different options before we finalize the design?
Working with a Butler Builder® like MGM means you benefit from pre-engineered building systems that are designed for efficiency. We’ve been a Butler Builder® since 1994, and we know how to maximize the value of these systems for Erie businesses.
3. What’s Your Approach to Communication During Construction?
Construction projects involve dozens of decisions, unexpected site conditions, and constant coordination. How your contractor communicates can make the difference between a smooth project and a stressful nightmare.
Why this matters: You’re running a business. You can’t spend all day on the construction site or responding to calls about minor details. However, you do need to stay informed about progress, budget, and any issues that come up.
The right contractor establishes clear communication protocols from day one. You’ll know who to contact, how often you’ll get updates, and what decisions require your input versus what the team can handle on their own.
What to ask:
- Who will be my main point of contact throughout the project?
- How often will I receive progress updates?
- What’s your process for handling change orders or unexpected issues?
- How do you keep projects on schedule when problems arise?
When you work with us, clear communication is part of MGM’s promise to every client. We assign a dedicated project manager who stays with your project from start to finish. You’ll know exactly who to call, and you’ll never wonder what’s happening on-site.
4. How Do You Deal With Erie’s Construction Challenges?
Erie presents unique construction challenges that out-of-town contractors might not understand. Our weather, soil conditions, local building codes, and even the availability of materials all impact how projects get built.
Why this matters: A contractor like MGM, with deep Erie roots, has relationships with local suppliers, knows which subcontractors deliver quality work, and understands how to plan around our weather patterns. We’ve also worked with local building officials and know what’s required to keep permits moving forward.
Right now, the construction industry nationwide is dealing with labor shortages and material cost fluctuations. An experienced local contractor has strategies to navigate these challenges without derailing your project.
What to ask:
- How long have you been working in the Erie area?
- How do you handle material price increases during construction?
- What’s your relationship with local suppliers and subcontractors?
- Can you provide references from other Erie businesses you’ve worked with?
MGM Construction has been building in Erie since 1990. We’ve developed strong relationships with local suppliers and skilled tradespeople. When material prices shift or weather delays occur, we have the connections and experience to keep your project moving forward.
5. What Happens After You Finish Building?
The relationship with your contractor shouldn’t end the day they hand over the keys. Buildings require ongoing maintenance, and sometimes issues arise after you move in.
Why this matters: A contractor who stands behind their work will be responsive if problems come up. They’ll also provide guidance on maintaining your new facility so it serves your business well for decades.
For metal building systems, this ongoing relationship is especially valuable. Butler® buildings are designed to last with minimal maintenance, but you’ll still want a contractor who can answer questions or help with future expansions.
What to ask:
- What warranty do you provide on your work?
- If an issue comes up after completion, what’s your response time?
- Do you provide any guidance on building maintenance?
- Can you handle future additions or modifications if my business grows?
We build facilities that our clients depend on for years. Many of our customers call us back for expansions, renovations, or new projects because they know we’ll be there when they need us.
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
Choosing a construction partner is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your business. The wrong contractor can mean cost overruns, delays, and headaches that distract from running your operation. The right contractor becomes a trusted partner who helps your business grow.
These five questions give you a framework for evaluating contractors, but the most important thing is to trust your instincts. Does the contractor listen to your needs? Do they provide clear, honest answers? Do their past clients speak highly of their work?
With Erie’s economy growing and new opportunities emerging, now is a great time to invest in your facility. Just make sure you’re working with a team that has the experience, integrity, and local knowledge to deliver results.
At MGM Construction, we’ve spent over three decades earning the trust of Erie businesses. From data centers to manufacturing facilities to commercial renovations, we bring the same commitment to every project: delivering practical, efficient construction solutions that meet your budget and timeline.
Ready to discuss your project? Contact MGM Construction today to schedule a consultation. We’ll walk you through our process, answer all your questions, and help you determine the best approach for your facility.