A building is only as good as the people who build it. Trade procurement is how we find them: splitting the work into clear packages, getting competitive bids and making sure every quote covers the full scope.
The lowest bid isn't always the lowest cost
When three bids come in, they rarely cover the same thing. One electrician includes the fire alarm, another leaves it out. One millwork shop prices the reception desk and another forgot it. We level every bid line by line so you're comparing like with like, then we go back to the bidders to close the gaps before anything is signed.
The lowest number on a spreadsheet can easily become the most expensive trade on the job once the extras start. We'd rather spend a few more days in tender than months arguing about scope.
Trades we can count on
Since 2013 we've built working relationships with trades across the GTA who show up, do clean work and stand behind it. That doesn't mean we only invite familiar names. New trades are welcome to bid, and we check their capacity, safety record, insurance and references before they make the list.
Specialist scopes
Some buildings need specialists. Dental and medical work brings X-ray shielding, dental equipment installers and clinical millwork. Industrial work brings its own, like the production areas at Lucid Corp's packaging facility in Etobicoke, where the whole building was planned around the line. We know which scopes need a specialist, and we bring them in early enough to make a difference.
How many bids do you get for each trade?
Usually three or more for each major package, where the market allows it. For specialist work there may only be one or two qualified companies, and we'll tell you when that's the case.
Can we bring our own trades?
In most cases, yes. If there's a trade you trust, we'll invite them to bid alongside the others and hold them to the same scope and standards.
What is bid levelling?
It's the process of lining up competing bids so they can be compared fairly. We break each one down by scope, add or deduct the items one bidder included and another didn't, and show you the true difference between them.
Related
- Pre-ConstructionBudgets, constructability reviews and schedules before anyone breaks ground.
- Construction ManagementOne accountable team on site, from mobilization to handover.
- Cost ControlBudgets, change reviews and forecasts with no surprises at the end.
- Site SupervisionDaily coordination, safety and quality checks on site.
Share where you are in the process. We'll bring the right people to the conversation and help you understand the next move.