and transparency can sometimes overlooked. However, a transparent and communicative client relationship is an essential element in building long-lasting partnerships.
While building and maintaining such relationships could initially appear daunting, it is critical to recognize that effective communication will become second nature as you put it into practice. By prioritizing open lines of communication from the very beginning of a project, businesses can set themselves on a path toward establishing strong, ongoing relationships with clients.
Provide Weekly Updates and Progress Reports
Weekly reports offer a straightforward way to ensure clients are made aware of the progress made on their projects. These updates need not be elaborate summaries of project progress—it’s their simplicity that can make them most impactful. It is essential to gain a good understanding of each client’s existing operational preferences ahead of sending weekly updates and progress reports. As projects begin, construction teams should understand their clients' specific communication styles and ensure their weekly reports align with the client’s preferred practices.
A simple, concise, and well-structured one-page report defining the team’s current and upcoming tasks and any noteworthy project updates are ideal for the client’s awareness. In addition to these written updates, including labeled progress photos with clear explanations of their content can greatly enhance understanding. These reports serve not only to keep clients informed but also as valuable documentation for future reference should unforeseen issues arise. Construction team members can refer to back to these reports and photos as a reliable guide to keep track of progress. Remember a tailored approach based on client preferences guarantees that all project updates are conveyed in a manner that will best resonate with the client.
Tough Conversations
It’s no secret that hard conversations with clients are uncomfortable, especially during construction. However, by initiating projects with upfront discussions that address potential challenges, clients can be better prepared for issues that might arise in the future. Being transparent upfront can build trust and establish an open dialogue between construction teams and their clients. For example, if the construction team anticipates delays in materials, clients appreciate being notified on the front end, rather than after the expected delivery date has passed.
Unforeseen obstacles are an inherent part of the construction process and cannot always be avoided entirely. However, it is essential to approach these challenges thoughtfully before communicating them to clients. Whenever issues arise, such as problems with builds, deliveries, or other aspects of the project, it is important to inform the client while simultaneously sharing potential solutions. By doing so, the impact of these issues can be eased, ensuring a more productive and collaborative problem-solving approach.
Planning for the Unexpected
Just as it is crucial to manage difficult discussions with clients as issues arise, it is equally important to earmark a contingency within project budgets to accommodate unforeseen challenges that may arise during development. By including construction contingency plans in the initial budget, clients will be prepared, both mentally and financially, should unexpected issues arise. Clients are often thankful that they set money aside on the front end, rather than having to find more money later in the project. These contingency plans give the client and construction teams some peace of mind for unexpected expenses that may occur on the way to project completion.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Project photography plays a vital role in keeping clients informed about the progress of their projects while also serving as a valuable visual record of the project's evolution. While a simple cell phone photo will suffice, construction teams should consider investing in a professional photographer to take progress images. This investment serves not only to enhance current client relationships but also to bolster their portfolio. Clients are often impressed with strong imagery, and construction teams can use the images for promotional purposes in the future making professional project photography a win-win.
While the construction process itself revolves around deadlines and protocols, the importance of transparent and consistent communication between contractor and client should never be overlooked. By prioritizing open communication with clients, construction teams can establish long-lasting partnerships based on trust, transparency, and understanding.
