1- Experience with similar projects.
Of course one of the most important things to consider when choosing a civil engineering firm is to ensure that they have done the type of work that you need done in the past. You can usually do this by checking their references and credentials, but be sure that you don’t contact a company that works with only bridges to plan an apartment complex!
2- Land-use knowledge.
Be sure that the company you are selecting is able to quickly come up with the right use of land ideas and policies. If the civil engineering firm that you’re interested in doesn’t know how to properly use the land in your area, they might not be the best choice for your project.
3-Check references and credentials.
Remember that anyone can refer you to a company that might not be what you are looking for. To avoid having a bad match-up, or a civil engineering firm that does not hold up to their side of the contract, be sure to check their references. Any respectable company will be able to show certifications on request, and be able to reference past customers.
4-Don’t base your decision on price alone.
Although pricing is a factor, remember that sometimes the lowest bidder is the lowest quality. If you need quality work done, don’t just consider the pricing, think about the big picture and what paying a few extra dollars is going to help you achieve!
5-Verify insurance.
Since civil engineering projects are typically quite extensive and could cause a great deal of damage if done improperly, it is vital that you verify that the civil engineering firm you’ve chosen has insurance. You can do this by asking to see their policy, and calling the issuing company to double-check their coverage limits. Most companies are required to hold an insurance policy, so be sure to check their credibility and their limits.
Contact a civil engineering firm that will help you achieve your goals. For more information on starting your next project in the Sonoma County area, contact Atterbury & Associates today! Find us on Facebook or Google+ and subscribe to our blog.