We’re in the business of construction for dentists and dental offices, so we know a thing or two about construction contracts. We also know that dentists are not construction experts or lawyers, so they can be misled and taken advantage of in these kinds of deals.
Whether you choose to work with Primus or some other dental office construction and design company, we want to make sure you know the top requirements for a good construction contract. We believe that good communication with our clients is key to making sure both parties get what they want out of the deal.
With that said, here are some key requirements for a good contract in dental office construction.
1) It’s All in the Construction Documents
The language of any construction contract is going to refer to construction documents, which are simply the plans, drawings, and other materials that support the construction crew. The contractor will provide services in accordance with the construction documents, which means those documents are key for both parties in the contract.
You might think of them as “exhibits” of the contractual agreement. Be sure that those plans and drawings are 100 percent aligned with your desires, or they will be the source of conflict later on.
2) Include Specific Language
Every line item in a dental office construction project should be detailed and laid out clearly in the contract. Something as simple as a door could vary in cost by thousands of dollars depending on factors like the frame, the material, the dimensions, the details, the construction, the finish, and so on.
In other words, there’s room for unexpected costs in line items that are vague. Be specific. This will also help you decide which items matter enough to splurge on quality. A fancy door might mean the front desk counter is less extravagant. It’s about your priorities and your vision, but you have to communicate them with the contractor, and in writing.
3) A Lawyer’s Review
This isn’t specifically about what to put in the contract, but it’s essential nonetheless. You’re entering into an agreement that’s going to cost you a pretty penny and result in a lot of debt, so it’s important to have a lawyer look it over. A lawyer watches for things like disclaimers and helps you verify whether the contract protects your interests in the event of a budget overflow or overrun.
It’s certainly no simple matter to build a new dental office, but at Primus Dental Design, we work hard to make the process as easy as possible for our clients. We’re committed to making your vision a reality without going over budget on time or money.
If you want to learn more about what we offer, feel free to give us a call or check out the rest of our website. We’re on hand to answer questions you might have.
Good luck with your dental office construction!
~Jason
