Key Takeaway:
Working with a self‑performing contractor saves money by eliminating a layer of markup, reducing the need for separate supervisory staff, and providing reliable, in‑house support for warranty and follow‑up issues.

As you contemplate the right contractor for your project, there are numerous factors to consider. Business owners want to work with a builder they trust to deliver quality construction on time and within budget. How do you ensure you are making the right selection? The difference between choosing a self-performing contractor and a construction company that relies on subcontractors translates into bottom-line cost benefits.

What is the difference between self-performing and subcontracting?

Simply put, self-performing contractors provide hands-on labor for their project while traditional general contractors manage subcontractors from separate companies. As a result, working with a self-performing contractor like Ford Construction ensures greater control over project quality and timelines, since their own crews perform tasks like wall construction, framing, finish carpentry, and specialized repairs.

The Ford Construction Team provides the following services:

Concrete Work

– Footings
– Walls
– Slabs
– Bollards

Rough Carpentry

– Wall construction, framing, and insulation
– Roof framing
– Drywall installation, taping, painting
– Lumber and metal studs

Finish Carpentry

– Cabinet installation
– Countertop installation
– Trim and casing installation
– Door installation

2. Reduced supervision costs without sacrificing quality control

When it comes to project management and supervision, working with a self‑performing contractor means that the company providing the labor is on-site doing the work. Furthermore, the team is overseeing other trades involved in the process. The crew’s consistency provides a greater source of accountability and quality control. The team can answer questions and resolve problems as they arise.

In contrast, a non-self-performing company needs a construction manager to come to the site to complete inspections and answer questions. This model impacts the project from both a time and money perspective. The construction manager is an added salary on the job, and the work may often need to pause waiting for the inspections, communication, and approvals to move forward.

What is the Cost-Benefit? Supervision costs are minimized while maintaining a high level of project management.

3. Long‑term value

Selecting the right construction partner for a project is not a small decision, and part of the evaluation process should consider the long-term value of the partnership. Self‑performing contractors own their equipment, tools, and trucks, and typically have deep roots in the community. As a result, they are more likely to still be easy to contact when warranty work or follow‑up is needed.

Companies like Ford can handle warranty issues quickly and easily, avoiding the cost and hassle of tracking down multiple separate subs or a manager who has closed the project and moved on to other responsibilities. Furthermore, when another project arises for the client, the team has the established trust and in-house knowledge and experience to jump in quickly. This means the decision to use the self-performing company on the first job translates to efficiencies on future project work.

What is the Cost-Benefit? A team with staying power available for warranty support and a jumpstart on the next project.

As you can see, there are significant cost benefits to working with a self-performing contractor like Ford Construction. If you are considering a project and want a trusted partner who can lower the lifetime cost and risk of a project, we welcome the opportunity to discuss our process and all of the benefits of working with a self-performing construction company.

Email us at fordcon@fordconstructioninc.com or contact Bob Ford at (262)896-9370 to learn more.

A company known for “precision, innovation, and expertise” needs a construction partner who upholds the same values, a team that will advocate for their best interests. Sheridan Mold & Engineering excels in precision injection molds, micro moldmaking, and liquid silicone rubber tooling. In business since 1978, this St. Francis, Wisconsin, manufacturing company sought to invest in a metal building addition to its facility. While they inquired with Ford Construction for a competitive bid, the Ford Team replied with the cost and an alternative option, a solution to leverage their existing structure.

“As we looked at the pricing for a metal building addition, which we complete for many of our clients, I asked if they had considered extending their existing building type,” describes Ford Sales & Project Manager Mike Ford. “I explained how we could continue the block exterior with wood trusses and an asphalt roof to perfectly match the existing structure.”

Sheridan Mold embraced the suggestion and approved the new direction for their 6,000-sq.-ft. addition. With each step in the process, Ford looked for ways to advocate for the client and expedite the process. He knew it was in their best interest to get ahead of Wisconsin’s unpredictable winter conditions.

Expediting the Process

The first step in expediting the process was establishing a realistic budget number. Due to Ford’s estimating expertise and access to existing plans, he was able to work with subcontractors to generate solid construction numbers while updating the plans for proper documentation. In less than a month, the necessary paperwork was ready for review.

Relationships matter in the architecture and construction industry, and the Ford Team works hard to maintain solid partnerships with the communities it serves. Respectful and responsive communications play a key role in relationship development.

With city approvals and surveying completed in record time, the sequencing of the construction start (just ahead of winter) resulted in a $23,000 project cost savings. “To erect the block wall during winter would have required the scaffolding area to be tented and heated, so due to the quick turnaround in planning, we avoided all of that coordination and cost. It was a close call, but a big win for the project. We beat the frost by a few days.”

Navigating Challenges

Every construction project presents a few challenges, and some more than others. Working with a team ready to problem-solve and help clients make informed decisions makes all the difference. Ford Construction thrives in the tough moments.

From soil conditions to city requirements, Ford has advised Sheridan Mold through their unique site circumstances. While bad soil can shut a job down for months, Ford’s approach addressed the issues at hand while minimizing delays. The soil correction resulted in a two-day operation. Furthermore, Ford advocated for the client with the City of St. Francis by applying for a variance to address curb and gutter requirements and dumpster location codes. Ford’s well-communicated argument and alternative plans received approval. Not only did this variance save Sheridan Mold time and money, but it also supports ease of operations post-construction.

Another project savings reinforces the importance of expertise and timing. An interesting fact about the existing construction, a block building with foam-injected insulation, is that it is one of the last buildings of its kind. In fact, this construction method was days away from falling short of a pending energy code change. Efficient planning and project scheduling met the current codes, allowing construction to proceed with the existing insulation method, which saved approximately $40,000+.

Advocacy Continues

The Sheridan Mold addition is a project in progress, with the team awaiting the delivery of 50-foot-long trusses. Ford credits the team’s knowledge and experience, quick reactions, solid relationships, and a little luck for the project savings and success so far. He looks forward to the continued progress toward completion in 2026 and highlights the importance of his role to be a voice of reason who can maintain a sense of calm when construction presents a touch of chaos.

“When clients are experiencing the high stress of construction moments, I want them to know that it will be okay. We’re going to get them through it. They are in good hands. I want them to feel confident our team can manage the challenges with skill and timeliness.”

Stay tuned for more updates on the Sheridan Mold & Engineering addition.

Visit the Ford Portfolio to learn more about the team’s client advocacy and unique projects.

Ford Construction is pleased to announce that Milwaukee Motorwerks received an Excellence Award in the Metallic 2020 Design Build Awards.

The Metallic Design Build Awards is an annual awards program by Metallic Building Systems—an opportunity for the company to celebrate work from its authorized builders. This year 19 projects were highlighted as standout metal building solutions. Ford Construction is honored to have its work with Milwaukee Motorwerks recognized.

Milwaukee Motorwerks is a team of European Automotive Experts with services to address mechanical & electrical engine issues, emissions, oil changes & regular maintenance, brakes & suspension, wheels & tires, cooling systems, performance upgrades, and pre-purchase inspections.

The company, owned by Brian Hinterberg, had identified an ideal location for its new expanded shop space in an industrial park in Waukesha, Wis. As the team contemplated the building design, they had to consider the industrial subdivision’s high aesthetic and architectural standards. Many of the businesses in the subdivision feature buildings with masonry block facades. Milwaukee Motorwerks wanted to use a material that met the development standards while better representing their brand. The metal building solution offered a modern material to convey their role as tech-savvy, European automotive specialists.

While a custom metal building was determined as the best direction for the project, the goal was to create a design that did not look like a conventional metal building. An alternating horizontal pattern achieves the unique façade, and the gray and red color palette creates a striking presence within the industrial park. The intent was to achieve an architectural aesthetic that complemented the European design of the cars. The horizontal application also complements the masonry style of the neighboring businesses.

An industrial sign is another notable detail of the project. The signage solution eliminates additional loads on the building. The placement of the signage structure casts a shadow sign—Milwaukee Motorwerks—onto the building façade at certain times of the day.

“We are proud to be a Metallic Building Systems authorized builder,” says Bob Ford, CEO of Ford Construction. “Working with Milwaukee Motorwerks was an exciting design and construction opportunity to create a unique custom metal building solution. Thank you to Metallic Building Systems for this special recognition.”

Learn more about the 2020 honorees.

The Ford Team is practicing strict COVID-19 precautions as they remain on the job at the Milwaukee Makerspace project in St. Francis. Whether a Ford team member, subcontractor or inspector, anyone entering the site goes through a daily verbal check-in in order to maintain a safe and healthy work environment. While practicing social distancing, the team has been able to make project progress, including fixing masonry parapet walls and putting on a new roof, as well as installing new doors and windows. The team has also been repairing the interior masonry and steel structure as well as painting. Additional labor will include new studs, drywall and ceilings. Work on new plumbing, electrical and heating systems is also in progress. Stay tuned for more project updates!

White Stone Community Church is a liturgical community in the midst of growth. While they have plans for a major expansion in the future, interior remodeling was necessary to address immediate needs while additional funds are raised for the more comprehensive project.

Ford played a key role in developing the plan for the interim interior remodeling and managed a phased schedule for the renovations with minimal disruption to the congregation. The project includes an expanded fellowship area on the first floor and overflow seating on the second floor with televised access to church services as well as additional bathrooms.

Ford understands growing pains and the importance of providing the proper space to support a thriving church community. The Ford team is invested in supporting the strategic, phased interior remodeling projects and overall growth of this community church.