5 Steps to Prepare Your Project for Bidding

A Quick Guide by R. McKinley Construction, Inc.
📍 Serving California’s Central Coast with Faith, Family & Hard Work

1️⃣ Define the Scope Clearly

Before sending your project out to bid, make sure your scope of work is detailed and specific.
✔ Clearly outline what’s included — and what’s not.
✔ Specify key materials, finishes, and performance expectations.
✔ Provide floor plans, elevations, and any existing building information.

➡️ Tip: The more detail you share, the more accurate and comparable your bids will be.

2️⃣ Confirm Your Budget & Timeline

A realistic budget and schedule help contractors plan efficiently.
✔ Establish your total project budget, including design, permits, and contingencies.
✔ Identify critical dates (move-in, inspections, or grand openings).
✔ Share your flexibility on lead times and phasing.

➡️ Tip: A clear timeline attracts quality bidders who can meet your schedule without cutting corners.

3️⃣ Ensure Plans Meet Local & State Code Requirements

California’s construction environment requires strict compliance with local, state, and often federal regulations.
✔ Verify that your plans meet Title 24 energy codes and ADA accessibility standards.
✔ For medical or government projects, confirm OSHPD or public works compliance.
✔ Prepare any required permits or agency approvals before bids go out.

➡️ Tip: RMC’s team can assist with early preconstruction planning to streamline compliance and reduce costly delays.

4️⃣ Prequalify Your Bidders

Not all contractors have the same experience or reliability. Protect your investment by prequalifying bidders.
✔ Request license, bonding, and insurance verification.
✔ Ask for recent project references in your industry (medical, government, hospitality, etc.).
✔ Confirm safety record and experience with your specific building type.

➡️ Tip: Choose qualified, experienced contractors over the lowest bid — it pays off in quality and efficiency.

5️⃣ Communicate Expectations Early

Bidding success depends on clarity and communication.
✔ Schedule a pre-bid meeting or site walk-through to answer questions.
✔ Set your decision timeline and communicate it clearly.
✔ Outline how change orders and alternates will be handled.

➡️ Tip: Transparency at the start builds trust and results in smoother, faster project delivery.

Ready to Build with Confidence?

Whether your project is a medical facility, government building, green retrofit, or hospitality space, the team at R. McKinley Construction is ready to guide you through every step — from preconstruction planning to project completion.

📞 (805) 239-0490
📧 info@rmckinleyconstructioninc.com
🌐 www.rmckinleyconstructioninc.com
📍 3220 S. Higuera Street, Suite 103B, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Faith • Family • Hard Work
Building California’s Central Coast with Integrity and Experience.