How We Work - Request for Proposals - Boald Construction

From First Site Visit to Final Walkthrough: The Boald Construction Process

A step-by-step look at how we take a client's vision — from initial inquiry through completed construction — with transparency at every stage.

Boald Construction Management Ltd. Throughout Alberta a 10 min read.

When a client reaches out to Boald, they're not just hiring a contractor — they're starting a relationship built on communication, precision, and accountability. Our process has been refined across commercial interiors, institutional buildings, exterior retrofits, and special projects throughout Alberta.

Here's exactly what that process looks like, start to finish.

01Site visit

02Consult with the client

033D rendering & layout proposal

04Pricing & subcontractor quotes

05Present proposal & pricing

06Sign contracts

07Issue subcontracts

08Mobilize & start construction

09Weekly progress updates

10Project completion

Step 01

Site Visit

Before any conversation about budget or design, we go to the site. Every project starts with eyes on the actual space — not just drawings or photos sent over email. Our principal or project lead walks the property, takes measurements, notes existing conditions, and identifies anything that could affect scope, schedule, or cost down the line.

For commercial interiors and tenant improvements, we're checking structural elements, mechanical and electrical access points, and any existing finishes or systems that will interface with the new work. For exterior retrofits or institutional buildings, it's access, envelope condition, and site logistics. We document everything before we form an opinion.

Boald principal conducting initial site assessment

Step 02

Consult with the Client

With site notes in hand, we sit down with the client — in person where possible — to understand what they're actually trying to accomplish. This isn't a sales meeting. It's a working session where we listen first.

We want to know the functional goals of the space, any hard constraints on timeline or budget, how the client plans to use the building during construction, and what success looks like when the project is done. The better we understand the client's objectives at this stage, the more accurate and useful our proposal will be. We ask the questions other contractors skip.

Step 03

3D Rendering & Layout Proposal

Once we understand the scope and the client's vision, we produce a spatial proposal. For most commercial and institutional projects, that means a 3D rendering or detailed floor plan layout — something the client can actually look at and react to, rather than reading dimensions off a drawing set.

This step removes ambiguity before it becomes expensive. Clients can see how the space will feel, confirm that circulation and functionality match what they described, and request adjustments while changes are still on a screen rather than in the walls. We'd rather iterate on a rendering than issue a change order mid-construction.

3D rendering of proposed layout

Photo — floor plan layout drawing or client review session

Client reviewing proposed floor plan with Boald team

"We'd rather iterate on a rendering than issue a change order mid-construction."

Step 04

Go for Pricing

With an approved layout in hand, we build the budget from the ground up. Our estimating team performs a full quantity takeoff — every material, every trade, every linear metre — and issues detailed scope packages to subcontractors for firm pricing.

We don't pad numbers with broad allowances or guess on specialty trade costs. Every line item in our budget is backed by either a supplier quote or a written sub price. This takes more time upfront, but it means the number we present to the client is one we can stand behind.

Step 05

Present Proposal & Pricing to the Client

We try and present proposals in person, not just by email. The client gets a complete package: the layout or rendering, a detailed scope description, a line-item budget, a proposed construction schedule, and our team's qualifications.

We walk through every section and answer questions on the spot. If there are value engineering options — ways to achieve the same outcome at a lower cost — we present those as alternatives, not surprises. The client leaves this meeting with a clear picture of what they're buying and what it costs. Depending on the needs of the client consultants may be contracted before proposal or after contract signing. Consultant engagement will be required in most cases for energy audits, spacial planning, mechanical and electrical engineering and/or architectural and structural engineering.

Step 06

Sign Contracts

Once the client is satisfied with the proposal, we execute the construction contract. Boald uses industry-standard CCDC contract forms, tailored to the project's specific requirements. We review the contract with the client to ensure both parties are aligned on scope, payment terms, schedule milestones, and change order procedures.

Clear contracts protect everyone. We don't rush this step, and we don't start work before it's complete.

Step 07

Send Out Subcontracts

With the prime contract signed, we formalize all subcontract agreements. Each trade receives a written subcontract that mirrors the requirements of the prime — same safety expectations, same schedule commitments, same documentation standards.

Boald holds SECOR certification, and we extend those safety culture expectations to every subcontractor on our sites. Before mobilization, we confirm that all trades have current WCB coverage, required insurance, and any site-specific safety plans required under Alberta Safety Codes or the owner's requirements.

Step 08

Mobilize & Start Construction

Mobilization is a coordinated event, not a chaotic start. Before the first crew arrives on site, Boald has confirmed material delivery schedules, established site logistics and access procedures, completed any required pre-construction notifications, and held a project kickoff meeting with all subcontractors.

On day one, the client knows who is on site, what work is starting, and what the next two weeks look like. There are no surprises on a Boald project — because we've planned for them before they happen.

Boald crew mobilizing at project start

Step 09

Weekly Progress Updates

Clients should never have to chase their contractor for information. Every week during construction, Boald provides a written progress update that includes work completed in the prior week, work planned for the upcoming week, any open items or decisions required from the client, and current budget and schedule status.

When issues arise — and on any construction project, something always does — clients hear about it from us first, along with our proposed solution. Transparency during construction is what turns a one-time client into a repeat client.

Step 10

Project Completion

Finishing a project the right way takes as much attention as starting it. Boald completes a formal deficiency review with the client before claiming substantial performance. Any outstanding items are documented, assigned, and tracked to resolution — nothing is left on a verbal promise.

We compile a full project closeout package: as-built drawings, equipment warranties, maintenance manuals, and lien releases from all subcontractors and suppliers. The client gets a building they understand and documentation they can actually use. That's how we define done. www.sitesight.io Boald's proprietory handover and management software

Completed project — exterior finish

Final walkthrough with the client

"The client gets a building they understand and documentation they can actually use. That's how we define done."

Boald Construction Management Ltd. is a St. Albert–based commercial construction management firm operating across Alberta. Commercial interiors, institutional buildings, exterior retrofits, and specialty mechanical work — delivered with transparency at every step.

boaldconstruction.com  ·  Start with a site visit