Material and construction costs are rising across the board. Whether it’s the price of steel, copper, or essential components, these price jumps are hitting MEP firms hard—and no one is immune.
Why is this a big deal?
When costs spike, project estimates go out the window, margins shrink, and you’re left scrambling to adjust budgets. Clients expect a fixed price, and when they see costs rising unexpectedly, trust starts to break down. This leaves you managing not just financial pressure but also strained relationships with the people funding your projects.
How to handle it:
Start locking in pricing with suppliers as early as possible. Building solid relationships with trusted suppliers can help secure better deals and ensure materials are available when needed. On top of that, value engineering is your friend—finding cost-effective alternatives without sacrificing quality can help keep budgets in check. And don’t forget to add flexibility to your contracts so you can adjust pricing with your clients when materials costs spike. Being upfront about these potential changes builds trust and avoids surprises down the line.
Why this matters for hiring:
In today’s environment, it’s not just about technical skills. You need project managers and engineers who can see the big picture, manage rising costs, and still deliver quality work. Engineers who understand value engineering and have strong supplier relationships can help keep your projects on track and profitable. These are the people who not only save money but also keep clients coming back.