Build on solid ground, even when the market’s shaky

1. Plan for the unexpected

A supplier suddenly hikes prices by 15%. A foreman quits without notice. A key delivery gets delayed by a week. In construction, these disruptions aren’t exceptions, they’re part of the job. You can’t dodge every curveball, but you can learn to catch them.

Start by prioritizing your team first. Losing a skilled worker costs far more than offering a competitive salary. Retention beats recruitment so hold on to your top players. 

Build in a realistic buffer. Two out of three construction projects go over budget by more than 10% (KPMG, 2019). Smart margins prevent costly surprises.

Protect yourself contractually. You can’t control steel prices or port strikes, but you can include price adjustment clauses in your contracts.  

2. A healthy cashflow is your financial safety net.

Cashflow is your lifeline—Protect it. Too many businesses wait until it’s too late to speak to their financial institution.  Proactive planning keeps your business agile. 

• Working capital keeps your business rolling. It’s the cash that keeps your business running while payments are pending.
• Negotiate a flexible line of credit. It’s easier to get good credit when you’re not under the gun.  A flexible line of credit is your buffer against payment delays and cost surges.
• Get paid faster. Stay on top of accounts receivable so your invoices don’t slip through the cracks. Simple processes like automated reminders, clear terms and upfront deposits speed up your cashflow. 

3. Secure projects with surety bonds

A surety program acts as a safety net.  It reassures project owners, secures your finances, and positions your business as being stable and trustworthy.  A well-structured and properly worded surety agreement eliminates grey areas and gives you an edge when you’re bidding on a project.

And you don’t have to do it alone.  The support of a specialized surety team helps you navigate the process, optimize your conditions, and make informed decisions. These partners do more than the paperwork, they guide you strategically every step of the way.

Want to stabilize your finances and protect your projects?

Speak to a surety and financing expert at L’Unique and take the next step toward long term growth and financial stability.