Customizing Financing Solutions for Diverse Construction Projects
In the world of construction, the one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t cut it when it comes to financing equipment. We’ve gathered insights from Co-Founders to CEOs, focusing on how to create tailored financial solutions for various projects. From structuring financing based on project scale to ensuring customized financing aligns with cash flow, explore five expert strategies to meet the unique demands of your construction endeavors.
- Structure Financing Based on Project Scale
- Speed and Cost in Equipment Financing
- Flexible Terms for Diverse Project Needs
- Bespoke Leasing Options for Client Satisfaction
- Customized Financing Aligns with Cash Flow
Structure Financing Based on Project Scale
Understanding the diverse needs of each construction project is key. For instance, for a large-scale commercial development, I might structure financing to accommodate heavy-machinery purchases, ensuring cash flow isn’t strained.
Conversely, for a smaller residential project, I’d focus on flexible terms to support equipment rental or leasing, optimizing budget allocation. It’s about tailoring solutions to match the project’s scale, timeline, and financial constraints for optimal efficiency and success.
Bart Waldon
Co-Founder, Land Boss
Speed and Cost in Equipment Financing
The focus of our equipment finance solutions is generally always on two things: speed and cost.
In terms of cost, we always compare rates and options from multiple lenders to get a competitive deal. That’s something that’s difficult to do by yourself as a customer—the market is not particularly accessible to those going directly to lenders.
But we’re often approached by construction companies that need equipment on-site ASAP. If you’ve worked in the construction industry, you’ll know how important project management and timescales are to a successful project.
A client might have a project due to start next week, or even within the next couple of days, and need the equipment financed and on-site in time, or else they’ll be losing time and money and putting the whole construction project out of sync.
If this is the case, we’ll approach a finance lender we know has a good track record of working fast. This is purely based on the experience of our brokers and the relationships they have with lenders and underwriters.
For example, we had a recent case where a client approached us needing finance for a bulldozer, and we managed to secure their funding within just 72 hours of contacting us.
Sam Hodgson
Finance Editor, Clifton Private Finance
Flexible Terms for Diverse Project Needs
When financing equipment for diverse construction projects, it’s vital to consider each project’s scale and specific requirements. For example, smaller residential jobs, like boiler installations in homes, might need short-term leases on compact equipment.
Conversely, larger commercial projects benefit from longer-term financing on heavy machinery. By offering flexible terms and understanding the unique dynamics of each job, we ensure our clients have the right tools to complete their projects efficiently.
Lara Woodham
Director, Rowlen Boiler Services
Bespoke Leasing Options for Client Satisfaction
I’ve found that tailoring construction equipment financing to suit the unique needs of different projects is crucial for both the success of the project and the satisfaction of our clients. Each construction project has its own set of challenges, timelines, and budget constraints, requiring a bespoke approach to financing solutions.
One effective strategy I employ is the use of flexible leasing options. This involves offering variable payment plans that adjust according to the project’s cash-flow patterns. For example, for a project that is seasonal or has uneven revenue streams, I offer lease agreements with balloon payments or seasonal skips, where payments are lower during the off-peak times and ramp up during peak periods. This flexibility helps clients manage their finances more effectively without jeopardizing their operational capabilities.
An example of this approach in action was with a recent infrastructure project that involved significant upfront costs and had a delayed revenue-generation timeline. Understanding the financial strain this project could impose, we structured a step-up lease payment plan. This plan started with very low payments at the beginning of the lease term, which gradually increased as the project progressed and began generating revenue. This structure not only eased the initial financial burden but also aligned better with the project’s revenue inflow.
Additionally, for projects requiring state-of-the-art equipment that rapidly depreciates, I recommend shorter lease terms with options to upgrade. This ensures that clients always have access to the latest technology without the long-term financial commitment or risk of obsolescence.
Michael Dion
Chief Finance Nerd, F9 Finance
Customized Financing Aligns with Cash Flow
In roofing, particularly in commercial sectors like educational facilities, the need for customized solutions is paramount, and this philosophy extends similarly into the domain of construction equipment financing. For instance, at Five Guys Roofing, we directly handle the complexity of roofing projects by selecting appropriate materials and schedules that resonate with the institution’s needs, ensuring minimal disruption.
A specific example is our work with schools, where we optimize project timelines to coincide with school breaks and use noise-reducing materials to prevent disruption. This approach is mirrored in how we manage construction equipment financing—by aligning payment schedules with the project’s cash flow. For instance, for a roof replacement project at a large college, knowing the funding would be disbursed over several fiscal quarters, we structured the equipment financing to match this flow. This meant smaller, manageable payments aligned with the school’s budgetary disbursements.
Moreover, leveraging our industry connections, we often negotiate vendor-specific agreements that allow for flexible repayment terms based on seasonal business fluctuations typical in the educational sector. This method proves beneficial, especially when dealing with high-value projects requiring significant upfront investment in specialized, high-quality materials and safety equipment. These tailored financing solutions ensure that institutions can maintain their operational budgets without compromising on the quality of the installation or the integrity of the roofing system.
Jonathan Stowell
CEO, Five Guys Roofing
Submit Your Answer
Would you like to submit an alternate answer to the question, “How do you tailor your construction equipment financing solutions to suit the unique needs of different construction projects? Share an example.”