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From underwriting to delivery, aligning development strategy with the right general contractor plays a critical role in cost, schedule, and overall investment performance.
By Jason Keller, Block Companies
When structuring a new development, success depends on two equally important factors: the strength of the deal and the quality of its execution. Developers rightly focus significant time and effort on underwriting, capital structure, and assembling the right partners to position a project for success.
Alongside those decisions, selecting the right general contractor. The GC is instrumental in translating the business plan into reality, directly influencing cost, schedule, quality, and risk management throughout the life of the project.
From our perspective as both a general contractor and a developer, the strongest outcomes occur when development strategy and construction execution are fully aligned. When that alignment is established early, projects tend to run more predictably, decisions are made with greater clarity, and the overall investment is better protected.
Even with that alignment, there are a few common missteps that can impact results.
Prioritizing Price Instead of Overall Value
Cost discipline is critical in any development. However, focusing primarily on the lowest bid can sometimes lead to unintended challenges later in the project.
Differences in pricing often come down to scope clarity, assumptions, subcontractor coverage, and approach to risk. What appears to be the most competitive number upfront may not always reflect the full picture over the life of the project.
A value-driven selection process considers more than just initial cost. Strength in preconstruction, realistic budgeting, schedule reliability, and proactive issue resolution all contribute to a more predictable outcome. In many cases, a slightly higher upfront investment can support a smoother process and stronger overall performance.
Not Fully Weighing Relevant Experience
Construction experience is not one-size-fits-all. Each product type—whether multifamily (market-rate or affordable), build-to-rent, senior living, or commercial—comes with its own requirements, nuances, and expectations.
A contractor with directly relevant experience can help identify risks earlier, provide more accurate pricing, and manage execution more efficiently. Affordable housing introduces additional layers of compliance, while senior living requires careful coordination around resident needs and operations. Commercial projects often vary significantly based on tenant demands and buildout complexity.
Selecting a GC with experience aligned to the specific asset type helps create better continuity from planning through delivery.
Underestimating the Importance of Alignment and Communication
Strong qualifications and competitive pricing are important, but so is how the GC works throughout the process. Construction requires constant coordination, and clear communication plays a key role in keeping projects on track.
Alignment between the developer and contractor—on expectations, priorities, and decision-making—can make a meaningful difference. Transparent communication, accountability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving help maintain momentum and avoid unnecessary disruptions.
An additional advantage comes when the contractor brings an owner’s perspective. As a GC that also develops, we’ve seen how understanding financing timelines, lease-up considerations, and long-term asset performance can shape better day-to-day decisions in the field. That perspective helps ensure the construction process stays aligned with the broader business plan.
Bringing It All Together
Selecting a general contractor is about choosing the right partner to execute a well-structured plan. The most successful projects result when a strong development strategy is paired with thoughtful, disciplined construction execution.
By focusing on overall value, relevant experience, and strong alignment, developers can position their projects for more predictable outcomes and long-term success.
In today’s environment—across multifamily, build-to-rent, senior living, and commercial development, a general contractor who understands both construction and development doesn’t just help deliver the project. They help support the success of the investment as a whole.
About the Author
Jason Keller is a principal at Block Companies, a vertically integrated construction and development firm specializing in multifamily, build-to-rent, senior living, and commercial projects. He has more than three decades of experience across development, construction, and project execution throughout the Southeast and Texas.
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