Public Works Job Walk Guide: What Contractors...

Understanding Public Works Job Walks

A job walk (also called a pre-bid walk or site visit) is a scheduled tour of a public works project site before bids are due. These walks are essential for understanding project scope, identifying challenges, and preparing accurate bids. As a DIR-registered contractor with extensive public works experience in San Bernardino, Riverside, and throughout Southern California, we've learned that thorough job walks are the foundation of successful project bids.

This guide will help contractors maximize the value of job walks and avoid costly bidding mistakes.

Why Job Walks Matter

Benefits for Contractors

Accurate estimates: See actual site conditions rather than relying solely on plans
Identify challenges: Spot potential issues that affect cost and schedule
Ask questions: Get clarifications directly from project managers and engineers
Network: Meet other contractors and potential subcontractors
Demonstrate interest: Show the agency you're serious about the project

Benefits for Agencies

Better bids: Contractors with site knowledge submit more accurate proposals
Fewer change orders: Issues identified early reduce surprises during construction
Qualified bidders: Serious contractors attend, improving bid quality
Clear communication: Opportunity to explain project requirements and expectations

Before the Job Walk

Review Project Documents

Thoroughly study all available documents before attending:

Plans and specifications: Understand the scope and technical requirements
Bid package: Note all requirements, deadlines, and submission procedures
Special provisions: Identify unique requirements or restrictions
Prevailing wage determinations: Review applicable wage rates
Previous addenda: Check for any modifications to original documents

Prepare Questions

Create a list of questions to ask during the walk:

Clarifications on specifications or plans
Site access and staging areas
Utility locations and protection requirements
Working hours and noise restrictions
Coordination with other contractors
Material delivery and storage

Gather Tools and Materials

Bring essential items for documenting the site:

Camera or smartphone: For photos and videos
Measuring tools: Tape measure, laser measure, or measuring wheel
Notepad or tablet: For notes and sketches
Project documents: Plans, specs, and your question list
Safety equipment: Hard hat, safety vest, boots as required
Business cards: For networking with other contractors

During the Job Walk

Arrival and Sign-In

Arrive 10-15 minutes early
Sign in and provide required contact information
Obtain any handouts or additional documents
Introduce yourself to agency representatives

Listen to the Presentation

Most job walks begin with an overview:

Project goals and timeline
Key requirements and challenges
Special conditions or restrictions
Bid submission procedures
Contact information for questions

Take detailed notes—this information may not be in the written documents.

Site Evaluation

As you tour the site, evaluate these critical factors:

Access and Logistics

Entry and exit points for vehicles and equipment
Road conditions and weight restrictions
Parking and staging areas
Distance from material suppliers
Traffic control requirements

Existing Conditions

Topography and grading challenges
Soil conditions (if visible)
Drainage patterns and water issues
Existing structures or improvements
Vegetation and trees

Utilities and Infrastructure

Visible utility locations (power, water, gas, communications)
Underground utility markings
Overhead power lines and clearances
Fire hydrants and water sources
Storm drains and sewer systems

Adjacent Properties

Neighboring buildings and uses
Shared property lines or easements
Potential noise or dust complaints
Protection requirements for adjacent property

Environmental Factors

Protected trees or habitat areas
Wetlands or water features
Erosion control requirements
Hazardous materials or contamination

Documentation

Thoroughly document the site:

Photos: Take wide shots and detailed close-ups of important features
Videos: Record walkthrough for later review
Measurements: Verify critical dimensions from plans
Sketches: Draw site features not clearly shown on plans
Notes: Record observations, concerns, and ideas

Ask Questions

Don't hesitate to ask for clarifications:

Ask questions during the walk when relevant
Save general questions for the Q&A session
Be specific and reference plan sheets or spec sections
Take notes on all answers—they may become official addenda

Network with Other Contractors

Exchange business cards with potential subcontractors
Discuss possible partnerships or joint ventures
Learn from experienced public works contractors
Build relationships for future projects

After the Job Walk

Review and Organize

Immediately after returning to your office:

Review all photos and videos while memories are fresh
Organize notes by topic or spec section
Identify items needing further research or clarification
Create a list of follow-up questions

Follow Up

Submit written questions by the deadline specified in the bid documents
Monitor for addenda responding to questions
Contact potential subcontractors for quotes
Verify material availability and lead times

Incorporate into Bid

Use job walk observations to refine your estimate:

Adjust quantities based on actual site conditions
Add costs for site-specific challenges
Include appropriate contingencies
Refine schedule based on access and logistics

Common Job Walk Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Job Walk

Some contractors skip job walks to save time—this is a critical mistake:

You'll miss site-specific information not in the plans
Your bid may be inaccurate, leading to losses or non-competitive pricing
Some agencies require attendance or give preference to attendees
You can't ask questions or get clarifications

Poor Documentation

Relying on memory instead of photos and notes
Not photographing critical details
Failing to verify dimensions
Not recording answers to questions

Not Asking Questions

Assuming you understand unclear specifications
Being intimidated by other contractors or agency staff
Waiting to ask questions after the walk (when it may be too late)

Ignoring Safety

Not wearing required safety equipment
Taking unnecessary risks for photos or measurements
Ignoring restricted or dangerous areas

Special Considerations for Fencing Projects

When evaluating fencing projects specifically, pay attention to:

Property Lines and Boundaries

Are property lines clearly marked?
Are there survey monuments or markers?
Do plans match actual property configuration?
Are there encroachments or boundary disputes?

Existing Fencing

Condition of existing fence to be removed
Disposal requirements and costs
Salvage value of materials
Hazardous materials (lead paint, asbestos)

Post Installation Conditions

Soil type and compaction
Rock or hardpan layers
High water table or wet conditions
Underground obstacles

Gate Locations

Clearances for swing or slide operation
Grade changes affecting gate function
Power availability for automated gates
Traffic patterns and usage requirements

Mandatory vs. Optional Job Walks

Mandatory Walks

Some projects require attendance:

Bids from non-attendees may be rejected
Sign-in sheet serves as proof of attendance
If you can't attend, check if a representative can go in your place
Some agencies allow virtual attendance for remote contractors

Optional Walks

Even when not required, attendance is highly recommended:

Demonstrates commitment to the project
Provides competitive advantage through better information
Reduces risk of costly mistakes

Virtual Job Walks

Some agencies now offer virtual alternatives:

Video tours: Pre-recorded site walkthroughs
Live streaming: Real-time virtual attendance
360-degree photos: Interactive site exploration
Drone footage: Aerial site views

While convenient, virtual walks can't fully replace in-person visits. If possible, attend in person for complex or high-value projects.

Maximize Your Public Works Success

Thorough job walks are essential for competitive, accurate public works bidding. Our team's extensive experience with government projects means we know what to look for and how to translate site observations into winning bids.

Interested in partnering on public works projects? We're always looking for qualified subcontractors and joint venture partners. Contact us to discuss upcoming opportunities and how we can work together on government contracts.

Public Works Job Walk Guide: What Contractors Need to Know