find your answers.
The most common questions
What services do you offer?
Smith Hafeli provides full-service General Contracting, Construction Management, and Design-Build services — from preconstruction planning through closeout. We specialize in federal, municipal, healthcare, and educational facilities, with additional expertise in energy efficiency upgrades through utility-backed programs. No matter the delivery method, we bring structure, clarity, and accountability to every stage of the project.
Where is Smith Hafeli Construction located?
Smith Hafeli operates out of both Southern Illinois and the Chicagoland area, allowing us to serve clients across the state with agility and local insight. We also perform work throughout the broader Midwest — including projects in Missouri and Kansas — particularly in federal, healthcare, and institutional sectors. Our dual presence ensures we stay connected to both metropolitan and regional markets while pursuing the projects that align with our mission and expertise.
How do I get a quote for a construction project?
Getting a quote from Smith Hafeli is straightforward. Just reach out through email or give us a call — we’ll set up a brief conversation to understand your project goals, timeline, and scope. From there, our team will guide you through the next steps, whether that means a formal proposal, a budget estimate, or a deeper preconstruction discussion. We’re happy to meet you wherever you are in the planning process.
What is Job Order Contracting (JOC)?
Job Order Contracting (JOC) is a construction delivery method that allows organizations to complete small- to medium-sized renovation, repair, and maintenance projects through a single competitively awarded contract. Instead of bidding each project individually, owners can issue task orders as needed — saving time, reducing administrative costs, and ensuring faster project delivery. It’s especially useful for public institutions that need a flexible, on-call construction partner.
How does Design-Build Construction work?
Design-Build is a project delivery method where a single team handles both the design and construction under one contract. This streamlined approach fosters collaboration, reduces change orders, and shortens project timelines by allowing design and construction to move forward together. For owners, it means one point of contact, greater cost control, and fewer surprises — with the builder involved from day one to ensure the design stays aligned with the budget and goals.
What is the difference between General Contracting and Construction Management?
General Contracting typically involves a fixed-price contract where the builder takes full responsibility for delivering the project based on completed design documents. The owner hires the architect separately, and the contractor comes in once plans are finalized.
Construction Management, on the other hand, brings the builder on board earlier — often during the design phase — to provide input on cost, schedule, and constructability. This collaborative approach gives the owner more flexibility, real-time pricing insight, and greater influence over the process from start to finish.
