Retail, medical or office space construction and remodeling projects can either be a huge headache or a smooth undertaking depending on the general contractor you will choose. Things can fast turn for the worse if you choose a contractor who is unskilled, has poor communication or if he fails to understand your needs and the vital aspects specific to your business. In most cases, lowest bid or the cheapest deal may not offer the best value. In this article, we have rounded up five top tips that will help you select the right commercial contractor to ensure your commercial project will be worry-free and successful.
Find Reputable Candidates
Usually, the work of a general contractor is to supervise the construction of a project and therefore they must be knowledgeable, skilled, responsive, easy to communicate with, and professional. You can get a reputable commercial general contractor on the internet, from print advertising or through word of mouth. It’s crucial that you thoroughly screen each candidate, to ensure they are reliable and easy to work with. Ask how long the contractor has been in the business and if they possess experience of doing the type of work you need. If, for instance, you are planning to renovate an office that will remain open during the work, be sure to ask the contractor if he has experience working in occupied spaces to ensure they will exert minimal interruption on your business. Also, if you do not have a plan in mind for your project, you might want to look for a contractor that offers Design-Build services. This will save you time and money.
Check Their Credentials Carefully
You may want to ask for at least 3 references from the previous client and ask them if they were satisfied with the company services and if there was open communication. Also be sure to ask for a copy of the contractor’s license to ensure they are really licenses. You may also want to check the company in BBB to see if any complaints have been filed against them, if they have been involved in any lawsuits or if there is any disciplinary action that has been taken against them by their licensing body. Searching on the Secretary of State’s website of your state is also an excellent resource for this. Also, request information about the company’s insurance and ensure it’s adequate- it should at least include workers compensation and liability insurance. Also, it’s wise to find out if the company is financially stable and pays its bills on time by finding their business credit report.
Get Testimonials and Reviews from Customers
You don’t want to hire a construction company to build your commercial building without knowing their level of customer satisfaction. One way to find out about this is by getting testimonials and reviews from their previous customers. Obtaining and analyzing the necessary reviews and testimonials can help you find out about the reputation of the contractor as well as their customer support. Review sites are superb sources where you can be able to find what present and previous customers are saying about the services of the contractor.
Interview the Contractor
It’s crucial to start the communication process by first interviewing the general Contractor. Ask them how they will supervise the project. Will they put a superintendent on site full time? Also, ask how the company will communicate the information about the ongoing projects and if necessary determine if you would want daily or weekly updates via phone, site meetings or email. Be sure to discuss how much time it will take obtain permits from governmental bodies as this can fluctuate widely.
Do not be Fooled by the Lowest Bid
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of contractors, then it is time to request an estimate from your candidates for your project plans. Ensure that you give all the contractors the same specifications, plans, timeframes, and requirements. Today, most commercial construction contractors remain competitive by reducing their profits. However, a company with a low estimate may have reduced the price because they use substandard construction materials or knowingly omitting some things only to hike up the price later, so be sure that all estimates are covering the same things. A good example of a company that is using quality materials is if they get them at EasyMerchant or another reputable provider.
By following the above simple tips, you can be sure of a stress-free and successful remodeling project for your retail, office, or medical space.