Whether you plan to build new retail space in the mall or need an entire office building constructed, your project is important to get right. You’ll need to find an experienced local commercial construction company you can trust.
Sadly, there are many companies and contractors out there who claim to offer great commercial construction services. Who do you trust? It can be difficult to choose the right contractor to handle your project. In order to get good results from a commercial construction contractor in your area, there are certain factors to consider.
Licensing
Hiring a licensed commercial contractor is very crucial to the success of your project. Many states demand that commercial contractors be licensed after meeting certain minimum requirements.
In addition to a license, your commercial construction company should have an insurance policy and bond. When hiring a contractor, it is important you check their license online or at your state’s construction licensing department.
You can also ask the contractor to show proof of their license and a copy of his insurance certificate to verify the information. Make sure the insurance coverage is enough to cover any property damage or injuries that might occur at the site of the project.
Communication
Good communication between the client and the contractor is key to the success of a project. Whether you want the communication to be on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, you should hire a contractor who is willing to adapt to your style of communication. This can be through phone calls, emails or in-person.
Contractor Bids
After a commercial contractor has reviewed the project, he will come up with a plan and estimate the likely cost of the project. This process is known as a bid. In a bid, you should ensure that the proposal covers all information concerning the project, including those that might have been left out by the contractor.
Rapport
Remember, you will be spending a considerable amount of time with the contractor. Therefore, it is important you find someone who is friendly, responsive, hardworking and ambitious. He should be someone whom you feel comfortable working with.
When interviewing the contractor, ask him questions to ensure that you are on the same page. See how he responds to your questions and whether he depicts any kind of rudeness and negative attitude. A good contractor should make you feel confident and comfortable when interacting with him.
Experience
For a contractor to effectively manage a large project like a commercial building, he needs a lot of experience. Before you hire a contractor, it is important you review his qualifications to determine his level of experience. Ask the contractor how many years he has been in business in your region and how many projects he handled so far.
Go for someone who has been in business for at least three years and has a good track record. Also, be wary of commercial construction companies who offer lower bids. Some use low bids as a smokescreen to hide their lack of experience.
Skills
It is essential you don’t rush to choose a contractor without observing the due diligence. Take your time and compare at least three contractors you think are qualified for the job. Make sure you settle on someone who not only has experience but also has the qualifications needed for the job
References
Before you hire any contractor, it is important you talk to references. An honest commercial construction company will give you a list of past client references.
Talk to each reference and let them tell you about their experience with the contractor. This way, you will able to determine if the contractor has what it takes to deliver satisfactory results. You may also gauge the contractor’s level of integrity and honesty in the process.
It is recommended that you start early when looking for a commercial contractor. Doing so will help you interview many contractors until you find the one you are comfortable working with.