If you’re looking to hire a commercial contractor, it’s important to take the time to do your research. Choosing the company that proposes the lowest bid may be tempting as it may help you save money off the bat, however, you could end up paying dearly for your decision – literally and figuratively. An inexperienced contractor may communicate ineffectively, make critical mistakes, or put your timeline and/or budget in danger.
Here are our tips to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Make A List Of Your Priorities For The Project
The first step in hiring a commercial contractor is to define your project goals. What are the overall priorities and goals of your build or renovation? Making a list that includes: your budget, schedule, etc., and having a well-defined plan will get you ready for success.
At this stage, it’s also vital to determine what services you expect your contractor to provide. Depending on the scope of the project, a commercial contractor will oversee several stages of construction, such as design, permitting, supply purchases, building codes, and zoning regulations. Different contractors may have different levels of experience in all of these areas.
When reviewing bids, you’ll want to make sure to choose a contractor that’s not only willing to provide all the things you’re asking of them, but also has the necessary experience and credentials to complete the work properly.
The Three Keys
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential contractors with the needed qualifications for your project, you can take a closer look at each company. There are three key areas to evaluate: compatibility, references, and experience.
Compatibility
It’s important to remember that the commercial contractor you choose will become your new business partner. You’ll be spending quite a bit of time working together until the project is completed, so it’s best to choose a company you’re compatible with. To get a better idea if you’ll work well together, ask a lot of questions about the contractor’s background, mission, values, company culture, payment expectations, and proposed timelines.
The ideal commercial contractor will be able to communicate effectively and ease your mind. You should leave conversations feeling confident they can complete the project within the allotted time and budget.
References
Any reputable commercial contractor should be willing to provide you with a list of companies or business owners they’ve worked within the past. These references can be incredibly valuable, and help you make a decision on which company is right for you.
Questions to ask:
Was the project complete on time?
Did the contractor communicate effectively throughout the project?
Was there consistent contractor supervision on the worksite?
Would you recommend that I use this contractor?
You can get more information about commercial contractors in your area from the Better Business Bureau, as well as online customer reviews. Researching photos of completed work can also give you a better idea.
Experience
You can’t get a good idea of a commercial contractor’s worth without assessing their experience. A contractor with lots of experience will help demonstrate their capability of completing the job on time and within budget.
Many contractors would agree it takes years to learn how to effectively manage a large construction project. For that reason, you should look for a commercial contractor with a large portfolio of successful projects.
RE Smith Construction Is Knowledgeable & Dedicated
RE Smith Construction offers years of expert Commercial Construction, Design, and build experience to the Joplin, MO, and 4 States Areas since 1952.
Additional services include: Commercial Construction, General Contractors, Design-Build Contractors, Construction Managers, Building Contractors, and Pre-Construction Services. We also offer: Public Bids/Hard Bids, Design-Build, Construction Management, and Metal Buildings.
Please call RE Smith Construction at (417) 623-4545, or send us a message on our website to get connected with us and learn more about how we can help you on your next project.