How to Hire a Commercial Construction Contractor

Hire a Commercial Construction ContractorFinding the best contractor for your project is often the most challenging part of the construction process for a home or business owner. It’s important to not rush the process. Take the time to interview potential contractors, talk to previous clients, and ask as many questions as possible to determine if they are the right fit for you. These eight tips will help get you hire a commercial construction contractor that will keep your project on track for success.

1. Ask friends and family members for recommendations.

You may be surprised at how many people you know have worked with good or bad contractors on projects of their own. This process will give you a good starting point and will also give you a list of contractors you would like to look into or avoid. Firsthand knowledge of a contractor from a trusted friend can be a great deal of help in picking out a contractor.

2. Once you’ve chosen 3 or 4 contractors to interview, ask questions!

Things to find out can include what type of projects they specialize in and if they’ve done projects that are similar to yours in the past. It’s also important to find out other relevant information, such as how they’ll handle any challenges that will inevitably pop up. Any contractor who is honest and knowledgeable about the industry will be happy to answer any questions you have.

3. Check references.

When it’s time to hire a commercial construction contractor, remember that a good contractor will have nothing to hide. They should be eager to provide you with a list of references. When you are checking references, make sure to ask about things that are important to you:

  • Did they arrive on time?
  • Were they friendly and personable?
  • Did they leave the job site clean and organized at the end of each day?
  • If something came up and they couldn’t make it to your job on a day they were scheduled to be there, would they call you ahead of time and let you know?

Another important question to ask is how much work will the commercial contractor actually be self-performing, and what will they be sending out to their specialty contractors? Questions like these will help you determine if the contractor will be a good fit for you.

4. When comparing bids, make sure each commercial contractor provides a detailed proposal that makes it possible for you to see what each one has included.

It is possible that one or more of them may unintentionally omit something from the bid, which will have an effect on the pricing. Be wary of contractors with bids so low they seem too good to be true. These contractors may be cutting corners, or desperate for work.

5. Select a commercial construction contractor who has previously performed work in your area.

Many townships have different requirements for construction projects. For example, Plumstead Township in Bucks County, PA requires contractors to be registered in the township before they are able to work. If a contractor is already registered with the township they are likely to be familiar with commercial zoning requirements, which will be helpful during the permit process.

In addition, a commercial contractor who already has a good reputation within the community can have an impact on the success of the project. Many areas in Bucks County, such as Doylestown, are considered to be bedroom communities, and commercial construction can sometimes be viewed negatively. Selecting a contractor who has knowledge and an understanding of the community in which they are working can have an immense impact on getting the community’s buy-in for the project, especially for larger projects.

6. Ask for a detailed project plan.

Make sure that contractors are willing to provide you with a construction schedule that shows how long each part of the project will take. It is a good idea to set up a short meeting with the Project Manager every 2-3 weeks to make sure the project is staying on track. Ask ahead of time how any project changes that are made will impact the construction schedule, and if the target completion date will change.

7. Communication is key.

Select the commercial contractor who communicates best with you. You will be dealing with them for the duration of your project and you need to feel comfortable talking to them, as well as confident that you will be able to get in touch with them whenever necessary, by whatever means of communication is best for you, be that cellphone, email, text, etc.

8. Ask to see past projects.

Websites are a great tool that contractors can use to showcase their work. They are also helpful for you to see the quality of work they do, and the variety of work. If photo galleries include progress photos, take a look at those too and see if the jobsite is kept clean and organized during construction. Look for details. You’ll want to know if your contractor is detail oriented to make sure you get the best job possible.

The interviewing and bidding process takes time and is essential to ensure that your project is successful. A commercial contractor with a positive attitude is often a good indication that the project will be a great success. Remember these helpful tips for a positive experience when you are considering a commercial construction or a residential construction project.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *