The contractor directly impacts the success of any construction project, but that’s especially true for commercial and industrial construction. There are several ways to start your search for a commercial construction contractor, but that doesn’t make them equal in quality or professionalism. Ultimately, choosing the right contractor saves you time, money, and plenty of headaches.
Like with any significant investment, you need to do some research to find the fit for your next project – think about checking off the below boxes during your search.
Design-Build Capabilities
Working with one company from start to finish optimizes your money and your time. Finding a construction company that does everything from designing the space to pulling permits and even post-project cleanup can make your life easier and less stressful. Services should include the following:
- Pre-Construction/ Conceptual Estimating
- Site Selection
- Value Engineering/ Cost Analysis
- Construction Management
- Tenant Coordination
- General Contracting
- LEED
Architectural Knowledge and Experience
Not every commercial construction company knows the ins and outs of architectural design, especially if they don’t offer design-build services. Regardless of the size of your structure, the team needs to have at least a basic understanding of architecture.
Without knowing these fundamentals, you could end up with structural issues that don’t meet local code or could end up needing costly repairs. What’s worse, your building project could be unsafe for visitors and employees, increasing your liability as a business owner.
References and Referrals
So many commercial construction contractors seem like a good fit on paper, but what are your industry peers saying about them? Speak with them about their experiences with the contractor, and head online to read reviews and testimonials.
The contractor’s website should have social proof and numerous starred reviews on other third-party sites. This is probably the most time-consuming part of choosing a commercial construction contractor, but it’s also one of the most important considerations to keep in mind.
Experience
Your project shouldn’t be the construction company’s first rodeo. Look for a team with a portfolio with examples of work that you can see in person and a track record that includes years of experience. A qualified, reputable company won’t be afraid to give you this information.
For niche and specialized projects (like healthcare facilities and schools), experience is an important qualification and shouldn’t be overlooked. These industries are highly regulated, and your commercial construction contractor needs to understand and follow the necessary guidelines to keep properties and facilities compliant.
Reliability
All construction projects are stressful, but that’s especially true for commercial projects. Make sure you choose a company you can rely on throughout the process. You should be able to contact the project manager, foreman, and other team members quickly and directly to track progress or resolve issues.
You need to be able to count on stellar customer service when your money is on the line. The company shouldn’t dodge questions, ignore voicemails, or leave emails unanswered. They should also meet your concerns with solutions instead of becoming defensive or delaying work.
Budgeting
Your commercial construction contractors need to respect your budgetary constraints – no questions asked. Sure, there are inevitable overruns, but the better your contractor keeps the budget in check, the less likely those “hiccups” will cause a severe issue. You should share your budget with construction companies early on, and the company should acknowledge financial limitations at every step of the product.
When you’re ready to choose and write a contract, it should lay out every expense forecasted and what the protocol should be if changes need to be made. If that happens to be the case, the construction company should always seek approval from stakeholders before making any decisions.
Whether it’s new construction or gutting an existing space, we make our clients’ commercial construction process easy. We specialize in the fast-track method of construction, made successful with active communication between all of our team members and the total involvement of the company officers. We can assist you by providing complete, turnkey services or tailoring our services to meet your specific requirements. Let’s work together on your next project. Contact us today to get started!
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