Retail, medical and office space renovation and construction projects can be a smooth commitment, or it can be a huge head of responsibility, depending on the general contractor you choose. Things get worse if the companies you choose don't communicate well or they don't understand your goals and the important aspects that are unique to your business. The minimum bid may not be the best value. These four tips will help you choose the right commercial contractor to ensure your business project is successful and has no worries.
Find a reputable candidate
The general contractor supervises the construction of the project and must therefore be knowledgeable, easy to communicate, responsive and professional. You can find reputable commercial general contractors through word of mouth, print ads or the internet. It is important to thoroughly screen each candidate. Ask how long the company is operating and whether they have the experience to do the work you need. If you plan to do refurbishment work in the office, be sure to ask the contractor if they have experience working in the space to ensure they are able to minimize your business disruption. If you have not yet planned for your project, you may want to look for a general contractor that provides design-build services. This can save you time and money.
Check the certificate carefully
You need to call at least three references to the previous client. Ask if the references are satisfactory to the company and if there is an open communication. Be sure to ask for a copy of the general contractor's permit to see if they are involved in any litigation or their licensing agency has taken disciplinary action against them. Searching the Secretary of State's website is a great resource. Request a copy of the contractor's insurance and ensure that it is adequate - it should include at least liability and worker compensation insurance. At these times, it is wise to ensure that the company is in good financial condition and pay the bills on time by obtaining commercial credit reports such as Dun & Bradstreet.
Interview with general contractor
Start the communication process by interviewing the general contractor. Ask how to supervise the project. Will you be on the job full time or set up an administrator as needed? Ask the contractor how to communicate the status of the project and determine if you would like to make weekly updates via email, phone or live meeting. And be sure to discuss the licensing timeframe and issues ahead of time, as the time required to obtain a license from a government agency can fluctuate significantly.
Don't be fooled by the lowest price
Once the list of general contractors has been reduced, the candidate can be asked about the estimated time of the project plan. Ensure that all general contractors have the same plans, specifications, timelines and requirements. In this economic situation, most commercial construction companies remain competitive by reducing profits. It is estimated that a much lower company may lower the price by using unqualified materials, or deliberately omit the requirement to use the change order to increase the price later, so please ensure that all bids cover the same content.
By following these simple tips, you can provide a successful, stress-free remodeling project for your office, medical or retail space.
Orignal From: Four Tips for Recruiting General Contractors for Commercial Building Projects
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