When undertaking a construction project, whether it’s a new building, renovation, or expansion, selecting the right commercial general contractor is crucial. A good contractor can go a long way in determining the success and or failure of the project in terms of time, cost and quality. This article discusses the seven key qualities to look for when hiring a commercial general contractor, along with guidance on where to find a reputable contractor.
7 Qualities to Consider to Choose a Commercial General Contractor
When selecting a commercial general contractor, it is essential to consider specific qualities that indicate their ability to manage your project successfully. Here are seven key attributes to look for in a commercial general contractor:
1. Valid Licensing and Insurance
A primary quality to look for in a commercial general contractor is valid licensing and insurance. Contractors should be well-equipped with the licenses required in your state or locality. Licensing is evidence that the contractor has received the necessary amount of education and training. Moreover, make certain the contractor has legal liability insurance and workers’ compensation. This shields you from any mishaps that may occur during construction, as well as the contractor from any mishaps that he may have caused to your property.
To check on a particular contractor’s license, one has to visit his local licensing board. This step ensures that the license is valid and there are no legal cases or breaches against the license. Accidents or mishaps may occur in the course of the project and having the right insurance policy for your business is important, giving the reassurance needed as the project unfolds.
2. Extensive Experience in Commercial Projects
Another quality to be taken into account is experience. A contractor who has worked for many years in commercial construction will be better placed to handle these issues. They will then possess adequate knowledge of the industry, the local laws, the methods of construction, and the constraints.
It should be with several years of experience, and more preferably, the contractor should have worked on projects similar to yours. Looking at their portfolio will help you consider their previous work and see if they have worked on similar projects. Experience also reveals a contractor’s problem-solving abilities since a contractor has faced different problems and has developed ways of solving them.
3. Comprehensive Skills and Capabilities
A qualified commercial general contractor should possess a broad range of skills and capabilities. This encompasses a field of specialty in construction techniques, project planning and execution, cost control, time control etc. The contractor should be in a position to coordinate all processes in the project, including planning, construction and even the finalization of the project.
Evaluating the contractor’s expertise is possible depending on the results of their previous work and comments from previous clients. This evaluation can reveal how well they are endowed to meet numerous tasks and challenges at workplaces. A general contractor should also have worked on different types of construction tasks, including, for instance retail stores, offices or industrial construction. This will help them to easily find their way around your specific project needs due to their different experience.
4. Positive Client References
When hiring a contractor, ensure that they have good client feedback. Any decent contractor should be more than happy to give out references where people can talk about their experiences. It is important to communicate with such references since they offer information about the contractor’s dependability, communication ability, and performance.
In their interactions with references, they should be posed questions that can elicit specific experience information. Ask the contractor if he or she will be able to complete the project on time, within the financial means set aside and further, if the contractor will always be available to relay updates and important decisions. By knowing how the contractor has worked on other buildings, it will be easier to determine whether or not the contractor is right for your building.
5. Effective Communication Skills
It is important to have proper communication with your contractor whenever you are going to hire a contractor. A good contractor should keep you in touch with significant developments, achievements, or other occurrences that take place during the project’s development. This includes the need to frequently update the site, offer quick answers to inquiries raised and cover any problems.
Consider how the contractor communicates during the first meetings with him or her. Find a person who would care about your problem and explain to you the answer in detail. When one is grouping individuals or offices to accomplish a certain project, all of them should be on the same understanding; in this case, effective communication reduces these grey areas hence reducing misunderstanding. A contractor who emphasizes communication will probably build better working relations and effective output.
6. Strong Rapport with Clients
The relationship between you and the contractor is a very important aspect of any project that you are undertaking. Friends and family are always happy when working and communicating with a contractor who is friendly, polite and a good listener. As you will be closely collaborating with them during your project, be sure to pick a photographer that you are at ease with.
Seek a contractor who presents professionalism but should be friendly and caring in his or her attitude. Ideally should be able to respond to your concerns and make you feel like you are valued. A good working relationship is beneficial in enhancing the flow of information and addressing issues, hence enhancing the consideration and provision of positive project outcomes.
7. Detailed Bids and Estimates
It is important to note that the bid process is a very integral component of any given construction project. A good commercial general contractor should provide a detailed bid that outlines the scope of work, timelines, and costs. All aspects of the bid that are not included in normal and generic construction projects should be included in this bid.
When comparing bids always ensure you look at the big picture and not only the price. If a contractor offers a very low price, this usually means that he or she is not going to offer all of the services necessary, or he or she is going to take shortcuts to guarantee a cheap price. It is important that one has to choose a contractor who includes all the details about the project in the proposal given. This level of consideration will help you to also avoid any out-of-the-blue costs and make the construction project more manageable.
Where to Seek for a Quality Commercial General Contractor
Finding a reputable commercial general contractor can be challenging, but there are several resources available to assist in your search. These are online directories, trade associations, and local business networks, to mention but a few. The following sources can assist you in preparing the list of contractors with a good reputation in the industry.
If you’re still unsure about where to start, try looking for recommendations from your local chamber of commerce or building associations. Such organizations are often likely to know suitable contractors who are already working in the given community. Also, asking friends, family or colleagues who have ever done construction work before can easily recommend you to credible contractors.
There exists one special company in the sphere of commercial construction and it is Blackstone Corporation. They have a reputation of being a quality organisation and very professional. Blackstone deals in construction services and has been successful in providing quality construction services on time and within a fixed budget. It is advisable to contact Blackstone for your project requirements as they have good competence and focus on clients.
Their commitment to client satisfaction, high standard of workmanship and good communication make them suitable contractors for any business construction venture. That is why when following these guidelines, you will be able to find professionals who are ready to offer you everything you need for your specific project, thus helping you achieve your construction objectives in the best possible way.