Choosing the Right Contractor for Your Commercial Construction Project

Finding a contractor to oversee your commercial construction project will ensure a successful outcome. So, whomever you select must align with your project requirements and business objectives. Here are a few actionable steps to help you choose the most skilled, reliable contractor for your commercial build.

Vet the Contractor’s Experience Level

As of 2023, more than 3.7 million construction businesses were operating in the United States. These businesses include everything from solo handymen to commercial firms. One of the quickest ways to sort through all the options in your area is to vet each candidate’s experience.

First, determine how long a contractor has been in business. Then, as you dig into their work history, look for any projects they’ve completed that are similar to yours. Looking into their background will help you locate contractors with an experienced track record in your particular niche.

Approach It Like Hiring a New Employee

Remember: you are hiring the contractor, meaning they’ll work for you. Enter into this search process as you would a job recruitment or interview. Ask the contractor to list past clients, subcontractors, and other references. Reputable firms will comply with these terms, as they know doing so can help them win the bid.

Beyond references, speak with subcontractors or employees who work for this company and business owners who have hired the firm for other commercial projects. The reviews from others will give you an idea of the contractor’s workmanship, organization, and communication skills.

Read the Contract Before Making a Decision

Before locking yourself in with a contractor, thoroughly review the terms of this agreement. Ask an attorney to evaluate it to ensure there are no red flags that could leave your business on the hook for avoidable expenses. Here are a few details to look for in the contract:

• Scope of Work: Outline of the work your contractor will perform
• Project Timeline: Start and estimated completion dates
• Payment Schedule: Payment installments and how much you owe at each milestone
• Change Orders: Financial and time adjustments for any change orders
• Warranties: Warranties or guarantees on workmanship and materials

Benefits of Using One Company to Oversee the Project

Using a general contractor (GC) to oversee the entire project under one roof can offer many advantages. A GC construction firm will coordinate with all subcontractors to avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure a smoother, more efficient from start to finish.

Partnering with an all-in-one management team will streamline communication between the construction project manager and your stakeholders. A full-service company like SERVPRO can handle all stages of the project, from the initial planning and design to the construction and final inspections, resulting in fewer bottlenecks or delays.

A single company will also be responsible and accountable for the project’s overall success. If a delay or cost overrun occurs, spotting and resolving this issue will be easier. Similarly, using a single company is often more cost-effective: GC firms frequently bundle their services at a lower rate than hiring separate entities for each project stage.

Time to Start Your Next Commercial Construction Project

With your commercial construction project ready to begin, now is the time to vet your potential contractor candidates. Check references, review past work, review the contract terms, and finally, consider using an all-in-one contracting firm to protect your investment and ensure the project’s success from start to finish.