When you need the best commercial construction contractor for your project, it is beneficial to know what to look for to find a professional who can get the job done on time and within budget. When you have the best company working with you, everything will go as smoothly, quickly, and as safely as it should.
It takes some due diligence on your part to find the right professional for the job. You can do a simple online search for “best commercial construction companies near me,” but your results might just show paid ads and a list of contractors and companies. On search results pages, all companies might look the same. How will you find the best one for the task?
Make Sure They Have Experience Providing the Commercial Construction Services You Need
Not all contractors are qualified to do all types of commercial work. Some may specialize in or only handle specific types of projects or aspects of construction. One company might only handle warehouse refrigeration. Another might specialize in high-rise buildouts. You need to make sure any professional you are considering has experience providing the services you need.
Make sure that the contractor you choose has experience with commercial projects and not just residential ones. There are many key differences between residential and commercial construction, some of which include:
- The codes that must be complied with
- The permits that contractors must pull
- Construction costs
- Construction equipment
- The time needed to complete commercial projects
- The scope of projects
- Building materials
Take the time to explore the company’s full scope of services. Investigate its safety record and portfolio and learn about its team members’ budget and time management processes.
Verify Licensing for Commercial Construction Companies
A reputable contractor should be licensed for your project to be successful. Contractors must meet certain requirements to be approved for commercial construction. It is recommended that you not only ask contractors if they are licensed, but also that you ask them to show proof.
Verify that license online with your state’s construction licensing agency. You can also verify licensing information with the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA).
There are several classifications of licenses that contractors and construction companies can be awarded by the contractor licensing board in each state. Make sure any contractor you are pursuing is licensed for commercial work.
NASCLA promotes best practices for construction industry agencies. The organization has helped enact laws that regulate contractors’ business and is a great resource for licensing information and more.
Construction companies and contractors should also be insured and bonded. Ask to see an insurance certificate so you can verify the information. You must ensure that coverage is enough to cover potential liabilities like injuries or property damage during construction.
Ask Questions and More Questions
Communication is one of the most important aspects of finding the best commercial construction contractor, especially if you own multiple properties. Asking direct questions is critical to receiving the information you need to make a sound, informed, educated decision when hiring a professional.
In addition to inquiries about licensing and insurance, some of the most pressing questions you need to ask include:
- How long have you been in business?
- Have you worked on projects similar to mine?
- How long do you expect this project to take?
- What is the payment schedule that we will follow?
- What makes you unique compared to your competitors?
- Do you guarantee your work and provide warranties?
- What is your record for delivering projects on time?
- Do you have a claim record?
- Is your bid a fixed price or an estimate of project costs?
Whether your project entails one small property or several, asking the right questions will help lead you to the best professional for the project.
Collect References and Check Managers and Subcontractors
Commercial construction companies are only as good as their weakest crew members. Inquire about the project managers and subcontractors they use. An excellent contractor will have managers overseeing the work to ensure they deliver a high-quality project. If they do not plan on having managers and contractors on-site, you may want to explore other options.
Collecting references is one of the best ways to gauge how a contractor or company works. You want to hire from a pool of the best companies with a record of completing projects on time and within budget. Always ask for references from clients they have previously done work for, and make sure to contact the former clients for more information about the project process.
Are You Tired of Searching Online for “Commercial Construction Companies Near Me”?
If you require a commercial construction company to handle your project, Charter Construction Group is the top choice for projects of any size. Request a consultation to get started today.