Choosing the right contractor for your commercial construction project is an essential decision.
The right contractor will:
- Make sure the work is carried out to a high standard
- Stay within your budget
- Complete work on time
This article will show you how to find the best commercial contractors to complete your project.
Contents
Commercial Contracting Services
A high-quality contractor will have experience in a range of services. They should be able to provide examples of the work previously carried out.
Here at Goldcon Construction, we pride ourselves on being able to work with customers to achieve their vision in a range of services. These include:
Retail
Retail construction refers to the renovation or building of:
- Stores
- Malls
- Shopping centers
Entertainment
Leisure and entertainment services cover a vast range of sectors/services. This could mean anything from preparing cinemas to creating purpose-built gyms and fitness suites.
Healthcare
The healthcare industry covers everything from medical offices and dental practices to clinics. The correct planning and infrastructure are essential to the successful completion of healthcare construction projects.
Office
Modern office construction has to take into account a range of spaces. These include:
- Offices
- Conference rooms
- Break areas
- Client areas
- Restaurants
- Daycare
Restaurant & food services
Restaurant and food service construction services have to consider employee and customer needs. The correct planning will determine the atmosphere and functionality of this type of renovation project.
The Essential Factors You Should Consider For Potential Commercial Contractors
If you are looking for a contractor for a specific job, there are several factors to consider. This can determine whether the contractor you are dealing with is suitable for the renovation project.
Experience
Determining how much experience a contractor has can be broken down into two categories.
The first lets you know how long they have been in business. A contractor that has been in business for a long time is clearly providing a good service.
Poor commercial contractors won’t last long, as their dismal reputation precedes them. Working with newer commercial contractors could result in poor construction. In some cases, it could even result in an incomplete project.
The other category determines the experience a contractor might have with specific types of projects.
There are different types of commercial contractors and it is crucial to find the right one.
Some commercial construction contractors might specialize in a particular field. This can be great news if it fits your needs.
Commercial general contractors will be able to work on a variety of renovation projects.
Project management
Project management is an essential part of any job. Check with the contractor to see whether they offer construction management services, as this means they can oversee whatever project they’re working on.
Another option is to check project managers’ experience in similar projects, to determine if they’ll make sure your project runs smoothly.
Subcontractors
Many commercial contractors subcontract specific jobs. Ensuring the contractor works with reliable subcontractors is a must. It will determine the quality of the work that will be carried out.
Experienced commercial contractors won’t subcontract work to untested people. This is because poor work will reflect badly on them.
To get the best out of your contractor you should ask whether or not any work will be subcontracted, and find out who will carry out that work.
Are they licensed, bonded, and insured?
Different provinces and territories have different legislations on whether commercial contractors have to be licensed, bonded, and/or insured. If you are carrying out work in a province that does enforce this, you will have greater protection.
It is more likely that bad or dangerous workmanship will be carried out by unlicensed commercial contractors.
You must always work with licensed commercial contractors and ask to see their insurance to ensure you are fully protected.
Project length
Setting out a defined timeline for completing the project can help you keep on top of the progress that is being made.
Agreeing on a completion date allows you to plan ahead. You can include penalties in your contract if a contractor doesn’t meet these dates.
You will also be able to work out a start date for the project to begin. This will depend on how busy the contractor’s schedule is.
Costs
Always check whether the price presented before a project is an estimate or a fixed price. An estimate can make budgeting significantly more difficult and costs could spiral.
Fixed prices will protect you against projects that run over time. You should always check the contract carefully, as contractors or subcontractors can sometimes benefit from higher costs. This could be the case if they are being paid based on a percentage of the overall project cost.
Payment schedule
The payment schedule should never include complete payment upfront, but you must agree on how the contractor is to be paid prior to work commencing.
An initial down payment followed by progress payments is sensible, but you must also have an agreement in place for the final payment.
The final payment should only come after you are satisfied with the completed work. You should receive any necessary documentation, like a Certificate of Occupancy, before making the final payment.
Who designs the plans?
Explore whether the commercial contractor has in-house architects and engineers. Alternatively, the design process can be outsourced.
Another option would be to employ your own architect. This will allow you to ensure your vision is met and they can work with the commercial contractor to complete the work.
Warranties
A commercial contractor that offers guarantees and warranties on their work gives clients peace of mind.
Even great commercial contractors can carry out work that has issues down the line. The materials used in construction services can settle and change over time, for example, even if they were installed well.
You should work with a commercial contractor that will guarantee their work. They will then resolve any issues for a set period, which will be beneficial for all renovation projects.
Claim records
Checking claim records will show you whether a previous renovation project has been claimed against.
Claims can often be made in commercial construction. Determining whether the contractor was at fault can help you avoid potentially poor work.
References
You should always ask to see examples of previous commercial construction work. Getting references from the contractor’s previous customers will give you a better idea of their skill level and experience.
FAQs
Why should I hire a commercial contractor?
Commercial contractors can help with a range of projects. They will carry out essential construction work, as well as help with the design process. Some commercial contractors can also help to acquire the relevant permits and ensure the build is up to code.
Do commercial contractors dispose of debris?
It’s crucial to establish what services are included when employing a commercial contractor. Ensuring the disposal of debris and waste from the project is important, as certain materials must be disposed of in a certain way.
Why are commercial contractor portfolios important?
Being able to see the previous work carried out will help you select the right contractor. You will be able to check if they have experience with similar projects.
Conclusion
Finding commercial general contractors with the expertise to carry out a broad range of work can be challenging.
Following the advice above will help with any retail renovation or other commercial contracting work. Whether you are working on an existing space or a new build, getting the best workers is essential.
Our extensive experience and construction management services ensure your project will run smoothly from start to finish.
Get in touch today if you are looking for commercial contractors that can provide a quality service.
