How to Find Contractors for a Commercial Building Project

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Building a physical establishment for your business will cost a great deal of time and money to pull off. Finding a suitable location and securing construction permits is hard enough, but the real challenge is making sure every expense contributes to your vision. Whether you’re building office spaces or a physical store for your brand, you will need capable contractors who can make the most of your investment. 

Why Your Choice Matters

Seeking out contractors isn’t a matter of searching online and picking the first name that pops up. Considering the entire scope of the project, you will have to narrow down your options to a few highly reliable firms. Otherwise, you will end up onboarding contractors who are prone to delivering substandard work. Consider these essential tips as you look for the right companies that can give your business the home it deserves. 

Lay Out the Specifics

Aside from establishing your vision, a detailed project plan will make it easier for you to come up with a set of criteria for choosing the right company for the job to work alongside the construction company you’re tapping. This would mean determining your total budget and the timeline of completion. You may also have to consult with an architect when it comes to design choices that may require specialized tools and experience. Ultimately, you will want to base your choice on your overall goals for your business. For this, you will need to answer a few basic questions. 

1. Will the building align with my brand identity?

Business owners often aim for custom constructions that match the personality of their brands. You might consider unconventional exterior designs that are outside the experience and capabilities of a design-build contractor. Consider the complexity of the project when you incorporate your brand identity. 

2. What equipment will the space accommodate?

If you’re planning a space for housing factory equipment, you may have to pick contractors with experience in your industry who are capable of building custom storage units and other components. 

3. Will your business operations provide possible expansion? 

You might be thinking of adding more space and building new facilities in the future, so you may have to connect with contractors who can also support your expansion activities. 

4. How large or complex will the task get?

You can make do with a smaller construction firm if you’re building a small office space, but a more complex project, such as a grocery store or gas station, would require a more experienced company. No matter the size and cost, it pays to create a detailed scope of work that will serve as a guide in your search for the right contractors. 

List Down Locally-Recognized Names

Having a clear plan in mind, you can start searching for contractors for each component of the project. The key is to never settle for one, since you will need to compare different companies with each other. Your goal is to end up onboarding one that best fits the goals of the project and your long-term business needs. Start by seeking out the ones that enjoy a positive reputation in the neighborhood. For that, you can try the following:

Do a Social Media Search 

Some contractors promote their services on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where they post about ongoing projects. It’s a big plus if you can find firms that already have a large following, regularly post content, and engage with their audience in the comment sections.

Seek Out Referrals 

If you’re new in the community, consider networking with other business owners and ask for recommendations. For best results, build connections with local architects and developers who can lead you to the firms they can vouch for.

Reach Out to Local Associations

You can find local professional associations and business groups in which these contractors are members. It’s only a matter of browsing the public databases of these organizations for a list of highly reliable firms.

Connect Through LinkedIn

If you’re the owner of a reputable brand seeking a high-end contractor who has worked with other high-end brands, then LinkedIn could be the best place to connect with them. You can also join groups for specific trades within the platform. Just be ready with a networking message and request potential candidates for an initial consultation. By knowing where to get started on your search, you can come up with an initial list that you can further trim down as you start vetting.

Check Their Credentials and Experience

Legitimacy alone doesn’t determine the quality of the results you’re expecting. Even if a firm is licensed, it might not be a good fit for the project on account of its inexperience. You will need to go deeper in assessing the previous projects they handled and the number of years they’ve been active in the trade.

This would involve asking for references from previous clients and requesting additional materials highlighting their previous work. Some contractors may provide a portfolio of high-value projects, but always prioritize the ones who have had experience in your industry. Find out if they have professional websites where you can find more information about their level of expertise in the type of work you require. If you need a contractor for building a parking area, check the website of Appell Striping asphalt maintenance and parking lot striping services for samples of their work.

Be Wary of Controversies

As you continue with gathering and assessing bids, vetting each contractor shouldn’t just focus on whether they have the tools and experience necessary for the job. You should also check if their names have been involved in major controversies. Anything from fraud to substandard work is a major sign that a contractor isn’t worthy of your trust. 

Always do a quick reputation check, even if you think they are legitimate. After all, even the most well-known brands in the construction industry hide shady histories. You can only imagine the effect it has on your business if you move forward.

Compare and Contrast Quotes

A successful selection involves gathering multiple quotes from different firms and assessing differences in terms of cost and suitability. A good reputation doesn’t always guarantee quality and cost-effective output. To make sure you end up working with the right contractor, consider these tips:

• Provide a clear scope of work with an itemized breakdown of each task or component. This would help each candidate provide more accurate pricing estimates.
• Know their technical capabilities. If you’re planning a complex construction that would involve massive excavation works, ask about the availability of heavy equipment.
• Check for compliance. Ensure the contractor is licensed and bonded and has had a positive safety record. 
• Compare pricing estimates provided by the three strongest contenders. It would help if you could do an independent estimate of the average cost of your project and use it as a benchmark.
• Avoid focusing too much on the price. The lowest bidders are unlikely to produce the results you want. Expect substandard work that could compromise structural integrity and functionality.
• Open yourself up to questions. It’s possible that each contractor may not have a full understanding of the project’s scope, so you may have to provide clearer specifications.

It might take some time, but making the most out of the bidding process will spare you from costly problems. Getting the wrong contractor will make it likely for accidents and injuries to happen and affect your business’s reputation.

Never Rule Out Their Work Ethic

More than technical expertise, you know if a contractor is worth hiring when they possess a strong commitment to fairness and quality. No business owner will ever want to work with an HVAC service provider or landscaping company that’s difficult to hold a conversation with. It’s also a major red flag if the contractor has had a reputation for delays and overbilling.

Before signing an agreement with them, take the time to interview their representative and gauge the level of professionalism they demonstrate during the interaction. Consider it a big plus if they could provide honest answers to your most complex questions.

Endnote

Because you’re building a physical location for your business, you wouldn’t want to waste every dollar you’re pouring into this investment. Entrust the work to the right contractors so you will know the project is in good hands.