How to Find the Right Contractor for the Job
Posted on May 15, 2023 in Blog
Starting a commercial construction project can be overwhelming, especially if you're a business owner looking to complete your new building or renovation on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Obviously--you want it done right!
That’s why finding the right general contractor for your project is so crucial. But how do you know when you’ve found the right builder for the job?
Here’s the secret: Ask the right questions!
In this post, we'll cover the top questions you should ask your general contractor for your commercial construction project. These questions can help you make a good assessment about whether your chosen builder can solve your challenges and deliver your expected outcome.
Reputation
When starting your search, the most important criteria for choosing a general contractor is a good reputation and the use of high-quality construction and materials.
Consider a construction company that can handle every phase of your building project, offering complete design-build expertise.
Experience
A good starting point is to ask about the contractor's experience in commercial construction, especially for your industry.
Find out about the types of projects they've completed and whether they've managed similar projects to yours, which can give you an idea about whether the contractor has the expertise for your project needs.
Style
Next up, let’s talk about style. No, this is not about the latest trend in steel-toed boots (that’s for another post). It’s about management style.
Ask about your contractor’s construction management approach. Your builder should be able to balance risk and responsibility appropriately and clearly define expectations regarding costs, schedules, quality, and safety compliance. This includes a process for working with you on key decisions and for how they communicate with you throughout the project.
Work with a builder who offers a construction planning guide to help you prepare for the design and construction process. Because by answering some specific questions, you will be better prepared to communicate your needs and wants to your design and construction teams, ensuring a successful project.
Safety and Quality
Ask about the contractor’s approach to construction safety and quality control. Safety measures are paramount during a construction project. Your contractor's approach to safety and quality control standards paints a true picture of their values and what you can expect on your project.
Even better, find a builder who has AC478 accreditation! The AC478 accreditation program was developed as a standard for safety and quality. When you work with an AC478 Accredited builder, you’re assured the builder’s organization operates at the highest level of ethical, legal, and technical standards.
Ask for references from previous commercial construction clients. You can also check testimonials and reviews from prior clients to get a sense of the contractor's reputation for delivering a positive experience.
Next Steps
Asking the right questions is important for your commercial construction project's success. Verify that your contractor is reputable and has the necessary experience, project management approach, budget management skills, quality control and safety measures in place to deliver your high-quality commercial construction project on time and within budget.
Hire a builder that can assemble a design-build project team for you and provide single source responsibility. For a trusted project partner who will deliver quality and excellence to your project, contact Hance Construction today to get started!