Find The Right General Contractor For Your Commercial Buildout
In any commercial project, there will always be several people involved to ensure that the job gets completed. One of the most important steps in managing a commercial project, is knowing how to select a commercial general contractor. There are a few steps to take before settling on you’re a choice for your contractor. With over 40 years’ experience, Miller Construction & Design offers a solution to any size project.
Defining A Commercial General Contractor
A commercial general contractor, arguably the most important person involved in the project, is responsible for planning the construction, from beginning to end. It is essential to find a contractor that you can trust, as they will oversee your entire project to make sure it gets done properly. There are a lot of things for a contractor to consider, from coming up with the initial designs and pulling permits, to purchasing supplies and making sure building regulations are followed. Several questions should be answered before hiring a contractor.
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Define Your Projects Needs and Priorities
The most common problem is that people tend to confuse what they want, with what the commercial project needs. Needs in term of service level, scope of work, level of quality, safety, schedule and budget are very important to consider, as they will determine the contractor you select. A well-defined plan sets the tone for success, making it essential to know the goal, budget and schedule for your project before looking further.
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Ask For Bids From Different Commercial Contractors
Send project information out to your potential contractors and wait for a bid. During this process, the contractor will draw up specific plans and timelines for your project and estimate costs involved in executing them. It is important to ensure that the bids meet all your needs and details anything that is excluded. Another thing to take note of, is whether they can meet your budget. A good commercial contractor will work within your means and minimize any potential financial stress.
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Ensure They Are Licensed and Insured
A legal commercial construction project requires that the contractor is properly licensed and insured. This role carries a lot of responsibility and their insurance, protects you if things do not go according to plan. If your contractor is unlicensed, any damages or worker injuries that might occur are your responsibility and at your expense.
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Ask For References and Testimonials
Ask for references of past projects of the contractor and clients who had projects like yours. Follow up on these referrals to see if the client was happy with the job done and if they had any issues with the contractor. Word of mouth referrals should be taken note of as they sometimes tell you more about the quality of work than anything else.
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Interview the Commercial General Contractors
It is essential that the person you hire is good at communicating, and an interview is the first chance to show this. Decide on how often you would like updates about the site and find out how the contractor will give you those updates.
The ultimate goal for any commercial buildout is to find a reputable company that provides quality work, in the defined timeline. It is important to choose a contractor that has the qualities you are looking for, as they will be representing your project every day. While Miller Construction & Designs main focus is commercial buildouts, our diverse skillset allows for remodeling, renovations, restorations, installations and service calls. Priding ourselves on our ethical and professional manner, Miller Construction & Design turns your vision into a reality.