Establishing a set of best practices for vetting and cooperating with commercial construction contractors can help a business distinguish itself by ensuring a high standard of quality on all projects. Here are some good habits to uphold when working with commercial construction companies.
Only Select Specialists
Whether you’re in the retail business or the restaurant industry, only consider general contractors that specialize in the type of project you need built. Some contractors will take any job they are offered, so make sure your candidates have experience in your field. A good way to verify their experience is to review their online portfolio or call for references.
Beware of the Lowest Bid
Contractors that bid low often take on more clients than they can handle, which leads to taking shortcuts and missing deadlines. Taking the lowest bidder could cost you more in the long run if you have to bring in someone else to finish the job.
It’s Okay to Negotiate
Never underestimate the power of price negotiation. Negotiating with one company is often likely to yield a better price than requesting bids from many different companies. Negotiations also strengthen business partnerships by building trust between both parties.
Establish Clear Contract Criteria
Before signing the dotted line, have a checklist for all contracts, which should include: drawings, materials, specifications, timelines, inspections required, payment schedules and close-out procedures. Also, set up payment milestones that are representative of the work that has actually been done.
Choose Your Construction Contractor Before Your Architect
Paying an architect for plans before bringing in your general contractor is asking for change orders during construction. The people building your project need to be involved in the earliest planning processes. You can kill two birds with one stone by selecting a design-build general contractor who can provide an engineer and architect for you.
Plan Progress Meetings
Nothing ever goes as planned, so requiring regular communication will help prevent small problems from becoming big ones. Your contractor should be doing their best to please you, so the worst thing you can do is avoid addressing concerns as they arise.
Plan for Preventive Maintenance
When you’re running a business, you can’t just wait for your HVAC unit to break down. Having to close shop for maintenance can devastate your bottom line, which is why you must schedule routine tune-ups for all major equipment. In addition to lost revenue, malfunctioning equipment can lead to safety hazards.
Keep Up With Commercial Construction Trends
Whenever you get a chance, take time to research the latest commercial construction news to stay abreast of the newest trends and building materials. The more knowledgeable you are about the construction industry, the easier communication will be between you and your contractor.
The most important factor to consider when choosing a commercial construction company is reputation. For more than three decades, CBF Contracting, Inc. has been one of the premier a Pennsylvania commercial construction contractor serving all of Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and Western New York State. Call CBF Contracting for a free quote on your next commercial or industrial project, or request a free quote online.
