Commercial construction projects are a major undertaking that require extensive planning, organization and preparation. No two commercial projects are alike, which is why it’s important to find a contractor who has experience building in multiple industries. If you choose the wrong general construction contractor, you could end up with a botched project and an unenjoyable experience. No matter the scope of your building project, there are specific things to keep in mind when searching for the right general construction company.
- Look at previous work and check references.
The best way to check the capabilities of a contractor is to view their online portfolio. The company should have finished work that is similar to the project you hope to complete. If possible, visit other buildings and facilities they’ve worked on to get a firsthand look at their work. Is it high quality? Can you see the details in their craftmanship?
Impressive work doesn’t always mean an impressive culture. You should always choose a contractor with a solid track record and positive reviews. Be sure to do a quick internet search to find reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp! and other platforms to see what previous customers have to say about them. Are their projects completed on time? Do they provide accurate cost estimates? Are they cutting corners? Your commercial project is important, so you should hire a company you feel comfortable working with.
- Check their full scope of services.
Not all companies offer the same general contractor services to commercial companies. You may find a few contractors who are experienced with construction management, pre-construction and estimating, but do not offer design-build services. Instead of juggling multiple contractors, we suggest finding a full-service firm that can provide everything you possibly need. Having one entity control every phase of your commercial project will help you stay in line with your budget, free up your time and keep your project on track.
- Be sure the firm is licensed and insured.
The last thing you need is to get ripped off, scammed or sued while dealing with a time-consuming project. Without proper insurance, you could end up liable if someone is injured while at the job site or if you incur any property damage during construction. Make sure to ask every contractor you talk to for their credentials. You can also check the Better Business Bureau to confirm that each company meets both local and state licensing requirements.
We also recommend examining their overall safety record. Nothing brings a project to a halt faster than an on-site injury. Plus, the associated fines, lost wages and potential litigation can end up costing a significant amount of money.
- Ask about time and budget management.
Keeping commercial construction projects on schedule and within budget is no easy feat, especially when unforeseen circumstances occur. Your potential contractors need to have plans and processes in place that keep projects within scope. Ask about their history with on-time project completions, how they handle unexpected situations and roadblocks, and how they address scope changes. Also be sure to ask what their payment schedule looks like.
- Get to know the firm.
You will be working closely with your contractor to complete your project. Depending on the scope of your project, it could take several months to a year to complete, making it crucial that you work with someone you like. Building your facility is important, but so is building a great relationship with your chosen contractor. You want the experience to be enjoyable. Plus, who knows…you may need them again in the future!
Be sure to ask each contractor you interview about their communication style, how involved you would be in the process and how easy they are to reach. That way, you’ll be able to gauge how your desired communication and interaction matches up with theirs.
Looking for the best general contractor for your next commercial project?
We know how hard it can be to choose the right general contractor, so let us help you make the process easier. With years of experience handling commercial construction projects for clients throughout Indianapolis and beyond, White Oak Commercial Group would be honored to be your go-to choice for general contracting services in Indiana.
Unlike other firms, our professional, innovative and experienced team members are competent in all facets of the construction industry and are ready to put their skills and knowledge to work on your design-build project. At White Oak, we carry our clients from project concept to completion and make it a priority to focus on customer relationships. Our future is built on your satisfaction, so let us show you what we are capable of!
Contact us today to get your commercial construction started off on the right foot.
