Choosing a commercial construction company in Calgary for your commercial needs can make a massive difference in terms of the quality of your structure. So when you decide to build or renovate your office, retail shop, or shopping mall, you need to take extra care in choosing your contractor.
All building contractors are not the same and have different skills to handle only residential construction, commercial construction, or both. Hence, you need to research to make the right decision in hiring a commercial contractor.
Here we have compiled a list of essential factors to consider when choosing your construction contractor.
Project Price
This is the most essential part of your commercial construction project: the costs. But while you can get a quoted price, the work needs to be described in detail from the start to the end. So while you may receive a lower bid that looks appealing to your budget, it may fall short of your expectations or needs.
For instance, companies may present you with complete design and building services. Then you have others who only do the construction and outsource the other parts. For that reason, it is advisable to ask for a payment schedule. The schedule should include details of the amounts to the date they need to be disbursed to the firm.
Bonded and Insured
A large-scale commercial construction project comes at a high price tag, making the proposition risky. In addition, investors must be protected against losses incurred by the commercial contractor or a lack of action.
For this reason, the construction company you choose needs to have insurance for any mishaps that happen. Furthermore, they need to hold a surety bond that guarantees they will complete your project within the specified time.
Consequently, if issues arise, you can file a claim against the contractor's insurer or the bond to help recoup lost costs.
Get a Proposed Schedule
When construction projects take longer, more costs are suffered, leaving you with lost revenue. While there can be delays resulting from weather, the contracting firm needs to consider these natural occurrences with their timeline. Hence, the proposed schedule must include weather, material, and labor delays giving you a reasonable timeline to complete the project.
How Experienced Are The Contractors?
While the practices in commercial projects are similar, you have different types of commercial buildings. These include shopping centers and public and medical facilities, each with unique requirements.
For this reason, the commercial construction company you choose must have the experience to work with your project. It is nice to give newcomers a chance every now and then, but there is always that risk, and best to rely on a contractor firm with experience in the type of structure you want.
How Will the Project Management Be Handled?
Yes, this is an important question to ask the construction company you use. You may find that some companies use subcontractors to perform specific duties from electrical to plumbing. These tradespeople know their job and can complete projects, but who will supervise them?
Using the best commercial construction companies in Calgary, they will always ensure that someone is on the job site. In addition, the project manager will talk with the architect, engineer, laborers, and subcontractors during the process.
Good Communication
Good communication is essential as you will be dealing with the contracting firm regularly. The contractor needs to be available when you need to ask questions and advise you on how the project s going and if it is still within your budget.
Check References and Safety Records
Another wise thing to do is to ask for references before you hire anyone. The contractor you choose needs to be trustworthy and available with a list of clients or companies to talk to. With the help of previous clients, they can help with all the essential information related to your construction project.
You can ask the clients if projects were completed on time and keep open communication with them. You can find out if there was supervision all the time and if the project was completed within the budget.
Another essential thing to ask is the commercial construction companies' safety records. If they feel uncomfortable revealing the information, you may face issues. You can ask them for documents to prove their safety standards with references to support their claims.
Always Meet Contractors in Person and Check Their Projects
While a portfolio with images of work looks convincing, it helps to meet the person and view the places they have worked. When you physically see the job, it provides you with a better visual of it will suit your project. By doing this, you better understand their style and how they operate.
Furthermore, keep your options open by not choosing a contractor based on their excellent reviews. It helps narrow down a list of suitable candidates after the bidding process to interview each.
Prepare a list of questions to weed out the ones you do not find suitable for your project.
Final Thoughts
Never rush into an agreement with a contractor when you decide to renovate, remodel, or build a new commercial building. Instead, the important thing is to do your due diligence with the abovementioned steps, choosing the best commercial construction contractor.
Review the company carefully and always ask all the needed questions until you feel satisfied. Then, devote your time to doing your research and choose a commercial builder that shows integrity. Contact our team to learn more.
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