What You Should Look for in a Commercial Contractor

If you are looking to hire a commercial general contractor, it is important to take the time to study. Don’t just choose the company that offers the lowest bid. It is important to consider the options that will provide you with the best outcome. Inexperienced contractors can make serious mistakes, communicate ineffectively, and endanger timeframes and budgets, so knowing what to look for in a contractor is important to help you avoid mistakes.

You will be spending a lot of time with the commercial contractor that you decide to hire, which is why choosing a company that you feel you are compatible with is very important. Here are some things you should look for in a commercial contractor.

Can they help you reach your goals?

The first step in hiring a commercial contractor is to define the goals of your project. What are the general priorities and goals of your construction? How much is your budget? What is your desired schedule? Come up with a plan and determine the services you expect from your contractor to help you prepare for success. Depending on the scope of the project, the commercial contractor oversees several construction stages, including design, approval, supply procurement, building regulation and zone regulation. Different contractors will bring different levels of experience in all of these areas, which is why it is a good idea to establish which areas you want to prioritize. 

Licensing

The most important credential a construction company can have is proper professional licensing. Always ask to see documentation of a contractor’s license and any other licenses needed. It is also critical to hire a company that has an active insurance policy and bond. Not only does this indicate they are a professional corporation, it also tells you that their clients are protected in terms of liability. Check with your state’s construction licensing department to verify a company’s licensing before moving forward with their services.

Skills and Experience

Whether it is a new build or a simple remodel, experience is key when it comes to developing and executing a successful commercial construction project. 

Along with experience comes individual skill. Each individual company will have its own unique set of qualities and capabilities that sets them apart from its competitors. It is important to examine a company’s specific skill level and qualifications before moving forward with a contract or agreement. A skilled commercial construction company will be able to showcase their work, and therefore qualify their skill set, in project portfolios, client testimonials, reputation, referrals, and more. 

A fair bid

Contractor bids are an important part of the commercial building process. Contractor proposals should be comprehensive, covering all details and specifications of a project, from start to finish. Try to work with a company that can specify all unique aspects, align design and building schedules, identify milestones, develop contingency plans, and evaluate alternatives, all for the purpose of accurately reflecting real-world conditions, controlling costs, and abating complications or setbacks.

Are you interested in working with us on a commercial renovation project in the Los Angeles or the Orange County area? We invite you to get in touch with our team today. With years of experience in both commercial construction and residential construction, Alpha Omega Contractors is your go-to construction company in Southern California. Our experts take on projects ranging from office space remodels, medical office renovations, and retail space updates for gyms, financial centers, restaurants, salons, car washes, and more. A trusted Orange County contractor and Los Angeles County contractor, we help bring your renovation wish list to life while helping you safeguard and future-proof the profitability of your business. Whether you need help with a residential floor plan or an upgrade to your medical office or retail space, our team of general contractors, designers, and design-build experts will collaborate with you from the initial stages of pre-construction through to putting the finishing touches on your dream remodel project on time and within budget.