Whether you are planning on renovating an existing commercial space or embarking on the journey of becoming a business owner, choosing the right commercial contractor for your job is critical. After all, your project’s success relies on your contractor’s expertise and ability to get things right. While you’re finding a commercial contractor, you may not know what to look for. At Black Rock Builders, we’ve compiled a list of questions you can ask a commercial contractor to help you find the right one for your project.
-
What is your experience?
Asking a potential contractor about their experience is crucial for several reasons. First, you’ll want to hire an experienced commercial contractor who has built various commercial buildings. The more experience your contractor has, the more likely they can complete your project. Secondly, asking about their experience and asking for a portfolio will give you an idea of the projects they can create and what they can build for you. Ask them if they have experience doing projects similar to the one you have in mind to ensure that they can complete yours successfully.
-
Who will manage the project?
When you work with a commercial contractor, you’ll have a project manager overseeing all on-site operations. Knowing who will be in charge of your project and how they will communicate with you during the process is essential. We also recommend asking the project manager about their management style and processes, such as what they would plan for the schedule. Ask them how they get materials and communicate and schedule with subcontractors. Asking the contractor about project management will give you a good idea of their level of organization and detail.
-
Are you insured?
Any contractor that works for you should be insured. In fact, commercial contractors should have several different types of insurance. During the consultation process, it’s essential to ensure the contractor has at least general liability insurance, completed operations insurance, equipment coverage, workers’ compensation, and business owners’ policy. Hiring a fully insured contractor protects you from any lawsuits that might arise during commercial construction. It also protects you from liability and reduces risk.
-
What warranty do you offer on your work?
A warranty is a legally binding agreement that guarantees the quality of work for a specific amount of time after a project is completed. Some states have laws dictating the warranties that builders must place on their work. However, some companies offer more extended warranties or warranties that offer more coverage. Ensure you understand the warranty terms, such as the scope of coverage and any exclusions. Hiring a contractor with a good warranty will give you peace of mind throughout the project.
-
What is your timeline?
Once you’ve met with a contractor and have provided the scope of your project, they should be able to provide you with an estimated timeline. Inquiring about their timeline is critical to planning and managing expectations during the project. Consider asking about key milestones during construction and when you expect them to be completed. Knowing and tracking these key milestones will help determine if the project is on schedule.
Schedule your consultation with Black Rock Builders
Meeting with a commercial contractor before you begin a project is incredibly important. Not only will you get an idea of how they run their business, it’ll help you build trust and rapport before you hire them for your project. In your search for commercial builders in Utah, consider Black Rock Builders. We have the know-how, expertise, and experience to make your project successful. Schedule your free consultation with our contractors in Salt Lake today!