You’re considering hiring a commercial contractor for a big project. However, you’re not sure what you need to look for. No two commercial contractors are alike, and your choice of contractors can easily make or break the success of your project. Commercial projects are typically high stakes, time sensitive jobs, and finding the right commercial contractor to fit the project requires research as well as the asking of a few key questions. Here are the five critical questions you need to ask every potential commercial contractor:
- What is your history?
One of the best ways of judging a contractor’s value is their project history. Their experience in the industry, particularly if the company has been in business for a long time, shows that they are competent enough to stay in business. It is also vital to ask about where most their previous projects have taken place: a local contractor is more likely be on time. Having his reputation on the line locally, will keep them motivated throughout the project. It is also critical to ask about references for their previous projects, as this allows to you to know, through a third party, if their previous projects were completed successfully.
- Are you accredited?
Accreditation here includes being licensed, insured and bonded. An up-to-date, valid and verified license shows you that their staff is trained, qualified and legally bound to complete any project properly. Liability and worker’s compensation insurance is also crucial if you want financial peace of mind should the unthinkable happen on the project site. Being bonded is another form of financial insurance, protecting you from the financial liability of projects that are never finished or when the contractor fails to meet financial obligations. Fully accredited commercial and painting contractors also typically guarantee their work for some time after the project has been completed.
- What project supervision do you offer?
Consistent supervision is vital to the success of a project. While constant supervision is preferred but not always viable, the project manager should be performing daily site visits. Also, check to make sure that the same project manager will be supervising the project for the entire duration.
- What is the estimated cost?
Get a guaranteed cost estimate for the entirety of the project, or an itemized bid. Inform the commercial or painting contractor how much budget they have available for the project. A ‘time and materials’ contract is the goal here. Also, if they contractor demands a full upfront payment, walk away. This is almost never a good idea.
- What is the estimated project timeline?
Ask about their planned work schedule, and ascertain whether they would be involved with the project full-time, should they have simultaneous projects elsewhere. A part of this is also the planned works hours they specify for their labor.
If you’re looking for a commercial contractor or a painting contractor that provides the best possible answers to all the above questions, consider A3 Contracting, LLC. Fully licensed and insured, we have over 20 years of experience and worked on a wide range of commercial projects. For more information, feel free to contact us today!