When taking lead on a new commercial construction project, the first thing is to hire the right commercial general contractor. And while this may seem easy, it is not. 

Your contractor is the backbone of your project, so you need to be very vigilant while choosing one. Hiring an incompetent or amateur contractor can turn your project into a disaster, costing you extra bucks to redo things. And as a business owner, you don’t want that. Right? 

That is why we are here to help. This article will help you select the right for your next commercial construction project.

Things to Ensure Before Hiring a Commercial General Contractor

Before locking a good commercial general contractor, you will need to narrow down your requirements and project necessities. 

So, make sure to:

Know Your Project’s Needs- Most people make the mistake of hiring a residential builder for their commercial construction projects. However, you must know that residential and commercial contractors have different skillsets and qualifications. So, make sure that the one you choose ticks all boxes for your specific needs.

Have a Solid Plan- You should have a clear plan of the project. Is it a construction project or a huge renovation job? What’s your time frame? What’s the unique requirement that needs specialized skills? Find answers to all such questions. Having a solid plan can help you find the right contract while saving time, money, and frustration. 

Know Your Budget- Budget is an important factor to consider before hiring a contractor. You need to find one that fits your budget. 

7 Tips to Choose the Best Commercial General Contractor for Commercial Construction

After you know your project’s plan and needs, it is time to start hunting for contractors. Below are a few tips that can help you find the right person for your next commercial construction project. 

1. Get Recommendations from Your Contacts 

When searching for a new hire, the first thing you should do is reach out to your contacts who already have hired a commercial contractor. That’s because word of mouth can help find the perfect contractor while saving time. 

So, contact your friends, associates, or other local business and ask them for recommendations. You can also request them to show you the projects a specific contractor has done. It will help you judge their work quality and you may find the best-qualified contractors for your next project.  

1. Do Online Research

While word of mouth is a great source of finding someone reliable, you can never be 100% sure about the references. So, it’s recommended that you do your research for contractors online. 

You will find several local contractors who have listed themselves with local directories online. Some also have a dedicated website or social media accounts, so explore your resources. 

Pro tip: Having a dedicated website with an active blog shows that the contractor is  updated with the latest industry trends and is serious about their business. 

While doing online research, make sure to look for: 

• Portfolios– to access their work quality and history of their employment or projects
• Scope of service– to ensure that the contractor is well-qualified for your specific project
• Licenses– to make sure that they are licensed and insured 
• Reputation– having a good reputation shows that the contractor is reliable 
• Professionalism– a professional contractor will handle your project with great care

1. Look for Online Reviews 

Whether you go with word of mouth or list down some contractors after research, the next step is to check for reviews from their previous customers. 

If a contractor has the most positive reviews, it shows that they are reliable and credible. However, also look for negative reviews as it will help you know why the customers were not happy with their services. 

1. Compare Quotes 

After doing research and evaluating reviews, list down a few contractors you find reliable and start getting quotes from them. 

Beware of extremely low prices because it’s a red flag that the contractor is not experienced and is just desperate to get clients. Likewise, you don’t want to go for extremely high prices that are out of your budget. Rather, pick a contractor that fits your budget without compromising on the work quality. 

1. Ask the Right Questions 

Never hire a contractor solely based on references or online reviews. Vet your person yourself by conducting an in-person interview. Ask them all the relevant questions to ensure that they are the right fit for your project. Ask hypothetical questions to judge their knowledge and expertise. 

Having an in-person interview also helps you evaluate their communication skills, confidence, and attitude. 

1. Check for Licensing and Documentation

For a legal commercial construction project, you need to ensure that the contractor is properly licensed and insured.  As mentioned above, all registered platforms let you check out valid licenses, qualifications, and insurance verification. However, if any documentation is missing, you can ask the contractor for it.  

You need to ensure that the contractor has: 

• Diploma/degree for construction management or civil engineering
• Training certification with a recognized institution 
• License to work locally in your specific area 
• Certificate of general liability insurance coverage for on-site mishaps and damages 
• Certificate of worker’s compensation coverage if they involve employees 

1. Hire a Commercial General Contractor Who is Ready to Listen 

Most commercial general contractors are highly qualified but they tend to be a bit rigid. However, to make your commercial construction project successful, you should hire someone willing to listen to your demand and ideas, and deliver the same. They must stick to your specific needs. 

So, make sure you hire one who communicates effectively and doesn’t shy away from criticism.

#ProTip: Make Sure They Document Everything 

Make sure that your contractor documents everything related to your commercial construction project. That’s because paperwork not only keeps things organized but also ensures the success of your project. 

So, ensure the contractor has all important documents such as:

• Commercial construction contract agreement 
• Architectural drawings associated with the project 
• Statement (scope) of work that details all work that needs to be done 
• A written schedule for your commercial construction project 
• Specifications document that lists technical data, material requirements, and equipment needs
• Bill of quantities that details the costs of material, labor, and parts 

To Wrap it Up

As a business owner, it is crucial that you hire a professional and reliable commercial general contractor for your next commercial construction project. I hope this article helps you find one. 

If you are looking for a commercial general contractor in Michigan, you can trust Blackstone Corporation. Our highly qualified and experienced team can handle a diverse range of commercial constructions while ensuring to complete projects efficiently without any delays.

For more information or to book a consultation, call us at (248) 457-5505