As the construction market in Utah continues to grow and expand, so does the commercial construction industry. Even with the changing business environment, commercial construction in our state continues to move forward at a strong pace. Through the challenges of the past two years, Utah remains one of the best states to start a business. With such a robust business economy, many companies find themselves in the position of needing commercial contractors as they plan out new spaces for their ongoing growth.
Whether you’re planning on building a small office space or a large retail space, you might be wondering how to choose a commercial contractor. Finding a commercial contractor is a necessary first step to begin the building process. You’ll find plenty of commercial contractors who are willing to do the work and offer the services that you need. But how do you know who to trust and who is the right contractor for your specific project? If you’re wondering how to find a commercial contractor, consider these five factors.
Consider These 5 Factors When Choosing Your Commercial Contractor
1. Define your goals and priorities
Before beginning the process of hiring a commercial contractor, it’s essential to know what you will need. Overall, what are the goals and priorities of your build? Consider your total budget and schedule of the project. Having a well-defined plan means that you’re more likely to succeed.
Also, consider what services you’d like the contractor to provide. A commercial contractor can oversee several different stages of the process, such as designing the building, applying for permits, handling supply purchases, following building codes, and knowing zoning regulations. Each contractor may have varying levels of expertise in each of these areas, so choosing one that meets your needs is critical.
2. Find a contractor with strong communication skills
When it comes to working with a contractor, relationships are key. You’ll want someone who provides consistent, clear communication between all parties involved. Meeting with several contractors beforehand to understand how they operate is a great idea. Whether you want someone to communicate daily, weekly, or even monthly, ensure that you know how you’d like to receive updates on the process.
Because you’ll be working with this company for the months to come, you’ll want someone friendly, hardworking, responsive, and ambitious. Most importantly, you should feel comfortable working with the construction company and the foreman. Make sure you feel confident and compatible in all communications.
3. Request bids from contractors
Receiving bids from several contractors before going forward is an integral part of the process. After you provide the contractor with the project details, he will compile a plan and an estimate of the project. This is known as a bid. When reviewing the offer, make sure the proposal is as detailed as possible and note anything excluded. Make sure that the bid encompasses all of the components you need.
When reviewing the bids, don’t choose the lowest bid solely to save money. After all, even in construction, you truly get what you pay for. You’ll want to receive quality work, and you’ll want the contractor to make money, too. Be wary of contractors who submit low bids; often this is a warning sign of a lack of experience.
4. Find a contractor with experience
Tackling a commercial construction project requires a lot of experience. While looking around for a contractor, review their qualifications and assess how many years they have been in business. Ask for any references from previous clients. After all, the more experienced the contractor, the more they will demonstrate the ability to complete the job on time and within your budget.
Hiring a licensed commercial contractor is important to completing your build successfully. A contractor must be licensed, insured, and bonded to have a business license in many states. Check to see that they hold the necessary license and request verification from their insurance company. It may take some additional time, but doing your homework on commercial contractors is one of the most critical steps.
5. Check out the contractor’s portfolio
An experienced commercial contractor will not only have a list of references, but they should have a portfolio. It will give you an idea of what to expect when working with the company and how their work looks. Any reputable company will be proud to showcase its work and answer any additional questions regarding the process. If you can, taking the time to tour the facilities they have completed is a good step in the process, too.
Cook Builders: Top-Rated Utah Commercial Contractors
If you need a commercial contractor in Utah, trust Cook Builders. As one of the highest-rated commercial contractors in Utah, we are the business partner your company needs to deliver quality projects on time.
When you work with Cook Builders, we take the time to know the expectations and goals of the project. We provide clear, constant communication during the build process, so you know exactly what is happening at all times. You’ll find our bid prices are fair for our level of experience and knowledge. You’ll be surprised at the wide variety of construction services we provide. Contact us today to see how we can help your project become a reality.