How to Choose a Commercial General Contractor
The term commercial general contractor refers to those contractors that do not specialize in one area but do a wide variety of tasks related to building construction. If you are in need of a contractor to take care of some construction project for your business, the first step is to find one. You can start your search by checking with the contractors that are listed in your local phone book or online. You will also find them listed in Internet directories. Contacting them may give you an idea of their skill level and experience.
Contractors have a wide range of skills and expertise. A commercial general contractor possesses all the necessary tools, manpower, and machinery under a single roof to meet the needs of a construction project. A commercial general contractor also has established relationships with various subcontractors and vendors. It is much more cost-efficient and efficient than trying to source everything on your own. Subcontractors can often offer lower prices as they have established business relationships with the same construction management company.
Before contacting a commercial general contractor, create a written budget that outlines the entire project timeline. Your budget should include the scope of work, the costs, the stages of construction, the timetable, and the milestones. It will also list the subcontractors that will be involved in the project and the amount of time it will take to complete the entire project. It will also outline the cost breakdown so you can break down the costs according to each section.
Commercial construction companies can be located in your local yellow pages. You can also find several of them through the Internet. Search for well-established companies that have been in the business for several years. You want to make sure that you are dealing with licensed contractors and commercial general contractors that have a reputation for quality work and fair prices.
Contact several commercial, general contractor companies and ask them for quotes on your scope of work, project timeline, and cost estimates. When you receive the quotes, be sure to look at them closely to see how closely the construction estimates match up to your detailed timeline and budget. If the contractors are not offering a comparable price, it is better to go with another company. The cost of construction projects is constantly changing. The rate may go up a few percent from what you originally thought just to mention this example; so do not accept unrealistic bids.
In conclusion, hiring a commercial general contractor to manage your construction projects is an excellent way to get the results you want. However, it is equally important that you hire only the best people in the industry. Do your homework and research the background and reputation of the company. Also, make sure you create a written contract and a comprehensive schedule that clearly spells out all of the project’s key points, including timeline and costs.