| Retail, medical and office space remodeling and | | | | licensing body. Searching the Secretary of State's |
| construction projects can either be a smooth | | | | website is an excellent resource for this. Request |
| undertaking or a huge headache depending on | | | | a copy of the contractor's insurance and make |
| what General Contractor you choose. Things can | | | | sure it is adequate-it should at a minimum include |
| quickly turn for the worse if you select a | | | | liability and workers compensation insurance. In |
| company who has poor communication or if they | | | | these times it is wise to ensure the company is |
| fail to understand your goals and the important | | | | financially strong and pays its bills on time by |
| aspects particular to your business. The lowest bid | | | | obtaining a business credit report such as one |
| may not be the best value. These four tips will | | | | from Dun & Bradstreet. |
| help you choose the right commercial contractor | | | | Interview the General Contractor |
| to insure your business's project will be successful | | | | Start the communication process by interviewing |
| and worry-free. | | | | the General Contractor. Ask how the project will |
| Find Reputable Candidates | | | | be supervised. Will there be a superintendent on |
| A General Contractor supervises the construction | | | | site full time or as needed? Ask how the |
| of the project and therefore must be | | | | contractor will communicate the status of the |
| knowledgeable, easy to communicate with, | | | | projects and determine, for instance, if you would |
| responsive, and professional. You can find | | | | want weekly updates via email, or phone, or on |
| reputable commercial general contractors through | | | | site meetings. And be sure to discuss permitting |
| word of mouth, from print advertising or on the | | | | time frames and issues in advance because the |
| Internet. It is crucial you thoroughly screen each | | | | time it takes to obtain permits from |
| candidate. Ask how long the company has been in | | | | governmental bodies can fluctuate widely. |
| business and if they have experience doing the | | | | Don't be fooled by the lowest price |
| kind of work you need. If you are planning a | | | | Once you have narrowed down the list of General |
| renovation in an office that will remain open, be | | | | Contractors, then it's time to ask your candidates |
| sure to ask if the contractor has experience | | | | for an estimate for your project plans. Make sure |
| working in occupied spaces to insure they will | | | | that all General Contractors are given the same |
| provide minimal interruption of your business. If | | | | plans, specifications, time frames, and |
| you don't have plans yet for your project, you | | | | requirements. In this economy, most commercial |
| may want to look for a General Contractor who | | | | construction companies have remained |
| provides Design-Build services. This can save you | | | | competitive by reducing their profits. The one |
| time and money. | | | | company with a much lower estimate may be |
| Check Credentials Carefully | | | | reducing the price by using substandard materials |
| You will need to call at least three references | | | | or knowingly omitting requirements only to hike it |
| from previous clients. Ask the references if they | | | | up later with change orders, so make sure all bids |
| were happy with the company and if there was | | | | are covering the same things. |
| open communication. Be sure to ask for a copy | | | | By following these simple tips, you can have a |
| of the General Contractor's license and see if | | | | successful, stress-free remodeling project for |
| they have been involved in any lawsuits or had | | | | your office, medical or retail space. |
| disciplinary action taken against them by their | | | | |