How to choose the best contractor for your commercial renovation project

A renovation project is a big deal for business owners. It’s a great business decision and, if done properly, can bring many benefits to the business. However, it isn’t easy. If you have started a commercial renovation project, you might have realised that the most stressful part is finding a good contractor.

If you’re just making a few changes to your workplace, you can work with any contractor, but commercial remodelling can become complicated and finding the right contractor is important for the success of any project.

You need to know how to find the best contractor for your reno project, and to help you, we’ve created this guide.

Why engaging the right commercial renovation professional is important for your business

Commercial remodelling is a professional skill set. It goes beyond installing fixtures and fittings and giving you that new brightly coloured wall.

A commercial contractor will provide you with a detailed construction plan. They have exceptional knowledge of the construction process and work with experienced personnel. A good commercial contractor will have an eye for detail and guide you through the process.

They provide excellent customer service and deliver on time, so your business can continue as planned.

A renovation contractor takes up the daunting task of taking your business goals and creating a unique plan that meets these goals while still staying within your budget.

Remember, there are 2 goals for every commercial renovation: aesthetic appeal and increased functionality. Commercial remodelling, if done properly, will pay off in the end.

Choosing the right renovation expert will ensure you meet your goals.

Let’s look at how you can ensure you pick the right expert.

Useful tips for finding your ideal commercial contractor

Now you know that choosing the right contractor increases your chance of completing your project and meeting your goals. The better the contractor is, the better your results will be, so you should aim for the best.

Here are a few things to do when looking for professional renovation services.

Know what to look for

Don’t jump into the market blind. Ensure you know what to look for in a contractor. Some details to consider include their reputation, specialised skills, and how much they charge for their services.

Is the business trustworthy? Have they delivered similar projects without hitches? Do they have the necessary certifications and licensing information?

Search for different contractors and then check reviews to see what their former clients say about them.

References and recommendations are also great ways to whittle down your list of contractors to find the best. Talk with family members and friends that have undergone similar projects and see if they have any recommendations.

A good contractor should have a straightforward payment plan. Check if they have the necessary insurance plans too. Most importantly, ensure they have experience doing your type of renovation.

Check their resume

Now that you have whittled your list to a few good contractors, it’s time to choose the best among the rest.

Check the credentials of the contractors. Are they commercial contractors? Choosing professionals that specialise in commercial remodelling is always best.

Every contractor has a portfolio of jobs they have completed before. Scrutinise these portfolios to see if they are a good match.

If you stay at a place where contractors are required to have certain licenses or permits, ensure you hire one that’s appropriately licensed. Take your time to scrutinise their resume, credentials, associations, and safety and security record.

Ask the contractors for references

If the contractor is as good as they claim, they should be able to provide you with a few contacts of businesses they’ve worked for before.

Contact these companies and find out what working with the contractor was like for them. Ask for their opinions and see if the contractor’s services match their credentials. If you get negative reports, you should drop that contractor. A positive reference should place a contractor higher on your list of potential hires.

Check for a communication system

As a business owner, you know that communication is key to any efficient and effective process. The same is true for commercial renovation. A renovation professional will understand the value of good communication.

They’ll have an effective system that ensures you are always informed throughout the renovation process. Ensure you meet the contractors and their team in person and find out what their system is like.

Do they have a system that meets your expectation? Did you generate an easy rapport with them? If you answer yes to these questions, you’re well on your way to finding the right contractor.

Check the details

The devil is in the details, but we tend to overlook them. Look at the contractor’s proposal and pay attention to the details. What materials are they proposing? What is the schedule they created like? What systems will they put in place to ensure the business’s success?

What are the estimates? Have they shared responsibilities appropriately among the team? Get a better understanding of their proposals to make a better decision.

Get it in writing

Ensure you get a contract and a scope of work in writing. These documents will provide a means of checking the contractor’s progress throughout the project. It’ll also help you see if they’re sticking to the schedule.

A contract is also important for legal purposes. It’s a good way to hold the contractor to their word.

Final thoughts

A commercial renovation can be difficult, but choosing the right contractor solves most of the difficulties.

Ensure you know what to look for. Check their credentials and ask for references. Do they have the necessary skills, experience, and tools to complete the task? A contract and scope of work are also important.

Remember, a renovation project is not cheap. While hiring a contractor within your budget is a good idea, hiring one that is too cheap would not bode well.