Finding the right construction firm for your project is like speed dating. You’ll have multiple construction contractors trying to convince you to hire them and you have a limited amount of time before construction starts to decide if it’s a “Yes” or a “No”.
As a property owner, you can’t have just anyone working on your build. You want to find a general contractor who will give you experience and skill at an affordable price. Whether you’re in residential construction or commercial construction, here are three quick tips you can use to find the best construction company for your project.
1. Look For a Contractor Who Has Built Similar Projects Before
Zoning regulations can differ dramatically within the same city or county. And many contractors who boast a full book of business in the residential sector might not have the same subcontractor connections needed to complete a commercial build.
Fortunately, you can assess the contractor’s experience by asking a single question:
Does this general contractor have a history of building similar projects in the past?
If so, you may have found a strong candidate.
2. Dig Deeper Into the Pricing Estimates
Because bids are an attempt to sell you on making the hire, every contractor is going to be throwing out attractive numbers. However, just because there’s a company that’s willing to do the job at a lower price, that doesn’t mean that they’re the most affordable option.
For starters, sometimes cheaper contractors may be cheap because they’re cutting corners. And secondly, lower estimates can sometimes be the result of honest underestimation of costs.
Does the quote have an estimate for labor expenses that makes sense? Does the cost of lumber and materials square with what you’ve seen in the market?
Of course, if your request for proposals comes with a tight deadline, contractors might not have enough time to give you a thorough breakdown. But, as a general rule of thumb, it’s important to understand that the most affordable bid isn’t always the one with the lowest bottom line number.
3. Don’t Hesitate to Speak With Multiple Contractors
The construction industry is a small place. Chances are that if you’ve heard of one contractor, that company already has a reputation within your market. However, it’s worth noting that it’s important to think about whether or not the construction company you’re looking at is one that you have professional chemistry with.
An easy way to set your expectations and get a sense of how the contractors in your area like to work is to simply talk to more than one firm. You’ll be surprised at how much information you can glean this way.
Find the Best Construction Company for Your Project the First Time
When you’re trying to figure out who would be the best construction company for your project, it’s easy to find yourself either overcomplicating things or simplifying everything down to price. However, with the help of the tips we’ve just provided, your choices will quickly narrow themselves down.
Have you got a construction project you’re working on? Check out the rest of our site to read more posts like this one.