Whether you are an existing company doing a remodel of your space or a new tenant doing a build-out, you have a lot of things to consider when hiring a commercial construction company.
Commercial construction has a few similarities to residential construction, but there are also many differences and potential complications for your business.
If you’re planning on outsourcing your commercial construction needs, there are 3 questions you should ask to make sure you are choosing the right company.
1. What makes you the best company for my commercial construction needs?
If you’re thinking of remodeling an existing space or building out a new one, you probably have a choice of several commercial project managers and contractors. Take your time and choose the one you work with carefully.
Obviously, any commercial construction company should be fully licensed and insured. They should be established in your area and have relationships with suppliers and subcontractors. The company you choose should also discuss with you how they handle permits, adhere to local building codes, and warranty any work they perform.
Finally, don’t forget about communication and working style. If you don’t have a solid rapport with the company, they may not be the best choice. If the contractor wants to give you updates every two weeks via text and you prefer weekly updates via email, this could cause issues.
2. Will I be able to continue operations during a remodeling project?
This is a big deal for many companies. Remember, time is money, and commercial construction projects don’t get completed overnight. If you can continue operations while the project is underway, it will be a tremendous benefit to your business. And it’s a big selling point for some contractors.
Remember, it’s not just the inconvenience to you and your staff that is the issue. You risk losing loyal customers and valuable long-term revenue if you are unable to continue operations while waiting for the completion of your project.
3. How do you manage your commercial construction projects?
Finally, make sure you ask any construction company you interview how they manage their projects. Specifically, what they do day-to-day to keep your commercial construction project on schedule and within budget.
If a company doesn’t have specific controls and processes in place, it may not be the best choice. You could find that a one or two-month project turns into six or more with many change orders and budget overruns. Instead, choose a company that has a reputation for quality and integrity from start to finish.
Carolina Services Inc. for Your Commercial Construction Needs
If you are considering outsourcing commercial construction services in the Charleston, SC area, Carolina Services Inc. (CSI) would love to earn your business. We are the area’s premier commercial construction, improvement, and space planning company.
Since 1976, we have been helping clients throughout the area with our high-quality and affordable services. Contact us today to learn more.
