How to Choose a Commercial Contractor

Key Qualities of a Good General Contractor

Choosing a commercial contractor for your building addition is crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful project. Here are the top qualities to look for when evaluating commercial general contractors:

Experience in Commercial Building Additions

Commercial projects come with unique challenges, such as managing larger spaces, meeting strict building codes, and working with complex systems. A contractor with experience in commercial building additions will be better equipped to handle them. Look for contractors who have a strong portfolio of similar projects and a history of delivering high-quality results.

Strong Reputation

The best contractors for commercial projects will have a solid reputation within the industry and among past clients. Look for testimonials, online reviews, and references from previous commercial building projects. Positive feedback about the contractor’s work ethic, reliability, and ability to meet deadlines and budgets is a strong indicator that they can handle your addition.

Effective Communication Skills

Clear and open communication is key to a successful commercial construction project. Your contractor should be responsive, transparent, and easy to communicate with throughout the entire process. This includes providing regular updates, answering your questions in a timely manner, and making sure you’re always in the loop on progress, changes, or issues.

Problem-Solving and Adaptability

No project is without its hurdles. A good contractor should be able to quickly identify and address problems as they arise. Whether it’s a design change, a budget adjustment, or a setback due to weather, an experienced contractor will have the skills and resources to pivot without compromising on the project’s overall success.

Attention to Detail and Quality Assurance

Attention to detail ensures the quality of work and minimizes the likelihood of errors that could lead to delays or cost overruns. Choose a commercial contractor who demonstrates a commitment to high standards of quality and pays attention to every aspect of the construction process, from permits to final inspections.

Calahan Construction’s general contracting services keep your projects on track for success. Check out our process to discover how we can help meet your needs.

Our Process

Watch Out for These Red Flags

While carefully choosing a commercial contractor can lead to a successful addition, there are several warning signs that can indicate a poor choice. Keep an eye out for these red flags during your search:

Lack of Proper Licensing and Insurance: A legitimate contractor should be fully licensed and insured. If they can’t provide proof of these credentials, it’s a major red flag.
Vague or Unclear Estimates: If the contractor’s estimates are too vague or lack clear details, it may indicate a lack of professionalism or transparency. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of costs.
Unrealistic Promises: Be wary of contractors who promise to complete the project in an unrealistic timeframe or quote significantly lower than others. These promises often lead to subpar work or unanticipated delays.
Poor Communication or Responsiveness: Contractors who are hard to get in touch with, slow to respond, or uncommunicative throughout the interview process may be difficult to work with during the project.
Pressure to Make Quick Decisions: Contractors who pressure you into making decisions quickly or signing contracts on the spot are typically looking to rush you into a commitment without giving you time to fully evaluate your options.

Questions to Ask During Contractor Interviews

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential general contractors, it’s time to interview them. The right questions can provide critical insights into how well the contractor will manage your commercial building addition.

Here are some essential questions to ask during the interview process:

1. What is your experience with commercial building additions?

This question helps you determine if the contractor has the necessary expertise in commercial construction, especially for projects like yours. Make sure to ask about specific projects they’ve worked on that are similar in size and scope to yours, and inquire about the challenges they faced and how they overcame them.

2. How do you manage project timelines and handle delays?

Timely project completion is crucial in any commercial addition. Ask how the contractor ensures projects are completed on time, including how they manage scheduling, subcontractors, and potential delays (such as weather or supply chain issues). Understanding their approach to managing timelines will give you an idea of how efficiently they run projects.

3. What steps do you take to keep the project within budget?

Ask the contractor how they track costs and prevent budget overruns. A good general contractor should provide you with a clear plan for how they manage expenses, including upfront costs, unexpected expenses, and change orders. Understanding their approach to budgeting and cost control will help you avoid surprise expenses later on.

4. How do you handle disputes or unforeseen challenges during the project?

Projects rarely go 100% according to plan, so it’s important to understand how the contractor handles unforeseen issues. Ask about their problem-solving approach and how they deal with disagreements, unexpected delays, or changes in project scope. A transparent and flexible contractor will be able to address issues calmly and efficiently, without compromising the construction project’s quality or timeline.

5. Will I have direct access to you throughout the project?

Communication is key, so it’s important to know who will be your point of contact during the construction process. Ensure the contractor is accessible and responsive to your needs. Whether it’s the contractor themselves or a dedicated project manager, make sure you have someone to reach out to when questions or concerns arise.

Partner With Calahan for Top-Quality Commercial Construction Management

If you’re looking for a reliable, experienced partner who can handle every aspect of your project with professionalism and care, Calahan Construction is here to help. Our team is dedicated to clear communication, attention to detail, and delivering results that exceed expectations.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started with the right contractor by your side!