If you’re starting a commercial renovation project in Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, Chesapeake, or a nearby city in Virginia, choosing your contractor is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make all year. To find the right commercial contractor, make sure that you do your due diligence and focus on three key areas: identifying what you need, finding commercial contractors to speak to, and choosing the right one for your project.
Identifying What You Need
Before you begin your search for a commercial contractor, it is important to be totally clear on what you need. A great plan sets the tone for a smooth process and sets you up for success, whether you are building a restaurant, office building, hospital, or mixed-use space.
Do your best to differentiate between wants and needs. It might even be a good idea to rank aspects of the project out based on importance so that when it comes time to choose a good contractor, it’s easier to lay out a budget. Attempting to distinguish between wants and needs during the building process is rarely a recipe for success, and can slow down the process of finding a commercial contractor considerably.
Since your project takes place in Virginia, you’ll also want to search for residential or commercial contractors who are licensed to work in the state. You’ll also want to see if they have done work in your local area and are familiar with county regulations. A contractor from Richmond may come highly recommended, but could slow your project down if it’s based in Virginia Beach and they don’t know local regulations.
Finding Commercial Contractors to Speak With
As with any significant project, word-of-mouth referrals tend to speak loudest. If you have heard of exceptional work from a contractor in your area or the reverse of low quality or incomplete work, that can go a long way. Consulting with people that you trust is a great way to start building a list of names that you can work off of.
Once you have a list gathered, it’s time to start checking references. A contractor should be able to tell you who else they have performed work for, and be able to demonstrate examples of past work with their portfolio. In this stage, it’s important to note specializations and identify if the contractor has worked on similar projects in the past.
How to Find the Right Contractor
Once you’ve spoken to all the contractors on your list, it’s time to choose the right one for your project. While you might think it’s the cheapest one, it’s actually the one that goes above and beyond that saves money in the long run. When it comes to the world of commercial contracting, the lowest price isn’t always your best bet. You usually get what you pay for, so going with a more experienced firm with a more specialized portfolio could be the difference between a dream outcome and a mediocre one. Remember: this is a long term investment you are making. Treat it as such.
Additionally, you should take a deep dive into the commercial contractor’s website to find out additional information, project specialties, and past completed projects. A contractor that does healthcare, may not be a good fit for restaurants. It’s similar to going to an eye doctor when you have a foot injury–technically you visited a doctor, but they don’t have the expertise to diagnose the pain in your foot.
But most importantly, you want to go with a contractor where you can build a productive relationship. The building or renovation of commercial property should be a joint effort between developer and contractor, with both sides open and listening to one another.
Pro-tip: when looking for a contractor in Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or another Virginia city, evaluate them based on these guidelines from the state of Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
You asked, we answered. Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get on commercial building and general contracting in Virginia.
Do you need a contractor license in Virginia?
Anyone completing a residential building or commercial construction project and pricing it at more than $1,000 needs a contractor license. This includes roofing, carpentry, HVAC repair, new construction projects, repairs, or renovations. Check the licensure of any Virginia construction company you work with.
Can I be my own contractor in Virginia?
While there’s nothing stopping you from DIYing your project, we wouldn’t recommend it. General contractors have experience, training, and licensure in their field. They also have construction management and project management skills, which will save you time and money on your construction project in the long run. And, should any other issues come up while completing the project, a contractor can quickly perform any construction services needed.
Can a licensed contractor hire an unlicensed subcontractor in Virginia?
This is against the law, according to the Virginia Board for Contractors. Before you hire a contractor, make sure they are a reputable, experienced partner to avoid subcontractor headaches.
Carlton Building Services in Hampton Roads Virginia
Carlton Building Services specializes in repairs, maintenance, renovations, remodelings and build-outs for a variety of clients in Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake areas. We have years of experience handling projects in the retail, office, and healthcare space and would love to work with you on your next project!
To learn more about our services, check out past project highlights or contact Carlton Building Services to see how we can help with your next project.
