Autumn brings up images of pumpkin spiced lattes, sweaters, and leaves falling. Commercial renovation may not be first on your mind, but this is a good season to FALL in love with a commercial contractor in Virginia. Here’s what to look for in the next commercial contractor you hire, especially if you live in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton Roads, or another nearby city in Virginia.
Realistic turnaround
An estimate from a contractor should include a timeframe. When looking at that estimated deadline, ask yourself if it’s realistic and ask your contractor about what systems they have in place to meet it. Often the best contractors are faster than normal. For example, our team finished a project in 2.5 weeks that would have taken most contractors a month. But that doesn’t mean the best contractors always have the fastest estimated timeline.
Airlines often overestimate how long a flight will take. If the plane lands ahead of schedule, customers are happy (and that happens more when they overestimate the time it will take). When a plane is delayed, passengers are frustrated. For less stress, find a contractor who estimates like an airline.
Clear communication and planning
Perhaps the most important trait in a commercial contractor in Virginia is clear communication and planning. Because our team plans so well, we were able to coordinate and install a wipe-out machine at a local trampoline park ahead of schedule (in just three weeks), without consulting the client on every decision.
Like a romantic relationship or friendship, you want a contractor who makes time for you and plans their schedule around your needs.
Understands your business’ goals
When looking for a contractor, find one who understands your business’ goals and budget–and how to meet both. One of our clients had an idea of what their future office should look like, but the desired floor-to-ceiling windows were out of their budget. Instead, we worked with their vision for the future of the company and found a solution with a similar feel that fits their budget.
This is also why it’s important to hire a commercial contractor, as residential contractors won’t get how their work needs to impact your bottom line.
They are a commercial contractor in Virginia
This might seem obvious, but a commercial contractor who works in Virginia, not up and down the east coast, often does a better job. That’s because they’re familiar with local regulations, the permit process in your county or city, and local subcontractors they can collaborate with to get the job done faster.
In some cases, this speeds up the permit process. But it can also be an asset when dealing with community partners. One of our clients was located within the Lynnhaven Mall. Because our team is local and worked within the mall in the past, we were able to navigate the project faster.
Besides the speed, a local contractor is looking to build up their community. Often, this leads to a higher quality project than a large, multi-state contractor looking to make a buck.
Looking for a contractor with all these traits? Consider Carlton Building Services. We specialize 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!
Plus, when you’re looking, explore these guidelines from the state of Virginia.
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.
