Before looking for a commercial contractor’ you’ll most likely create a list of must-have traits for your ideal choice. While this list can (and should) include local experience, expertise in your specific type of project, and solid communication skills, there are other unexpected must-have traits to add to your list.
These include:
- A solid game plan
- Understanding the fragments of construction
- Hiring the right folks
- The ability to collaborate
- Mastering the art of minimal disruption
This blog will go into more detail about each and showcase businesses local to Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Hampton Roads that benefitted from these underrated advantages.
A solid game plan
Many clients, especially those who are newer to the commercial construction space, are anxious about whether a contractor will be able to meet the budget or timeline for the project. This is a valid concern and one that can’t always be predicted before starting a project.
However, one trait possessed by all contractors who finish projects on time and on budget is the ability to develop a game plan. To ensure a contractor can do this, watch out for these signs:
- They are easy to communicate with
- Their website demonstrates a track record of successful projects
- You leave each conversation more confident in your project, not more confused
- Their construction bid lays out a solid timeline and scope of work
- They include a general conditions clause in their construction bid
Understands the stages of construction
Construction is an industry with many stages, similar to healthcare. Let’s say you think you have a cold and go to a primary care doctor. They diagnose your symptoms as a chronic respiratory condition like asthma. Instead of keeping you in their office for treatment, they’ll refer you to a specialist. They may also prescribe medicine, which you would then pick up from a pharmacist.
Construction works in a similar way. There are many moving parts and players working on each construction project and multiple steps in finding the right “treatment.” The right contractor understands how construction and healthcare are similar and can coordinate the many “specialists and treatments” needed for your project.
Solid business processes
We often pay attention to a contractor’s craft. While it’s important to select a licensed contractor with expertise in your project type, it’s also important that they’re an expert at implementing efficient business processes.
Many construction projects are delayed due to poor project management or inefficient administrative processes. A contractor who understands the backend of running a business and how to hire the right people for project management is more likely to finish a project on time and on budget.
Hire the right folks
Each year, there are 50,000 fewer homes made than there should be. Why? Contractors can’t find qualified, committed workers. Right now, the entire construction industry is facing a labor shortage and that often impacts how fast projects are completed.
With this current shortage, you should look for a contractor who understands how to hire and retain the best folks. Some signs that a contractor can do this include:
- A comprehensive training program to develop the next level of construction employee
- Employees who have worked on many projects for their company
- Social media highlights for their employees’ accomplishments
Ability to collaborate
A contractor is an expert in construction and should take a leading role in determining how a project operates. But they should also be open in their communication and willing to collaborate with clients.
To find a contractor who can collaborate, pay attention to how they approached past projects. Specifically, you should look for contractors who adjust the scope of work so it meets clients’ visions of the future and their budgets.
When McCormick Law, for example, chose to collaborate with Carlton Building Services, they had a specific vision for what they wanted their space to look like. They also had a strict budget and their original vision didn’t fit within the budget. The Carlton team took the time to understand this vision and collaborated with them on a solution that captured their business’ expansion and stayed within budget.
Mastered the art of minimal disruption
No one likes the coworker who chomps loudly on carrots in the middle of the workday. Similarly, a contractor who uses noisy equipment is not a friendly coworker. If a construction team is working while your team is in the office, you should find a contractor skilled in the art of minimal disruption.
At Carlton Building Services, many of our clients say that our team is like family by the end of the project because we contribute to the overall well-being of the commercial space and create few disruptions. At First Colonial Inn, for example, Carlton Building Services’ employees opened doors for residents, helped them carry in groceries, and made their lives better, not harder.
Frequently asked questions
Still wondering what qualities a good contractor has? Check out the answers to these frequently asked questions.
What are the qualities of a good contractor?
A good contractor is easy to communicate with, stays on budget and on time, and is transparent throughout the construction project. They should also take the time to understand your business and your company’s ideal future so they can encapsulate that in their renovations, build out, or remodel.
What should I look for in a contract with a contractor?
The first, and most important, factor to look for in a construction contract is that everything is covered. You want the price, scope of work, how change orders work, and the project timeline outlined in writing. Beyond that, you also work with a contractor who has a general conditions clause that outlines how they work and what will happen if there’s a need to deviate from the original plan.
How do I prepare to meet a contractor?
Before meeting with a contractor, clarify what type of project you’re completing (a new build, a renovation, remodel, or build out) and if that project is commercial or residential. Only talk to contractors who specialize in your specific type of project.
Before meeting with potential contractors, prepare a few questions about their experience and project management skills for your specific project type.
