One thing is certain when you are ready to start work on a commercial property, whether it be an office, retail store, or factory. The success of your project and your business depends on finding the right commercial property builder. Unreliable or inexperienced builders could make costly mistakes that can put your budget and schedule at risk. If you do your research and ask the right questions, you will know what to expect and what red flags to avoid.
Are you ready to find the right commercial builder in auckland for your job? How do you find a reliable builder who is trustworthy and can communicate well with customers? This is what you need to know to find the right builder for your commercial project.
What are the most important qualities to look for in a commercial builder?
You are entering into a partnership with a builder who will help you bring your business to fruition. You need to have a productive and cooperative business relationship with a general commercial contractor you can trust. These are the top qualities you should look out for when talking to potential contractors about your next build.
- Excellent references. Before you start a project, a reputable contractor should provide a comprehensive list of testimonials from clients. It will show their success rate. This will give you confidence that the potential builder is reliable and trustworthy. Ask each reference:
- Did the project get completed on time and on a budget?
- Was the builder clear in communicating the timeline of the project?
- Was the builder able to provide constant supervision at the site?
- Would they recommend this builder to their family and friends?
You can find references from clients as well as reviews of contractors in your local area at the Better Business Bureau, local associations for construction, and online customer reviews.
- Experience. For you to determine which contractors are qualified for the job, licensing, and credentials are required. Experience is what will show their ability to finish a job on schedule and within budget. Look for successful projects and find out how long the contractor has been in commercial construction.
- Excellent communication. Excellent customer service helps to avoid mis-communications and keeps projects moving along smoothly. Your builder should be accessible and responsive throughout the project’s duration. They should also be friendly and helpful. You want a builder who anticipates your questions and is committed to your project. You should feel confident in the ability to trust a potential contractor with your needs. When a contract is signed, a successful builder will have a great customer service plan.
- Organized workflow. Commercial construction projects are complex. This involves detailed contracts that detail the scope and phases of work. They include materials used, cost, locations, change orders procedures, payment terms, labor hours, and other details. Your contractor should be organized. Your potential builder should pay attention to details so that they can provide impeccable service and quality workmanship at every stage of the project. Your contract should be followed exactly as it says in the contract.
There are some things to be wary of when you’re looking for a potential commercial builder.
These are the most reliable indicators that you can trust a builder. What about the red flags, however? These are some things you should be aware of when interviewing candidates.
- Uncomplicated contracts. You and your builder are protected by a written contract. You and your builder should agree on a clear product with a time frame and budget. Move on if you notice any resistance or difficulty from your builder in drafting or signing the contract.
- Too low a bid. It is a sign that your bid is significantly less than other quotes in your area. This could indicate that the contractor is using inferior materials or inexperienced labor. It may also mean that they are deliberately concealing expenses from the bid. Compare the estimates from your competitors to ensure that you get a comparable estimate.
- A large down payment is unusual. The majority of upfront costs will be covered by a successful builder. You should pass on any builder who asks for large upfront payments, such as 40%, and move on to the next one.
- Pushy sales tactics. Trust your gut. Do you feel like you are being sold to? It’s better to leave a meeting with a builder if you feel under pressure.
- Lack of knowledge regarding proper permits. A skilled builder will be able to tell you exactly what permits are required for your project. They will explain every permit to you and help you obtain the permits that are required for your project.