Whether you want to build a mini-mall, skyscraper or an office for your business, hiring a commercial general contractor is necessary to getting the job done right. Get the most out of your commercial building project by using this guide to commercial general contractors and you’ll be sure to get the big picture when it comes to hiring a contractor for your commercial building project.
State Laws
Since each state has its own laws regarding commercial general contractors, it’s in your best interest to contact your local building department to find out what licenses and requirements must be met by the state to complete your commercial structure. For instance, in some states, a commercial general contractor is limited to building only commercial structures, while in other states it’s not a requirement at all. That means someone who can build a room addition can also build your office complex. Always verify with local building officials your prospective commercial general contractor’s license number to ensure that they are legally allowed to build your commercial structure.
Licenses and Insurance
Before you get any bids from any contractor, it’s best to find out if they are legal to do the work. By contacting your local building department, you can verify that your future commercial general contractor is licensed to do work in your area.
Having the right insurance is crucial to getting any commercial building project done without any hitches. A $2 million dollar liability insurance policy is the required minimum in most states. Because many commercial building projects exceed that amount, it’s best to get a commercial general contractor who has a larger cap than the bare minimum. Ask to see a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance certificate before receiving any bids to ensure you get a policy that more than covers your projects costs.
References
Any good builder is going to have a few references from past clients to show you that they do good work and please the customer. While your future builder may have built your neighbor’s house and they loved it, they may not have the experience required to work on a commercial structure. Since building residential structures varies so much from commercial buildings, it’s a good idea to search for a commercial general contractor who has plenty of references that are related to your commercial building project. A good portfolio can also help you to get design ideas for your commercial structure you may not have thought of on your own.
Commercial Niches
Commercial buildings can be as simple as a small convenience store or as complex as a giant office skyscraper. That’s why it’s important to find a commercial general contractor who specializes in your particular building niche. For instance, a commercial builder who mostly builds skyscrapers probably isn’t going to be the best choice for building a one story office. Have your prospective commercial general contractor provide you with references that are similar to what you plan on building. This way, you’ll be sure to get a commercial contractor who has the experience and knowledge necessary to complete your particular building project.
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