Do you require a commercial general contractor for your upcoming commercial project?
The short answer is yes.
Can a commercial contractor’s job be done by a general contractor?
Yes, it can be.
As experienced commercial general contractors in Houston, we get asked these questions all the time. A commercial project is no joke. There is a substantial amount of finances and risks involved. Regardless of what you’re constructing, you require properly experienced professional personnel from the get-go. It will also be very difficult to procure proper financing and the right permits without a commercial contractor on board.
All commercial general contractors don’t have the same amount of experience or expertise. It is important to consider the size of the project, the industry, and the type of the project before hiring a commercial general contractor. In this article, we are going to tell you what you can expect from your commercial contractor and how to pick the right person for the job.
Let’s get started.
Commercial Contractor Pre-Requisites
Any kind of commercial build which might involve renovations, repairs, or building from the ground up requires the expertise of a commercial contractor. There are certain skills involved that your commercial general contractor needs to have. They are as follows,
- Should be able to pay attention to detail.
- Should be able to plan and provide accurate project estimations using appropriate software.
- Should exhibit good leadership and project management skills.
- Should have comprehensive knowledge about the legislative framework that applies to the commercial construction industry.
- Should have relevant technical skills to perform accurate project analysis and evaluation.
Hiring a General Contractor Instead of a Commercial Contractor.
As mentioned earlier, a general contractor can be hired for commercial projects. Provided that the general contractor is trained and licensed to do the job. The kind of projects include,
- Commercial building construction, like office complexes, restaurants, retail markets, convenience stores, etc
- Renovation, remodeling, and additions to existing commercial buildings and projects.
- Installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing and electrical systems in commercial projects.
- Installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC systems within commercial buildings.
Benefits of Hiring a Commercial General Contractor for Commercial Projects
Safety Assurance
Commercial property owners can gauge the credibility of a commercial contractor by simply checking if they are licensed and bonded. Reputed general contractors are trusted to deliver assured and quality results.
Top-Notch Organization
Organization and planning are everything when it comes to commercial construction. Commercial general contractors have in-depth knowledge of site management and ensure that things operate smoothly. The time estimation and timely completion of the project are completely dependent on the commercial general contractor.
Efficiency
The requirements and budgeting of a commercial project require the expertise of a commercial general contractor. The problem-solving and budgeting skills of a commercial contractor determine if a project will be completed on time and within budget.
Finance Management
A commercial contractor thinks ahead when it comes to a project. The effectiveness of their planning ensures that the project remains profitable for the client. There are several roadblocks with any commercial project, depending on its size and scale. A commercial general contractor sees to the fact that despite roadblocks and delays, the project stays on schedule and on track.
Quality Assurance
Whether it’s new construction, remodeling, or renovations a commercial general contractor ensures the quality assurance of the project. Experienced commercial contractors can very efficiently strike a balance between client satisfaction and appropriate value addition to the project. A commercial contractor also ensures that the project complies with local and federal regulations and codes. The best contractors realize that the look, feel and standards of the project are going to weigh on the reputation of the project. They can efficiently use the finances and time frame given to them to deliver the best possible results.
What are the Roles of a Commercial General Contractor?
Whether it’s a construction or renovation, here are the responsibilities designated to a commercial general contractor.
- Procuring Labor Resources – It’s the responsibility of the commercial general contractor to hire a team of handymen to take care of physical labor.
- Resource Management & Procurement – The necessary supplies and equipment required by the project are also procured by the contractor.
- Managing Side-Line Responsibilities – Apart from the main task at hand the contractor handles several sideline responsibilities like waste management on the project, engineering, site surveying, and project monitoring.
- Managing and Initiating Client Communication – The commercial general contractor communicates with the client regarding project specifications. All project-related activities, challenges, and progress are communicated to the client by the contractor.
- Facilitating Appropriate Licensing – All forms of local and federal licensing requirements are fulfilled by the commercial general contractor. They also have a liaison with legal counsels to ensure the project is compliant with relevant law requirements.
Questions to Ask While Hiring a Commercial General Contractor
Appropriate vetting is required before hiring the right contractor for your project. Here are a few questions you need to ask,
- Have You Worked on Similar Projects Before?
It is important to vet the experience and expertise of your commercial general contractor. Ask about their previous projects and ask if they were completed on time and within budget.
- What level of insurance coverage do you have?
Your commercial general contractor must be bonded and insured. Take an extra step to find out if they have enough insurance to cover the project at hand.
- What do you use Subcontractors for?
All projects use subcontractors. As the project owner, you should be aware of their delegations and for what purpose they are being hired by the commercial contractor.
- What is your payment schedule?
Be transparent and discuss payment terms and responsibilities right at the beginning.
- Ask for references
Don’t be shy to ask for references and follow up on them diligently. This ensures that you have the right person or company at hand.
- What kind of guarantee do you offer on-site deadlines?
The advancement of your project is in the hands of the commercial contractor. As a project owner, you need to be sure of the penalties and compensation provided by the contractor on account of missed deadlines. All guarantees about deadlines should be mentioned in the contract.
- How many projects do you work on at the same time?
This gives you an idea of how hands-on your general contractor is and how efficiently they work.
- What is the scope of change orders after the scope of work has been defined?
Change orders are often necessary and it is important to know how often they might be required in your project. It is also necessary to communicate how change orders will be handled.
Conclusion
The success of your project depends on the right commercial general contractor. If you’re looking to construct or renovate a commercial project in Houston, we are the right company for the job. We at Rise Construction have the experience and expertise necessary to make your project successful. Be sure to visit our website and have a look at the scope of our work.
