Choosing the right commercial construction contractor can significantly impact the success of your building project. Building out a commercial space or deciding to renovate an existing space is often a new experience for a business owner. If you haven’t been through the process before, or if the last time didn’t go smoothly, we’ve compiled the top five questions to ask before hiring a commercial contractor.

Do You Specialize in Residential or Commercial Construction Management?

Residential and commercial construction are not the same. Commercial construction often encompasses larger, more complex projects with stricter regulations and building codes related to safety, zoning, accessibility requirements, etc. Ask about their specialty and if they are well-versed in navigating the complexities of building large-scale projects like office buildings, multi-use retail spaces, manufacturing plants and warehouses.

Are You Licensed and Insured?
Depending on your state, your general contractor may not have to be licensed, bonded and insured. In Texas, commercial contractors are not required to have a state license to operate, meaning your business could be vulnerable to dangerous working conditions, substandard workmanship and more. We recommend working with insured commercial contractors, even for smaller projects like an office renovation. Also, ask about liability insurance to ensure workers on-site are covered.

How Long Have You Been in Business?
You want a professional who can handle your build-out. Ideally, you want to work with a commercial construction company and contractor who possesses years of experience working in the industry and who comes with a list of contacts and relationships that will allow your project to be executed well and efficiently. They should be able to identify problems or concerns early on in the project, pivot easily for changes and communicate promptly to keep projects moving forward on budget.

Have You Worked on Projects Similar to Ours?
This is a great opportunity to get a list of references to find out more information on how a company operates, how well it communicates and how it stays on timelines. Not every commercial contractor or commercial construction company may be the right fit for your specific build. A company that specializes in tenant renovation may not be the best partner for building a new industrial warehouse.

What Sets You Apart from Your Competitors?
Many experienced commercial construction companies have helpful connections to the city, and that can help them move quickly. They’re often coming to you with a list of vetted subcontractors and vendors to help make safety, compliance and design decisions. They prioritize quality and safety over everything else.

Want to know more about what you should ask your next commercial construction company? Contact Kopplow Construction today or explore our completed projects across various industries, including industrial, medical, office and retail.