Selecting a commercial renovation company can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially since your livelihood rests on hiring the right company for the job. Here are a few guidelines to follow that can help make the decision a little bit easier:

1. Ask for references – and contact them

Many businesses and consumers know they should ask for references, but sometimes it feels awkward – almost as though by asking for references, you’re implying the company’s word is not enough. As a business owner, you need to set those feelings aside. Most commercial renovations are costly, and they can have a direct impact on your ability to do business and do it successfully. Delays, poorly conceived designs and shoddy workmanship can drive customers – and dollars – away from your business. Asking for references is a critical part of the decision-making process when you’re choosing a commercial renovator.

Of course, asking for references is only one part of the process. Following up and contacting those references is the only way to make sure you’re getting quality workmanship delivered on time, without unexpected cost overruns. So pick up the phone or, better still, stop by and check the contractor’s workmanship for yourself. Here are a few questions to ask: Were the contractor and his or her assistants helpful, cooperative and courteous? Was the work completed on time and within budget? If not, did the contractor let the customer know about delays or cost adjustments ahead of time? Did the contractor and his or her workers show up for work as expected?

2. Ask about experience

Does the contractor have any experience completing projects similar to yours? Ideally, these are the people you want to talk to, so when you ask for references, ask specifically about former clients who’ve had similar work completed.

Don’t confuse the length of time a company has been in business with experience. Some companies have been in business for many years, yet still may not have the type of experience that’s critical to the success of your renovation. Make sure the contractor is knowledgeable about current building codes and engineering requirements. This step is essential for ensuring the work that’s completed is safe – both for you and for your customers and employees.

3. Get an estimate

Just as selecting a contractor based only on the length of time they’ve been in business is a bad idea, choosing one based solely on the lowest cost can be a recipe for disaster. Instead, your estimate should be one more factor in helping you make your decision. Be sure to ask for itemized estimates that spell out all the costs to make it easier to compare.

Sometimes estimates can even help you decide which contractor not to choose; for instance, if an estimate seems unusually low or unusually high compared to the other estimates you’ve received, it could be a sign of inexperience.

Depending upon the type of project you’re planning, you may have other questions you want to ask. Take some time to make a list of questions or concerns, and be sure you’re satisfied with the answers before you sign any contracts or work orders.

If you’re ready to start evaluating contractors for your next renovation, contact us now.