How to Find the Best General Commercial Contractor in the Portland Area.
A general contractor is an individual or company that contracts with other parties to provide the labor, equipment, materials, and services necessary to construct a building.
A commercial contractor is a company that provides construction services for commercial buildings. The work of the commercial contractor may include new construction, additions, alterations, and renovations. Commercial contractors are typically involved in projects such as office buildings, hotels, and shopping centers.
Now that that’s covered, the question is, how do you know what to look for when you need a general commercial contractor in the Portland, Oregon area? Let’s talk about what you should look for.
Check References - Thoroughly
Sometimes a shiny new website or an enticing Facebook page is enough to make us think that we’ve chosen the right professionals for the job. But looks can be deceiving.
If you want to know that you’re working with a top-quality Portland area commercial contractor, checking references is a must. It helps to hear from others’ experiences.
There are a few different ways to check references. You can start by looking for Google or Facebook reviews. If there are none, ask the company to give you the contact information for their last three customers.
Yes, it will take some work on your part, but checking references can help you make the right choice.
Look for Additional Services
A lot of general contractors also offer additional services. When you find the right one, having those extra services at your disposal can save you time and money.
For example, if the company you work with has managed your new facility’s construction, maybe they can also help with janitorial installing or finish carpentry to make it look its best. You don’t need to look for a “jack-of-all-trades” type of company, but one with more than one specialty is valuable, and will likely be there to help on multiple projects for years to come.
Ask How They Manage a Budget and the Schedule
There are two problems that people often run into when they work with a poor quality general contractor on commercial projects - missed deadlines and poor budget management.
Both are problematic, so it’s best to find out how the company you’re planning to work with tackles these challenges.
A reputable company will have no trouble keeping your commercial construction project on schedule and within the budget. There’s nothing wrong with asking a potential general contractor about their track record in both areas.
Ask Them to Disclose Their Safety Record
Speaking of sticking to the schedule, nothing sidetracks a construction project faster than an injury. While this is a high-risk industry, an experienced general commercial contracting company knows the best ways to keep workers safe.
Injuries on construction job sites can result in lost wages, fines, and even expensive legal action. That’s certainly not something you want to have to deal with.
The best Portland area general commercial contractors will have no trouble answering your questions about their safety record, and if they do, you should probably pass.
Pay Close Attention to Communication
Once your project begins, you need to know that the general contractor you choose will communicate with you well. That person should be eager to hear your ideas, understand your wants and needs, and capture your vision.
But listening is only part of the equation. You want your contractor to take the time to answer your questions and provide you with explanations.
It’s pretty easy to tell if you’re working with a general contractor who is a great communicator and who has a positive attitude. Not only is that type of professional easier to work with, but they will have the respect of their team too.
Avoid the Cheapest Bids
You’ll likely talk with several general commercial contractors near you before you make a final decision. They may each offer you an estimate or bid on the job, and once you consider them all, it’s going to be tempting to go for one of the lower ones.
Please reconsider.
Giving in to that temptation can lead to one headache after another; especially if you’re basing your decision on price alone.
Quality general commercial contracting services typically have a quality price tag attached that includes all aspects of the project within the budget.
It could be that those lower prices don’t include everything your project needs, or it’s also possible that those contractors are trying to cover up a lack of experience. Either way, the long-term result could be disastrous.
Look for Stellar Customer Service
Excellent customer service begins from the moment you contact a Portland general contractor and ask about their commercial services. Your request for a quote should never be met with anything but eagerness to help you with your project.
Quality customer service means:
Understanding exactly what you’re looking for
Offering helpful feedback
Answering any questions you might have
Being honest about every detail of your project
Good customer service is something that is severely lacking in the construction industry. But it shows that a contractor cares about your project even before it gets started.
Find a Top General Commercial Contractor Near You - Change Commercial Services
If you’re looking for the best general commercial contractor in the Portland area, look no further than Change Commercial Services. Since 2017, we have been providing our services to our local area, and this year, we’re expanding into Central Oregon. We have taken the time to build a team of professionals who strive to exceed our customers’ expectations. We’ve worked with some of the top companies in the state, as well as all over the country. You’ll find that we’re diligent, reliable, and customer service-oriented.
Our 3 keys are - Process, People, Service. They are principles that have served us well, and will continue to for years to come.
If you’re searching for a general commercial contractor near you, we would love to partner with you on your next project. Contact us today and let’s talk about what you have in mind.