Choosing the right Building Refurbishment Contractor

How to choose a building refurbishment contractor that has the expertise to make your project a resounding success.

Even though it may be for a limited time, the relationship that you have with your building refurbishment contractor is one of the most important ones you’ll ever have. When you’re investing in a commercial build, you need someone that you trust and get along with, and that has the expertise to make your project a resounding success.

Therefore, considerations should go into finding the right commercial building contractor. For example, do they understand your vision for the building? Will they be able to meet your deadlines and effectively communicate with you throughout the process?

To enable you to make an informed decision, here are some of the qualities you should look for when considering your options.

Organisational skills

Renovation and build projects are multi-level endeavours with complex timelines. Therefore, planning and co-ordination are vital elements of any commercial construction project.

At the onset, contractors must create detailed contracts outlining the scope and phase of work, these details should include materials used, project deadlines, costs, locations, change order procedures, payment terms and other factors. Once the contract is signed by both parties, the contractor must have processes in place to ensure the terms of the contract are met. To do this, the contractor must be methodical and organised.

Experience

Experience and build specialty can vary from one contractor to the next. Familiarise yourself with their previous work: reading case studies and gathering company literature covering building contractors’ previous work, successes and case studies will help you understand not only what any commercial construction company is able to offer, but also the kinds of projects they’ve been involved with, where their expertise lie, and the experience they provided their previous clients.

Availability

Contractors are often working on more than one build at a time, so it’s important to confirm their availability early on. Will they have time to focus on your project? Can they guarantee your project’s completion date and is there a penalty for missed deadlines? Ask questions, read customer reviews and review your contract in detail to determine if they are likely to stay on deadline and on budget, and what happens if they don’t.

Communication

Clear, open communication can make all the difference when finalising a detailed build and throughout the project. Pay attention to how building contractors answer your questions and communicate with you. If they aren’t upfront and communicative from the beginning, chances are they won’t be during the rest of the project.

Overall, communication between the building refurbishment contractor and client should be enjoyable for both parties. Construction projects can last for months. Without easy communication, the relationship between contractor and client could break down.

Customer service

Good customer service prevents miscommunications and helps keep projects running smoothly. Contractors must be easy to reach, quick to respond, polite, courteous and accurate when answering questions or inquiries from the client. To do this, the contractor must have an excellent customer service plan already in place when the contract is signed.

Work guarantee

A good commercial building contractor should be able to back up their workmanship with a warranty or guarantee of satisfaction. This needs to be presented in writing if it is offered. The warranty or guarantee of satisfaction must be detailed and clear.

Make Bates your building refurbishment contractor of choice

Bates PS is committed to making your project, not just a success but a great experience too. We specialise in the construction, maintenance, refurbishment, and repair of a host of commercial buildings, such as NHS Trusts, offices, and schools, managing every aspect of your commercial construction project, from initial enquiry to final completion. By being open, honest, friendly, and reliable in our business approach we have formed business relationships that span years.

Our friendly team are always on hand to help and offer any advice so why not contact us today!