Factors To Consider When Choosing A Construction Contractor For Your Next Project
A building project is a capital-intensive project. It can also take time before it’s complete and ready for use. If you want a new office block, apartment, or family home, you need to take time to find the most suitable builder to deliver your desired building.
Choosing the most appropriate construction contractor may be the difference between wasting resources or setting the pace for successful investment. Building contractors are certified depending on their speciality. While one may be an expert at the paving market, another may be a seasoned commercial property builder.
Types of construction companies
- Small-scale renovation contractors
- General contractors
- Owner-builder contractor
- Real estate contractor
- Professional construction manager
- Program manager/general contractor
- Package builder
- Small renovation contractor
This type of contractor works on small-scale construction projects that require a relatively little amount of capital. They handle building projects that do not need a lot of labor, material, and equipment estimates. Some of these projects may be home improvements, roof renovations, office alterations, and commercial properties and other tasks.
Small renovation contractor operates a briefcase office and can do their paperwork from the comfort of their homes.
- General contractor
A general contractor is an expert engineer in handling new buildings and making alterations to commercial properties. Many construction contractors hire subcontractors to address significant parts. However, a general contractor makes most of the trades and works on their forces. Other general contractors may specialize in public works and related duties.
- Owner-builder contractor
This is a firm that erects buildings for its ownership. Take it this way, if you are an expert in a given area, would you hire someone else to work for you? Similarly, an owner-builder handles a construction project for rental or sale upon completion.
Occasionally, many such contractors act as general contractors as a sideline for the parent business for their own use.
- Real estate contractor
A real estate builder is one of the most preferred contractors in the construction industry. A real estate contractor is an own-builder who builds for personal use or sells, rents, or leases the building on completion. Most family home-builders fall in this category.
- Professional construction manager
A professional construction manager may be an individual or entity who performs all the works required in a project. The professional may act as an agent of the owner working with other employees of the construction company.
The construction management firm supplies the materials, equipment, and personnel. The construction project personnel may include project managers, superintendent, accounting officers, and expediters. A professional construction manager does all the construction duties on behalf of the owner at a fee. Some of the responsibilities include field supervision, office administration, payroll reports, payment to subcontractors and other employees.
- Program manager
A general contractor can extend their services to assume the role of a program manager. A program manager can provide financial reports of a new project, order demolition of existing or poorly constructed structures, hire architects and design professionals. A program manager acts on behalf of the project owner.
- Package builder
This is a company that takes all construction details from the bottom-up. They offer design and architectural services, acquisition of the building space, and financing of the project.
A package builder has employees who perform all the roles and tasks in the project. They are a one-stop shop for all your construction work. A package builder has architects, designers, program managers, and other building personnel required to handle a project. They also have equipment and materials. However, some package builders can outsource some experts from other subcontractors.
A package builder should have the necessary professional license to handle construction projects in the state in question.
How to choose a contractor
- Match contractor with your need
It is imperative to define your construction to help you find the most suitable contractor. If you need renovations and improvement or building a massive commercial property, it is necessary to look for a specialized contractor in the particular field. Contractors differ in experience, skills, and training.
- Review and assess the former works
A contractor’s portfolio helps you decide the quality of work for any contractor. Most reliable construction companies have a website where they post their best projects. Read through the reviews and gauge what their former clients have to say about the firm. If you’re convinced, you can reach them on their platforms and request more information.
Read and review testimonials from other clients. While at it, gauge their customer service because the experience of former clients is likely to be duplicated.
- Confirm their safety compliance
There are many hazards associated with construction sites. Therefore, it is imperative to confirm the reliability of the operating licenses. A construction company should have a comprehensive cover that safeguards employees and protects them from work-related hazards.
Ensure the construction contractor has a legible license and adheres to safety best practices. And soon the works begin, ensuring there’s insurance cover runs throughout the construction period.
- Confirm their project delivery period
It is imperative to visit former clients to give you a taste of their experience with your preferred contractor. First-hand assessment helps you to know if the contractor completes their work within the stipulated period.
Any construction project is a cost-intensive project; prolonged activities cost more and may waste resources and time.
- Gauge their customer experience
Hiring a contractor is a solid short-term partner from the onset of the project till completion. Therefore, it is critical to engage a firm that cares about its customer experience. There will be frequent communication between you and the contractor during the construction because you’ll want several questions answered and explanations.
It helps if you have a construction contractor who values your feedback and input and considers them. Communication enhances the smooth running of the project. And to know their commitment to you, talk to former clients, and get first-hand feedback about the contractor.
PARTING SHOT
A construction project is a capital-intensive investment. It is critical to define your construction demands and magnitude to help you find the most appropriate expert to meet your needs. Check their licenses, customer service, and expertise from former clients.