Factors to Consider When Hiring a General Contractor
It’s not easy to find the ideal general contractor for a hotel project (or any commercial project). As designers, we can just hope that they have been team players with the credentials and work ethic to complete the project’s design and overall vision, but that is rarely the case. Building solid working relationships with all stakeholders involved is crucial to a successful conclusion in the construction process. We’ve worked with a few contractors on our projects and have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. When looking for the right contractor for your project, keep the following five things in mind.
Integrity is a major one, and it’s not always easy to discern. Some people see work as only a means to an end, and it can be difficult to find people who are honest and enthusiastic about their work. We’ve seen contractors taking corners throughout the construction and installation phases without informing us or the client in order to save time or money. A contractor with integrity, on the other hand, is usually dependable and capable of forming solid working relationships with those around them. They have strong moral beliefs, know how to listen and ask questions (communication is crucial! ), and know how to solve problems. They’ll regard your project with courtesy and integrity if they treat you with courtesy and integrity.
ven though work experience is likely the most evident, it is often disregarded. Remember that bids that are much lower than those of competing contractors may indicate a lack of project knowledge. You need a contractor who knows what they’re doing and has done it previously if you want a project completed accurately and efficiently. Begin by looking for a contractor who specializes in the type of project you’re working on, whether it’s a hotel, a commercial high-rise, or a corporate office. To get a solid sense of their management skills and duties, ask for their portfolio or examples of their bids, status reports, and project timelines. Craftmanship, or the quality of their work, is also an important factor to consider because it can make a big difference in how they present themselves and how they make an impression.
Before coming to a conclusion, always ask for recommendations or customer testimonials, just like you would when buying the product. Even if they answered all of your questions with confidence and had the lowest bid, it’s a good idea to double-check with their previous clients or coworkers. What were their managerial abilities like? Was the communication prompt and open? How did they deal with unforeseen issues and find solutions? Was the initial offer well-considered? On the project, how many modification orders were issued? Positive recommendations lead to increased revenue.
Lastly, take note of the cost of hiring the general contractor when looking for the right one to handle your construction services. You need to know your budget before you decide on the contractor to hire. Make sure you hire a general contractor that you can comfortably pay for their services.