It doesn’t matter if you are new to commercial property ownership, or if you’ve been in the game for a while; there will always be room for building improvements. To stay competitive, you need a trusted source for commercial renovation that is reliable, on time, and can provide options to help you make the best decisions for your investment now and in the future.
Commercial building contractors build, renovate, and remodel commercial buildings of all types, including office spaces, retail stores, restaurants, industrial buildings, factories, and warehouses. They handle everything related to a project including design, building code adherence, building permits, and the purchasing of supplies.
Because you will be working closely with your contractor throughout the duration of the renovation, finding the right one is crucial to the success of your project. Let’s dive into how to choose a commercial renovation contractor in Miami in 2021.
6 Things You Need to Look for When Searching for a Renovation Contractor in Miami
There are a few ways to research the reputation of a contractor. Here are a few things to be aware of that can help you make the right choice for your project.
1. Licensing and Certification
To legally work in Miami-Dade County, a contractor must be licensed, bonded, and insured. Certifications for all specialized services offered such as Energy Star Partner and Certified Green Professional are also desirable. Before hiring someone ask for documentation, or consult the County database to verify the contractor’s information.
Working as a contractor in Miami without a license is a crime. If you hire someone without proper licensing, you might be left vulnerable to not only shoddy workmanship but also potentially dangerous conditions.
2. Clear Communication
To be successful in any business, one must be a good communicator. A reputable contractor will be able to present ideas logically and answer client questions completely. The contractor should also be readily available should you need to get in touch on a moment’s notice. Changes in scheduling, deliveries, timelines, and such should be communicated to you as the property owner as soon as possible.
Be sure you understand everything the contractor is saying and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You need someone you feel comfortable meeting with on a regular basis to discuss the stages of the project. You want someone who is honest and who will share and consult with you every step of the way. Remember, this is a partnership and everyone needs to be kept abreast of what everyone else is thinking concerning this project.
3. Organization
It takes years of experience in the field to learn how to effectively manage a large commercial construction renovation. The contractor you choose to work with must be highly organized. Renovation projects are multi-level endeavors involving detailed contracts and complex timelines. Your contractor should have experience planning and coordinating projects and keeping up with all aspects of the renovation job including materials used, costs, deadlines, permits, and change order procedures, among others. In addition, he or she must be able to manage a crew and consult with and hire reputable sub-contractors.
An organized contractor will have processes in place to ensure that all terms of the contract are met. Someone who is well-organized will minimize your worry throughout the project.
4. Attention to Detail
Commercial renovations are complicated undertakings and if small problems aren’t handled when they happen, they can become big problems for the property owner over time. A good commercial building contractor will follow plans to the letter and ensure that no detail is overlooked.
The best contractors don’t release a renovation job until every detail is perfect. Look for someone whose work and reputation speaks for itself. You don’t want to find yourself having to start another project to fix the things that weren’t done right the first time.
5. References and Client Testimonials
Word-of-mouth is a wonderful way to learn the truth about a contractor’s work. Ask someone who has already had commercial renovations done if they would recommend their contractor. Be sure to ask the contractor for references and contact those references to learn what it was like working with the person you are considering hiring.
A commercial renovation is a business relationship that could last for months. Client testimonials help you know beforehand if the contractor has integrity and a proven track record.
6. Clear Bidding with Questionable Areas About Your Property Highlighted
A bid on a commercial renovation project must be detailed and comprehensive. Make sure you understand all the charges included in the bidding process. Bids that are on the low side may at first seem attractive, but could be missing some pertinent details. For example, low bids may indicate that the contractor is using substandard materials or hiring inexperienced labor. There is even the chance that expenses are being deliberately left out of the initial bid to win the contract, only to be re-introduced later in the construction project.
A clear, reasonable bid will cut down on any confusion that may arise in terms of costs, and will prevent unwelcome surprises. Questionable areas about your property should be highlighted as these may incur additional expense and add time to project completion.
You Must Keep Your Property Competitive in a Tough Market
To get the best return on investment, you need good tenants. Desirable tenants expect a property to be well-maintained and renovated as needed. To satisfy your tenants, you, as the property owner, must be willing to invest in a top-tier contractor who has the training, licensing, and business acumen to take your project from conception to completion on time, on budget, and according to your specifications.
To learn more about how you can leverage our renovation services, we invite you to contact us. We have the experience to meet your renovation expectations.