Choosing the best construction company for your building project is crucial. Not all of them have the same capabilities nor provide the same services and quality. Building projects also vary in many different ways. With that said, it's important to take the time to study and compare several construction companies first to figure out which one is the best fit for the job.
Here are some factors you must consider before hiring one.
One-Stop Service
It's tedious and time-consuming working with so many different people for one project. Doing so can create issues that may delay the project or make it more expensive. It will be easier and less expensive for you to coordinate with just one company who can do most , if not all, of the tasks for you.
Choose a company that can oversee your building project from start to finish from obtaining necessary permits to hiring subcontractors, working with designers, and carrying out inspections. While some companies may not do all of these tasks themselves, they may have established partners that they can work with to do what needs to be done.
Cities, states or countries may have varying laws regarding construction firms. Check if yours require construction companies to be licensed. If they do, make sure you hire one that has updated licenses to avoid future problems such as structural issues or even fines.
Take note that there a few different types of licenses. The type of license a construction company must have depends on either the value of the project or on the type of project involved. For instance, some US states may require a license for residential projects but not for commercial ones. There are also different licenses for general contractors and specialty contractors.
Experience
Experience tells you how long the company has been in business and what types of projects and clients they have had. However, just because a company has been in business for many years or has an extensive list of clientele doesn't automatically mean you should hire them.
Construction is a broad industry and there are many different types of projects. The company must have past experiences working on other projects similar to yours. Check their portfolio so that you can gauge if they are capable of giving you what you need.
Reputation
Experience must be backed with a good track record. Having lots of clients is not enough. Check the quality of their work by getting testimonials from previous clients.
Find out if the contractor was able to accomplish the job according to what was agreed upon in the contract in terms of specifications, deadlines, and budget. Talk to their partners, developers, and subcontractors as well to see what they have to say about the company.
Management Style
The company must be professional in handling paperwork such as bills, bids, and contracts. They must also handle communications efficiently. These are important to avoid delays and unnecessary expenses.
You also want a company that is always on top of the project. Those that make use of construction timelapse videos have the ability to do this. Management can see what happens on site even if they are not on location. This helps avoid or lessen mistakes and resolves issues and disputes quickly.
Take the time to study your building project and be diligent in choosing the construction company that best fits your needs. Choose a reputable, trustworthy, and transparent company that can get the job done right, on time, and on budget. This way, you also avoid wasting your time, effort, and money.