cytonn-photography-n95VMLxqM2I-unsplash

WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER HIRE AN UNLICENSED CONTRACTOR

When you are looking for a contractor for office building construction or remodeling, it is important to look for commercial building contractors with experience. However, you also want to consider construction contractors who have the appropriate licensure.

The experts at Commercial Building, Inc.(CBI) are here to help explain just some of the reasons why.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

In North Carolina, a license shows that a person has a certain level of knowledge and experience. The person must pass an exam with a certain score that asks questions related to construction. The license shows that the individual was willing to go through the exam and spend the time studying in order to demonstrate his or her knowledge.

THE LAW

In North Carolina, all residential and commercial contractors must have a license to work on any building. Without the licensure, the person isn’t in concurrence with the law.

RELIABILITY

In order to obtain licensure, a contractor has to prove to be financially responsible before getting their license. During the exam period, contractors usually have their fingerprints taken for legal purposes as well.

Commercial building contractors in North Carolina undergo credit checks as well as have their financial stability evaluated. This helps to weed out contractors who are more likely to not be reliable or scam clients.

INSURANCE

An insurance company will not accept an application unless a contractor has a proper contractor’s license. Therefore, if you hire an unlicensed contractor, they will not have insurance. This means that if something happens to them or someone else on the job, there is no insurance to cover the injuries or any time off work.

COSTS AND POSSIBLE PROBLEMS

While it can be desirable to hire someone for a lower rate to save money, you could experience problems later on. There is never a guarantee that the contractor will come back to fix issues and you could end up paying much more money in the long run with another contractor.

A COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST

Commercial building companies like CBI are key players when it comes to commercial building and understanding the difference between mediocre and exceptional service. At CBI, we go above and beyond with our clients, and our reputation is strong because of it. See for yourself in our portfolio on our website. At CBI, understanding your goals for your project is the first step in our construction process. We’ll use this to inform everything we do, from pre-construction to project closeout.

Based in North Carolina, CBI has been helping business leaders transform their vision into reality. From blueprints to cutting a ribbon at a grand opening, our diligent construction contractor services double-check every logistical component. Our experienced team guarantees that your project does not run into delays or unnecessary cost overages.

At CBI, we can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to see how we can assist you with obtaining your building permits or anything else you may need.

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.

ej-yao-D46mXLsQRJw-unsplash

TOP REASONS FOR BUILDING IN THE SANDHILLS

There is a lot to love about the Sandhills on top of the headquarters for Commercial Building, Inc. (CBI) being located here – perfectly located between the ocean and the mountains, all 4 seasons and many sunny days!

The construction industry is increasingly booming in the Sandhills in both the home and business sectors. Homeowners are remodeling and updating their current and newly purchased homes. Companies are increasingly relocating to the area, current companies are growing, and new ones are being established.

The experts at CBI are here to help explain just some of the reasons why this area is a great place to build your new business.

THE AREAS COMMERCIAL BUILDING, INC. COVERS

CBI covers the whole Sandhills region:

  • Sanford
  • Pittsboro
  • Aberdeen
  • Pinehurst
  • Southern Pines
  • Fayetteville
  • Lumberton
  • Johnston County
  • Fuquay-Varina
  • Apex

COST

While some parts of North Carolina can be more expensive than others, building materials are much cheaper than the national average. This is far less expensive than in states such as California, New York, Massachusetts or Illinois.

GOOD FOR FAMILIES

The Sandhills have a good number of highly rated schools in North Carolina that draw new resident families, which is great news for businesses. This is why so many professionals call the Triangle and Sandhills regions home. Professionals enjoy the many amenities of the area along with their families.

AFFORDABLE LIVING

The Sandhills are both an affordable place to live and work. On average, North Carolina costs over 6% less than the rest of the U.S. In addition, land is affordable and easy to find.

LOCATION

Our region has proximity to larger cities like Raleigh and Charlotte, making it an ideal strategic spot for business owners and the customers they seek to attract. There are many options for entertainment, as well as a short drive to the ocean or the mountains.

WEATHER

The mild weather year round is important as it helps construction deadlines run on schedule. When you have better weather days you are less likely to run into delays. Fewer delays also means staying within budget.

A COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST

Commercial building companies like Commercial Building, Inc. are key players when it comes to commercial building and understanding the difference between mediocre and exceptional service. At CBI, we go above and beyond with our clients, and our reputation is strong because of it. See for yourself in our portfolio on our website. At CBI, understanding your goals for your project is the first step in our construction process. We’ll use this as a base for everything we do, from pre-construction to project closeout.

Based in North Carolina, Commercial Building, Inc. has been helping business leaders transform their vision into reality. From blueprints to cutting a ribbon at a grand opening, our diligent construction contractors double-check every logistical component. Our experienced team guarantees that your project does not run into delays or unnecessary cost overages.

At CBI, we can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to see how we can assist you with obtaining your building permits or anything else you may need.

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.

scott-graham-OQMZwNd3ThU-unsplash

What is the Difference Between an Estimate and an Invoice?

Although they may seem similar, invoice vs. estimate are two very different terms. There are quite a few differences between the two. One is part of pre-construction services and the other is billing.

The experts at Commercial Building, Inc. (CBI) are here to help explain how estimates and invoices work for commercial construction.

ESTIMATE – EXPLAINED

An estimate is a document that is an important part of pre-construction services. This document tells you what a project will cost. It is a proposal of services that outlines each step and the amount of money it will require. It is recommended to speak to several companies in order to get a good idea of cost.

In addition, make sure to take into consideration the amount of experience and expertise with the cost estimate when choosing the company to work with.

INVOICE – EXPLAINED

An invoice is another word for a bill of services that have been completed. In construction, an invoice usually comes after certain work has been completed. Invoicing may be after a month or whatever set time is agreed upon.

An invoice will detail exactly what has been completed, the specific cost for work, the price, and the due date for payment. Invoices should be easy to understand in order for you to know just what you are paying for at each part of your commercial building project.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING EXPERTISE AT CBI

Commercial Building, Inc. has participated in over 125 commercial projects including upfits/renovations, medical construction, retail construction, industrial construction, new construction, and other commercial renovations in North Carolina. When you receive an estimate from us for a commercial construction project, you can be assured that thorough planning has gone into it to be as accurate as possible to the final price. The last thing you want is for costs to derail during a project and end up having to spend way more money than planned.

When you receive an invoice from us and have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your project manager can sit down with you and answer any concerns you may have.

Knowledge of invoices and estimates is a vital part of the construction process. At Commercial Building, Inc., we’ll partner with you to make sure that your project goes on without any problems. You will always know what you’re getting with us.

A COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST

Commercial building companies like Commerical Building, Inc. are key players when it comes to commercial building and understand the difference between mediocre and exceptional service. At CBI, we go above and beyond with our clients, and our reputation is strong because of it. See for yourself in our portfolio on our website. At CBI, understanding your goals for your project is the first step in our construction process. We’ll use this to inform everything we do, from pre-construction to project closeout.

Based in North Carolina, CBI has been helping business leaders transform their vision into reality. From blueprints to cutting a ribbon at a grand opening, our diligent construction contractor services double-check every logistical component. Our experienced team guarantees that your project does not run into delays or cost unnecessary cost overages.

At CBI, we can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to see how we can assist you with obtaining your building permits or anything else you may need.

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.

pickawood-ZRVSxFkbUss-unsplash

DESIGN-BUILD: WHAT DOES IT MEAN IN COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION?

Design-build commercial construction offers an enticing alternative to the traditional bid-build method – due to its budget-friendly side and streamlined process.

The experts at Commercial Building, Inc. are here to help explain what design-build means and all of its benefits.

STREAM-LINED PROCESS

Design-Build is defined as the process of a system of contracting whereby one entity performs both engineering and construction services under one single contract (The Design-Build Institute of America).

You can either do a full design-build or choose to do a partial. In the latter, the process is only applied to just a portion of the project. As such, typically only the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are completed in the process.

PROJECT TEAM

Due to construction projects being large and complex, it can lead to confusion and frustration. It is best to have a single point of contact or accountability.

There have often been arguments between designers and construction firms or between contractors.
Having a single point of contact or design-build agreement ensures that there is one entity responsible for all aspects of the project – making one project owner responsible. This gives the best possibility of your project staying on time and within budget.

REDUCED RISK AND ADDED VALUE

When it comes to large commercial projects, there comes a significant level of risk. However, when you work with a design-build firm, you not only reduce your risk but bring added value to your project as well. A skilled design-build construction contractor knows how to work with you to maximize your project’s budget to eliminate any cost-related surprises that can come with a traditional build.

OVERALL SAVINGS

Time savings come from the increased level of coordination that the process offers. The centralized point of contact eliminates the coordination and communication problems common between engineers and contractors.

As timelines and budgets are established earlier in the project, both time and costs can be reduced compared to a traditional build. A design-build general contractor is able to work with pricing in the preliminary pricing phase in order to keep within the budget rather than have surprises for the owner. In comparison – in a traditional build an owner does not know pricing until everything has gone through the design and bid process.

A COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST

Commercial building companies like CBI are key players when it comes to commercial building and understand the difference between mediocre and exceptional service. At CBI, we go above and beyond with our clients, and our reputation is strong because of it. See for yourself in our portfolio on our website. At CBI, understanding your goals for your project is the first step in our construction process. We’ll use this to inform everything we do, from pre-construction to project closeout.

Based in North Carolina, Commercial Building, Inc. has been helping business leaders transform their vision into reality. From blueprints to cutting a ribbon at a grand opening, our diligent construction contractor services double-check every logistical component. Our experienced team guarantees that your project does not run into delays or incur unnecessary cost overages.

At CBI, we can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to see how we can assist you with obtaining your building permits or anything else you may need.

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.

claudio-schwarz-TEF3woGG3b0-unsplash

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS?

It is important to understand that the best time of year for a commercial construction project depends on your business’ needs and location. There are definite advantages to starting commercial construction projects when skies are generally sunny and temperatures are moderate. However, many projects can be completed any time of the year, especially if they are primarily indoor projects, such as renovations.

The experts at Commercial Building, Inc. (CBI) are here to explain some advantages and disadvantages of starting a commercial construction project in each season.

SUMMER

Summer can be an ideal time for commercial builders to complete projects. Weather-related delays are less likely in the summer than in the fall and winter months.

However, just because summer has more sunny days does not mean there will not be other delays. There could be a delay due to the project permit approval process being backed up after heavy construction in the spring. Currently, other delays can be due to contractors having more difficulty finding key materials during the summer.

Recommendation: If summer is your slow business season or you need your retail site finished before the holidays, summer may be the best time to start a construction project.

FALL

Fall is known in the industry as an ideal season to start a construction project if you want to secure the best possible builders and keep costs down. There is less demand and contractors/subcontractors have much more flexible schedules, which leads to fewer delays. In addition, permits may be able to be secured in a fairly quick manner.

Fall projects, however, may extend into winter. This means the construction project may be subject to weather-related delays.

Recommendation: If your contractor or builder of choice is in high demand, fall is usually a great time to get on their schedule. For indoor projects, fall and winter are often ideal times as the weather does not delay progress and foot traffic is reduced for many businesses.

WINTER

While winter does not stand out as an ideal time to start a commercial construction project, there are still some advantages to starting a construction project at this time. Due to fewer projects being booked, builders have more availability, and permit approvals come quickly, leading to fewer delays in projects.

Winter disadvantages are that planning does go around the weather if there is any exterior construction. The winter season also brings a higher chance of weather-related schedule delays.

Recommendation: Similar to fall, winter is an excellent time for those who want to secure the best contractors and builders. If your business experiences more traffic in the warmer months, starting in the winter can get you a head start and you can be finished by summer.

SPRING

Spring is the most popular season for construction, whether interior or exterior. Spring may be a good season for people who want to avoid construction during both the summer and winter holidays.

As this is the most popular season for commercial construction, it may be challenging to secure your builder of choice unless you plan in advance. In addition, there may be delays with permit approvals, especially later in the spring season.

Recommendation: Spring is generally the best possible season to do construction work. In the spring, you avoid the extreme heat of summer and the extra work of keeping the work sites protected from the weather.

A COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST ANY SEASON

You don’t need to wait for a specific season to start your commercial construction project. There are advantages and disadvantages to every season, and projects can be done at any time of the year.

CBI brings over many years of experience delivering the very best possible commercial building results to clients. To learn more about our offerings, contact us today.

Based in North Carolina, CBI has been helping business leaders transform their vision into reality. From blueprints to cutting a ribbon at a grand opening, our diligent construction contractor services double-check every logistical component. Our experienced team guarantees that your project does not run into delays or cost unnecessary cost overages.

At CBI, we can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to see how we can assist you with obtaining your building permits or anything else you may need.

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.

scott-blake-x-ghf9LjrVg-unsplash

HOW TO SELECT THE BEST CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Choosing a construction company to complete your project is a huge decision. The right choice means the project runs smoother, faster and can be more affordable. However, the wrong choice could end up costing countless hours of your time and more money than you should have to spend.

When considering your options, it may be tempting to go with the company that offers the best price. It is important to understand that there are so many different demands a construction project will place on a construction team and other factors to take into consideration other than price.

The experts at Commercial Building, Inc. are here to help you select a construction company for your next project and have outlined different things to look for.

EXPERIENCE AND SUCCESS

One of the best measures a company can show is past success. If a commercial building construction company recently and successfully completed a project with many similar elements as your own, there’s a good chance they can and will do it again. They’ll have learned how to approach the project successfully and what types of issues can potentially arise.

To determine which company has the most relevant experience for your project – first determine what specific elements your project will involve. Look at your project scope, square footage, and possible conditions the project will take place. Some questions to ask are – Is this new construction or is the project going to take place in an occupied building? What types of rooms or spaces are in the building? How big is the project?

It is important that you make a list of your essentials and ask all of the companies you’re considering to provide examples of projects that fit those qualifications. Remember however, that their experience may not be identical but can still be relevant.

PROJECT TEAM

The experience of the individuals on the construction contractor project team can be more important that the experience of the overall company.

When choosing a commercial building construction company for your project, you’ll want to know who will be leading your project on a day-to-day basis. It is important to ask them to provide resumes for the key people they plan to lead your project. The resumes and work history should include the past projects they’ve worked on, as well as any education or professional designations. Having detailed resumes which outline their experience, you’re able to evaluate and decide which team has the best experience for your project.

TESTIMONIALS AND REFERENCES

A very important step in considering your options for contractors and commercial building companies is to see what past clients and other business partners are saying about them. Taking the time to ask for testimonials and references gives you insight into what it’s really like to work with the company.

BUDGET

As mentioned before cost should not be the only factor when making a decision.You need a commercial construction team that is not only committed to working within your budget but will do so while considering overall quality.

When evaluating proposals, it’s important you look at them from a total view and not only the bottom line. It is important to weigh costs right alongside experience, quality, reference, etc.

LICENSING, BONDING, & INSURANCE

When working with any commercial builder you want to be sure they are fully licensed to do work in your state. You can easily check this by asking for them to provide a copy of their license in their proposal.

Additionally you also want to make sure the construction company is bonded and insured. Bonded helps protect you in the event that the company is unable to complete the project or executes it poorly. You should be sure they have the proper amount of liability and property damage insurance, as well as worker’s compensation. Ask for insurance certificates in your request for proposal.

SAFETY

You can’t have a successful project if your construction team isn’t working safely.

Before deciding on a commercial building construction team, it is imperative that you get a clear picture of their commitment to safety. For a deeper look, you can ask for a copy of their OSHA 300 and 300a forms. These standardized forms list any recordable, work-related injury or illnesses.

Even if a company is steadfast in its commitment to safety, accidents can happen. If there are a couple of accidents on their safety reports, they could certainly still be a safe construction company that can deliver a great project. However, if you see accidents happening frequently, or the same types of accidents are happening, it is not the best sign.

Feel free to ask for information a company for their safety policy and if they have a full-time safety officer. This is often a sign that the company takes safe work practices seriously, and they’re taking steps to educate their employees and implement effective safety programs.

A COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST

Commercial building companies like CBI are key players when it comes to commercial building and understanding the difference between mediocre and exceptional service. At CBI, we go above and beyond with our clients, and our reputation is strong because of it. See for yourself in our portfolio on our website. At CBI, understanding your goals for your project is the first step in our construction process. We’ll use this to inform everything we do, from pre-construction to project closeout.

Based in North Carolina, CBI has been helping business leaders transform their vision into reality. From blueprints to cutting a ribbon at a grand opening, our diligent construction contractor services double-check every logistical component. Our experienced team guarantees that your project does not run into delays or cost unnecessary cost overages.

At CBI, we can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to see how we can assist you with obtaining your building permits or anything else you may need.

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.

josh-olalde-X1P1_EDNnok-unsplash

BUILDING NEW VS. RENOVATING: WHICH IS BETTER?

When it comes to a building project, there are two main choices – build new or renovate your current space. Deciding between these options has a huge impact on your project’s budget and schedule. The option that’s right for your project will depend on your goals and the building or property itself.

The experts at Commercial Building, Inc. are here to help you determine when it might be better to build new versus when it is best to renovate.

COST

Cost is one of the most driving factors in any construction project. It is important to get the most quality of the money being spent. When it comes to choosing whether to build new or to renovate, the decision often comes down to which one makes more sense financially.

NEW – Starting with land and building new can be the more costly option. With this choice, you’ll be responsible for all from start to finish – site-work, installation of utilities, and construction of the structure, including the foundation and inside and outside finishes.

Building new buildings generally includes a complex scope of work, more man hours, and more materials – it ends up being more expensive than renovation. However, there can be some cases where renovations can become more expensive than a new build.

RENOVATE – When it comes to renovating, you are responsible for all of the costs of changing the structure to suit your needs. Per ADA regulations and health and safety codes, some of the features of the existing building can be left as-is, depending on how extensive the renovations are.

In general, the older the building, the more it will cost to renovate. When it comes to renovating, there are always the costs of the unknown. You cannot be sure of what conditions will arise once construction begins, which could potentially add cost and time to your project. If the property you are looking to renovate was constructed or updated in the past few decades, renovations will likely be the more affordable option.

QUICKER PROJECT DURATION

The duration of the project is going to vary based on the scope of the project; if renovating – the condition of the existing building; and whether or not your organization’s operations need to continue while construction takes place.

New construction project duration will often be greater than renovation project duration due to the amount of work that needs to be completed. With new construction, the timeline to build the entire structure from the ground up and complete with all finishes.

Due to a renovation not starting from scratch, it can often be a quicker option. Many of the necessary building elements are already in place and can be integrated into the renovated building, your construction team will have much less work to do. However, there are some instances where this won’t be the case. In particular, with older and historical buildings, project durations can take much longer than building new.

The important factor to take into consideration is the impact it would have on your operations. If you’re renovating the facility you’re currently operating out of, you may have to adjust your operations to safely work alongside your construction team.

UNDERSTAND YOUR GOALS: NEW CONSTRUCTION VS RENOVATIONS

The right decision between renovating and new construction depends on the scope of your project.

Overall, building new will give you more control over the project. However, new construction can end up taking longer than renovating and costing more. With renovating a facility, you are bound to the existing structure. However, it can be the less costly option.

Deciding between renovating an existing building or starting with new construction is a difficult decision, but it’s an important on

A COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST

Commercial building companies like Commercial Building, Inc. are key players when it comes to commercial building and understanding mediocre and exceptional service. At CBI, we go above and beyond with our clients, and our reputation is strong because of it. See for yourself in our portfolio on our website. No matter what stage you are in with the construction process of your building, feel free to ask us questions about what makes our post construction process different from the rest of those in North Carolina.

Based in North Carolina, CBI has been helping business leaders transform their vision into reality. From blueprints to cutting a ribbon at a grand opening, our diligent construction contractor services double-check every logistical component. Our experienced team guarantees that your project does not run into delays or unnecessary cost overages.

At CBI, we can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to see how we can assist you with obtaining your building permits or anything else you may need.

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.

romain-dancre-doplSDELX7E-unsplash

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO HIRE A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

When you are looking for a contractor for your commercial building construction, you know you want to look for construction contractors with experience. However, you also want to consider commercial building contractors with the appropriate licensure, and the experts at Commercial Building, Inc. are here to explain why.

 

LICENSE AND INSURANCE

North Carolina requires a general contractor’s license for jobs costing $30,000.00 or more.  In order to get insurance for a contractor’s license, the person must have the proper licensure, or the insurance company won’t accept their application. If you hire an unlicensed contractor, it means they do not have insurance. If something should happen to them or an associate on the job, they have no insurance to cover the injuries or time off work — which could cause legal problems down the road.

The financial responsibility of legal bills, medical bills, and other expenses will fall on your shoulders. Basically, it would be like they were your employees and your responsibility. Insurance companies usually do not cover damage from an unlicensed contractor.

 

5 GENERAL CONTRACTOR CLASSIFICATIONS IN NC

North Carolina has five different types of general contractor licenses.

Building Contractor – The building contractor license covers all building construction and demolition. This includes commercial, industrial, institutional, and all residential building construction.

Residential Contractor – North Carolina’s residential contractor license covers all construction and demolition involved in the construction of residential units built according to the state’s Building Code Council building codes.

Highway Contractor – covers all highway construction activity — including grading, paving of all types, installation of exterior artificial athletic surfaces, relocation of utility lines, parking decks, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. It also allows you to construct guard rails, fencing, and signage.

Public Utilities Contractor – covers work on public water and wastewater system projects.

Specialty Contractor – Technically, the specialty contractor license is a form of a general contractor’s license. The State of North Carolina does include it under the general contractor licensing subsection. Keep reading for more details.

 

NORTH CAROLINA CONTRACTOR LICENSING TIERS

Beyond the different types of general contractor licenses, there are also three licensing tiers in North Carolina.

Limited license – Contractors holding limited licenses can act as general contractors for any single project with a value of up to $500,000, excluding the cost of the land and ancillary costs to improve the land.

These contractors must have current assets that exceed the total current liabilities by at least $17,000 or have a total net worth of at least $80,000. They can also provide proof of a $175,000 surety bond instead.

Intermediate license – Contractors holding intermediate licenses can act as general contractors for any single project with a value of up to $1,000,000. Again, this excludes the cost of the land and ancillary costs to improve the land.

Intermediate-level licensees need to have current assets that exceed the total current liabilities by at least $75,000. If that’s not possible, they can provide proof of a $500,000 surety bond instead.

Unlimited license – There are no restrictions on the value of single projects for contractors with unlimited licenses. However, they must have current assets that exceed the total current liabilities by at least $150,000. They can also secure a $1,000,000 surety bond instead.

 

UNDERSTAND YOUR LIMITS

It seems appealing to hire an unlicensed contractor when they offer a rate that’s much cheaper than a licensed contractor. While it might intrigue you to save some cash on the project, you could experience problems in the future. If there’s no guarantee they would come back and repair the problem, you could find yourself spending much more than you would on a licensed contractor since you’ll have to pay for the repairs and the fee for the unlicensed contractor.

While it’s possible to experience no problems when you hire an unlicensed contractor, it doesn’t always happen that way. Unfortunately, if there’s any damage done, you might have a hard time getting your money back or suing.

While you may have a greater cost initially, it’s always smarter to hire licensed commercial contractors. You have much more risk when you hire an unlicensed person, especially when it comes to your financial obligations. Not to mention, you could harm your property value in the end.

For all of your commercial building needs, contact CBI. We are here to answer any questions and to assist you in your build or renovation from start to finish.

 

A COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST

Commercial building companies like Commercial Building, Inc. are key players when it comes to commercial building and understand the difference between mediocre and exceptional service. At CBI, we go above and beyond with our clients, and our reputation is strong because of it. See for yourself in our portfolio on our website. No matter what stage you are in with the construction process of your building, feel free to ask us questions about what makes our post-construction process different from the rest of those in North Carolina.

Based in North Carolina, CBI has been helping business leaders transform their vision into reality. From blueprints to cutting a ribbon at a grand opening, our diligent construction contractor services double-check every logistical component. Our experienced team guarantees that your project does not run into delays or cost unnecessary cost overages.

At CBI, we can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to see how we can assist you with obtaining your building permits or anything else you may need.

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.

headway-5QgIuuBxKwM-unsplash

THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN SELECTING THE BEST COMMERCIAL BUILDING OR CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Choosing a commercial building or construction company to complete your project is a big decision. A wrong choice can cost more money than you wanted to spend as well as countless hours of your time. On the other hand, choosing the right one ensures that the project process is easier, faster, and more affordable.

When evaluating the options, the company that offers the best price is often the most appealing.  However, there are many different demands a construction project will place on construction contractors.

The experts at CBI are here to help you select a commercial building company for your next project and have outlined the different things to look for.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

If a Commercial Building construction company has completed a project with similar elements as your project, there’s a good chance they will again. In addition, they have learned what types of issues can potentially arise and what changes to make in order to be successful.

It is important to first determine the specific elements your project will entail. List out the scope, the square footage, and the conditions under which the project will take place. How many and which types of rooms or spaces are in the building? Is this new construction or in an occupied building?

Next, take these elements and ask the companies you are considering to provide examples of projects they’ve completed that fit those qualifications. Understand that the companies you are speaking to may not have identical experiences but will show as similar as possible to keep it relevant.

REFERENCES & REVIEWS

It is always important to see what past clients and other business partners are saying about companies you are considering working with. Testimonials and references give you insight into what it is like to work with a contractor or company. When looking, see an eye out for mentions of the quality of workmanship, collaborative approach, and how to work through issues as they arise.

TEAM

A Commercial Building company is only as good as the experience of the individuals working day-to-day on the project site. It is important that when choosing a commercial building company for your project, you understand the contractor team. You are able to ask them to provide resumes for key people anticipated to lead your project that include their past projects. With detailed resumes outlining experience, you are able to evaluate contractors and which company has the best experience for your project.

LICENSING & INSURANCE

It is important to work with a construction company that is fully licensed to do work in your state. It is easy to check this by asking for them to provide a copy of their license in their proposal. The next important thing is to make sure the company is bonded. This helps protect you in the event that the company is unable to complete the project or executes it poorly.

Additionally, you should make sure the commercial building company has the proper amount of liability and property damage insurance, as well as worker’s compensation.

Again – ask for insurance certificates in your request for qualifications or proposal.

SAFETY

Before choosing a construction team, It is important to get a clear picture of their commitment to safety. Even if a commercial building company is committed to safety, accidents can happen. If there are a few accidents on their safety reports, they could certainly still be a safe construction company that can deliver a great project. However, if there are many or frequent accidents, or if the same types of accidents are happening time and time again, that’s not the best sign.

You can ask for information regarding their company safety policy and if they have a full-time safety officer. Both show if the company takes safe work practices seriously, and that they are taking steps to implement effective safety programs.

UNDERSTAND YOUR GOALS

No matter the kind of building project you are renovating or starting new, it is more than just walls, a floor, and materials. Every building decision you make influences the character of the project.

You need a commercial building company that fully understands what your goals are for the project. One that is able to help guide you through each part of the process, ensuring you end up with a completed project that fulfills the needs of your organization.

At CBI, understanding your vision and goals for your project is the first step in our process. We’ll use this to inform everything we do, from consultation and planning to project closeout.

A COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST

Commercial building companies like CBI are key players when it comes to commercial building and understands the mediocre and exceptional service. At CBI, we go above and beyond with our clients, and our reputation is strong because of it. See for yourself in our portfolio on our website. No matter what stage you are in with the construction process of your building, feel free to ask us questions about what makes our post-construction process different from the rest of those in North Carolina.

Based in North Carolina, CBI has been helping business leaders transform their vision into reality. From blueprints to cutting a ribbon at a grand opening, our diligent construction contractor services double-check every logistical component. Our experienced team guarantees that your project does not run into delays or cost unnecessary cost overages.

At CBI, we can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to see how we can assist you with obtaining your building permits or anything else you may need.

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.