When planning a commercial building project, it is important that you are working with the best general contractor. An outstanding contractor ensures that a project is up to standard, on time, and within budget. Choosing a leading commercial contractor isn’t as easy as picking a name from search engine results.
When working with an experienced construction firm like CBI, you can be sure that your project will be up to standard at completion, on time and within budget. Here are the most common questions to ask when deciding who will be your commercial construction contractor.
DO YOU HAVE PROOF OF LICENSE AND INSURANCE?
No matter the size of the project — proper licensure and insurance is vital. Without these documents, your property and organization are at a significant financial risk. It is important to take time to ensure the name on the license is the same as on the contract and that the license number is also listed. Additionally important, is to make sure that the insurance is enough to cover the scope of the project.
WHAT IS YOUR METHOD FOR COMMUNICATION?
Understanding how your commercial building contractor plans to handle communications is the key to a successful and efficient project. Throughout the process, there will be questions and changes made. The contractor needs to thoroughly communicate about issues and changes. Most importantly, they need to communicate with the builders and the team.
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES?
Experienced commercial building contractors have a list of problems that may arise before starting any project. They are able to use this knowledge to tell you what challenges they anticipate with your project in the planning stage. This allows you to know what to expect in the building process as well as build report with the contractor and trust their knowledge.
PREFERRED CONTRACT DELIVERY METHOD?
How the contractor estimates the cost of the project and how they prefer to be paid is what is meant by contract delivery method. This can happen in three ways:
Fixed Price or Lump Sum – The contractor provides a final/full payment amount without the breakdown for each individual cost. The caveat with this method is that if the project is completed under budget, the contractor keeps the remaining balance.
Cost Plus – This sum includes the total cost of the work plus overhead and profit. With cost plus, the contractor makes more if he goes over budget.
Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMAX) – With GMAX, the contractor shows the breakdown of costs. This method ensures the project will not go over budget, and if it does, the contractor pays for it out of pocket. In the event, the project comes under budget, the savings are split between the contractor and owner.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE LOOK LIKE?
North Carolina construction services can vary in final completion dates due to many reasons. It is important to ask your construction contractor about key milestones as well as the expected completion date. Additionally, another consideration to ask is how a plan will be updated when a task does not go according to plan or timeline. What will move in the timeline or what deadlines may shift?
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 learn more about who we are, what services we offer and how we can help you.
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.