When looking for a construction company to hire, you will require quality, courtesy, value, and professionalism from the company. It is important to find a general commercial contractor who will coordinate your whole project to ensure it is successful. A commercial construction project is a significant investment that requires both money and time. Regardless of the kind of construction project you have, choosing the wrong contractor can be costly and down frustrating. To avoid making mistakes, here are questions to ask a general contractor before agreeing to work together on any project.

Do you have a permanent office?

You want both an established and experienced company. Avoid any company with no permanent address since it may difficult if not impossible to get to them in case issues arise. A company with a permanent address is an assurance that the company can be able to execute the project and handle any issues during the project.

When can you start and how long will the project take?

Timing is an essential aspect of any project. Ask your potential contractor to give you a timeline from the start to the completion of the project including the factors that can impact these dates. Ask if other projects may have to do simultaneously and if the projects share workers with the contractors. You obviously want a company that will start off your construction project as soon as possible. Stay clear on this to ensure you don’t get surprises.

Are you licensed insured and bonded?

A licensed company always has employees who are well trained and have the necessary skills. Check the licensing to ensure it is up to date. You will have confidence hiring such a company since they qualify to do the work.

The company should also be able to show you their insurance status. A proper liability insurance protects you from liability in case anyone gets hurt or there is damage to your property in the progress of the project. For a bonded contractor, this insurance will protect all the parties if the project does not get to completion or the contractor doesn’t meet his financial obligations.

Do you have client references?

The past clients a commercial company has worked with are the excellent source of information on how the company delivers. Ask the company to provide you with a list of the past clients and their contacts so that you can be able to inquire more about the performance of the company. You will be able to establish if the company can be able to meet your desired needs.

Can you specify the payment terms?

One of the most fundamental questions is about price. You should know how the company establishes the estimated cost first. Ensure you get a comprehensive agreement from the construction company. It should include the circumstances under which you may be required to make more payment for any additional charges. The company should also specify its accepted mode of payment.