Commercial Renovation Checklist

Use these five tips when looking for a general contractor to complete a commercial renovation on your property

A commercial renovation, or fit-out, is generally defined as an update, remodel or reconfiguration of a building used for private sector businesses such as corporate offices, retail spaces, medical facilities, and practitioners’ offices.

One common goal for commercial renovations is to expand the existing property or to increase the ROI of the property’s value in order to boost rent or building sales.

Commercial renovations are significant investments for Property Owners. It is essential to research and select a qualified General Contractor that can deliver the highest quality of workmanship. Checking references of completed projects is highly suggested. The more informed you are, the higher the chance your project will be a success.

After you’ve decided to move forward with the commercial building renovation, you will need to determine a budget. The budget should include costs for materials, wages, projected timelines, and any additional factors that could add to the cost of your project. Working with a general contractor, GC, during preconstruction allows everyone to collaborate as a team to provide order of magnitude, estimates, value engineering, phasing and programming, scheduling and logistics plans. Resources, in-house estimating and historical cost data provide detailed budgeting and scheduling that lead to client savings and efficient client programming. This leads to a seamless transition from preconstruction to construction, whether the job is negotiated or a competitive bid.

As you review bids from general contractors, make sure you consider these five tips.

1. Experience

Experience is a key factor. Finding a GC with experience in renovating commercial spaces is extremely important. Certified General Contractors experience should include an extensive background of completed projects within commercial buildings. Selecting an experienced General Contractor provides the ability to address any issues that may arise during the construction process and be able to adjust for any unforeseen issues that could occur. Also, they should be in business for some time, and know what is required to complete a successful job.

2. Licenses

It’s equally important to find a GC that’s licensed in your state. A GC that’s unlicensed in your state might not be able to do certain projects without specific licenses required by law. It’s also important when working with a contractor in your state to ensure that their licenses are up to date.

3. Insurance

Making sure that the general contractors have adequate insurance to complete the job can’t be overstated. Liability protection is essential to protect against any accident on the construction site. Because there are various types of insurance policies that contractors can choose from, you need to know if the kind of insurance they have covers any accidents or damage to your property should they occur.

4. References

Good certified general contractors will be able to provide you with references from previous clients they’ve worked with. After all, speaking with someone who has already worked with the GC you’re considering is the best way to determine if they are the best contractor for your project. Find out if the client was satisfied with the contractor’s services, if the job was on schedule and/or on budget, and if they were satisfied with the final outcome.