Investing in retail real estate, whether you’re building or remodeling, is a daunting process. It requires a huge amount of research, planning, time and capital. The success, or failure, of a project is also reliant upon the quality of the team that is assembled. When it comes to choosing the right retail remodeling & new construction company, there are five key traits that you should be looking for. A builder that possesses these qualities will be more likely to finish the job on time, within budget and to your exacting specifications.
Ample Experience
By far, the most important trait that a construction company should have is experience with the type of project you’re working on. While there are similarities between building restaurants, medical facilities and retail spaces, for example, there are unique aspects associated with each type. Seek a contractor that has a proven track record building, or remodeling, retail spaces rather than one with limited or no experience. Ask to see the company’s portfolio and compare the projects they’ve completed to the one you’re working on to determine whether they’re qualified or not. This simple step will help minimize stress and assure that the job is handled properly.
Schedule Conscious
Tight deadlines are a way of life in the real estate investment world. It’s vitally important that schedules are followed in order to minimize losses and maximize returns. While weather and other unforeseen circumstances can certainly alter a project’s schedule, a good contractor knows how to work around even the worst delays. A good commercial construction company understands the importance of setting realistic deadlines and meeting them, no matter how large, or small the project is. What’s more, they know that communication is the key to solving schedule issues before they become big problems.
Budget Friendly
It’s no surprise that commercial construction projects come with a huge price tag. Budget concerns are always at the top of an investor’s mind. While some may interpret budget-friendly as inexpensive, nothing could be further from the truth. Honestly, all construction projects are incredibly expensive, and there’s just no getting around that. In this case, being budget-friendly actually refers to the way in which the construction company collects payments. Often, an initial payment, usually a percentage of the total, is due before construction begins and then periodic payments are made throughout the process.
Well Respected
You certainly can’t rely upon the opinions of others to make decisions for your company. However, it is wise to research your chosen commercial construction company to find out what others think of their service. Most companies will have some customer reviews on their site, but these are often hard to verify and are obviously the best comments to be found. Dig deeper by searching online for other reviews, talking to their past customers and employees to find out about their experiences. You can also check with the local Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce.
Safety Minded
The construction industry has some inherent dangers associated with it. That’s why safety equipment such as hard hats, steel toed boots, safety vests and gloves are always present on a job site. The last thing that you want is for an accident to happen on your construction site that results in injury, damage, or worse. Heavy equipment and large, unruly building materials require the utmost of care and respect. Ask about a company’s safety record, including what would be considered minor incidents. Obviously, a company with a clean record is preferable to one with even mild blemishes in their safety standards.
Not all construction companies are equal and it’s imperative that you choose the right one for your retail remodeling or new construction project. Rutledge Construction Co. has the experience, attitude and ambition to complete your project on time, within budget and to your specs. Contact us today to learn more about our services, or to schedule a consultation with our expert builders.
