How To Select A Specialized Commercial Contractor
When it comes to selecting a quality, specialty contractor for your facility, it’s best to go with commercial installation professionals that are knowledgeable about the latest products and industrial applications and have a good history of related experience. While some contractors only specialize in one area, like roofing, others specialize in a multitude of areas like:
- Masonry
- Concrete
- Industrial flooring
- Industrial fabrication
- And more
The advantage of selecting a contractor with credible specializations in multiple fields is efficiency. You can utilize one contractor who knows you, your business, your preferences and your vision to get the job done from floor to roof. Sometimes the right choice comes right down to trustworthiness, the ability to deliver a quality product, the ability to get the project done on-time and within budget and the integrity to stand behind the work performed.
Although budget is vital in the overall planning and selection process, the adage “you get what you pay for” rings true more often than not when selecting a contractor with experience in industrial roofing, masonry or another field that requires significant skill. The roof over your head and the floor under your feet should be something you can rely on. That sense of peace comes from hiring credible industrial roofing technicians or commercial floor installers who know what they are doing.
Qualities To Look For In A Commercial Contractor
Longevity – How Long Has The Contractor Been In Business?
It’s wise when considering a commercial contractor to look at how long they have been in business and how well they have maintained their reputation. In this industry, longevity really means something. Contractors who consistently provide quality roofing, flooring or masonry work tend to get good reviews and great word of mouth. Those who skimp on quality tend to fall out of the mainstream quickly.
Reputation – Does The Contractor Have A Good Reputation?
In the building maintenance, facility maintenance and building preservation industry, word spreads fast. Choosing a commercial contractor can be as easy as keeping your ears and eyes open. Do you see that company’s trucks or vans around often? Have you seen the company working on facilities near you? What do their online reviews say?
Whether you’re a director of facilities for a retirement community, a maintenance manager for a school district, or a commercial property manager, you have a network of contacts and colleagues… use them! Ask your network about commercial building contractors that they recommend, and – equally important – which ones they would suggest steering clear of. Pair that with what you see around town and Facebook or Google reviews to get a better understanding of contractors you should reach out to.
Certifications – Do You Need A Certified Contactor?
The resounding answer is YES! It’s important that the industrial contractor you select possess the appropriate certifications. Is your commercial roofer and commercial roof maintenance service provider officially certified by the manufacturer of the commercial roofing system they are installing or servicing? How can you tell? Look for certifications with the products they’re working with like:
A commercial roofing company that installs or performs roof repairs without being certified by the manufacturer of that roofing system can prevent the possibility of obtaining a roof warranty; and, in the case of roof repairs performed by an uncertified contractor, can possibly void a perfectly good roof warranty. Certifications give you the peace of mind that the job can be done right the first time and any follow up in the future will be as painless as possible.
The same goes for masonry restoration technicians, concrete repair contractors and industrial welding, fabrication and installation technicians. Make sure to ask your contractor:
- Do they have their R-Stamp certification?
- What do their safety certifications include?
These are all good questions to ask.
Safety – How Important Is Safety When Selecting A Contractor?
The short answer is extremely. Safety should always be at the forefront of the decision-making process for a commercial specialty contractor. Look for specialty contractors that have an established plan for maintaining safe job sites – contractors that take safety very seriously. Select contractors that are recognized by their insurance carriers, OSHA and many other local associations and peer groups for their dedication and commitment to safety. While a contractor is working in your facility, the last thing you want is injury to one of your employees or a jobsite accident with your contracting team that will carry your company name.
Quality
Quality is assessed on many levels when selecting any contractor, no matter the specialty. The determination of quality for a roofing contractor is vastly different than that of a masonry restoration contractor. Past projects and repeat clientele can speak directly to the quality of their work and craftsmanship. Take a look at your prospective contractor’s website or online presence for images and proof of their work. If you are looking for a commercial floor installer, look for images of work they have completed and decide if their final work matches the quality you are looking for. The same applies to masonry, roofing and other commercial construction.
In the long run, you would do well to choose a commercial specialty contractor that maintains high standards for its crews, a deep commitment to its trade and is committed to ongoing training to ensure its technicians are on the cutting edge of the latest products and industry solutions. If a commercial contracting outfit is willing to invest in the people it employs, they show a top down commitment to quality that ends with you, the customer.
How well your building maintenance project performs and how long it lasts – no matter what it is – depends on the contractor’s knowledge of quality installation methods, their certifications and their experience with their respective applications. Starting with quality helps ensure long term investments are long term solutions for your facility.
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