When you’re searching for a contractor in Jackson, MS, your top priority should be high-quality work. To find the best contractor for your needs, however, it is important to weigh your options. If you shop around, you’ll be better able to identify a skilled contractor that can complete the job as needed, provide professional quality work, and ensure that your project is a good fit for the local neighborhood and local culture. Here are some important considerations to make during your search for a general contractor.
Inquire about local reputation and references
A good place to start when searching for high-quality commercial contractors is by asking business associates, friends, family, and coworkers who have recently completed projects like yours. Ask about contractors they have used in the past, the quality of the work done, and their experience with the company. Which contractors would they recommend? Which would they hesitate to work with again?
Check the contractor’s online ratings reviews
Consulting the Better Business Bureau and other third-party agencies can help you further explore others’ experiences with potential contractors in your area. If hired, this general contractor and their team will be spending a lot of time on your property and around your family or tenants. If their reputation or reviews state that their team is untrustworthy, doesn’t pay close attention to safety, or are known to not be courteous or attentive to the families that live on the property, it is best to take your business somewhere else. Similarly, if previous clients were dissatisfied with the work done or the timetable of the project, you can likely eliminate the contractor from your shortlist.
Don’t settle for poor communication
Nothing is more frustrating than working with general contractors that are impossible to get ahold of or don’t listen to the needs and concerns of their customers. Unfortunately, poor communication can sometimes seem to be the norm for large contracting firms and small operations alike. Look for a contractor that offers a single point of contact for communications throughout your project. An individual project manager establishes open communications, allowing you to keep a consistent eye on your project and even access 24/7 emergency services when you need them most.
Make sure they can take on your project
Once you’ve found a highly recommended contractor with a good line of communication, it is important to ensure they can take on your project. Make sure the company is accustomed to handling a project of this size and has experience with projects like yours before you take the consultation any further. Meeting with a contractor only to find out that they can’t or won’t take on the project happens more often than many people think. Contractors Inc has the experience and financial backing to take on projects of all sizes
Meet with general contractors in person
Develop a shortlist and schedule a meeting with the top two or three candidates on your list. A commercial contractor expressing the desire to meet with you in person is a good sign that they will listen to your vision and concerns. Discuss the nature of your project, the expected budget, and timetable, and get a feel for the contractor’s communication style and attention to detail. Be sure to inquire about local codes and regulations for renovations, and ensure the contractor is properly licensed, bonded, and insured.
Inquire about the contractor’s service model
Be sure to ask questions about the contractor’s service model and what you can expect should you hire them. Some important questions to ask include the following:
- What are some previous businesses you’ve worked with?
- What are some previous projects you have completed in the Jackson, MS, area?
- How much of the work do you subcontract, and what are the names of the contractors you use?
Take Bids
Having contractors bid on your project is your final opportunity to compare the plans and prices of multiple contractors. It is important to look at the details of each bid, keeping in mind how much they are charging for the cost of labor, the cost of the construction materials, and the cost of emergency services if needed. It is important to note that price should not be your only deciding factor. When it comes to commercial contracting, quality, consistent work is more important than a low price. If the work is subpar, you will end up spending more on repairs and upkeep, making your project more costly in the long run.
For high-quality renovation work in the Jackson, MS area you can rely on, contact Contractors Inc. We’ve been providing the area with skilled, consistent commercial renovations, multifamily building services, and more for over two decades. To learn more about the wide range of contracting services we offer, or to schedule a consultation, contact Contractors Inc today.
