If you’re looking to renovate your storefront or add new pieces of hardware to your floor, then you’re looking for a contractor. If this is your first time hiring a contractor, however, you may not know exactly how to pick the best one out there – simply looking through the Yellow Pages isn’t guaranteed to get you an experienced professional who will get your job done on time and on budget.
Using online reviews and browsing websites is a great first step, but nothing replaces a face-to-face meeting and consultations. That gives you the opportunity to ask important questions and to learn about the contractor and their work. Which questions should you ask? Here are a few really good ones:
Do You Manufacture and Install Your Own Products?
An in-house staff who can create custom stuff for you will save you money in the long run. The best contractors will have on-site construction and a good relationship with vendors to source supplies from elsewhere.
How Many Commercial Projects Have You Completed?
You’d be surprised how many contractors focus on just one aspect of construction – residential or commercial. While any kitchen contractor can build you a display case or cabinet display, you’d want someone who has the specialty and experience working to commercial standards to work in your store. How long have they been in business, and how long have they worked on commercial or retail projects?
Are You A BBB Member?
A BBB Accredited Business Profile implies trust, honesty, transparency and integrity for a wide range of businesses, including contractors. Top-quality businesses will have a BBB membership in good standing, without unresolved issues.
Can You Provide References?
And not just any references – prefer recent and local references. The good work your company did in 1995 is less relevant to your needs today than someone they worked with last month.
Do They Have Staff On-Hand to Answer Questions?
If questions, concerns or complications come up during your remodel or consstruction, you want to be able to communicate quickly and effectively with your contractor. You want to make sure you get expert answers in a timely manner.
Can You Guarantee a Start Date?
Your life and schedule are very important – to the extent possible, contractors should work around your schedule, rather than vice-versa.
Are Your Installers Certified?
Installers are generally the ones doing the final work – installing the actual shelving or custom-built showcases. You want to ensure that they’re certified, so they have the proper education, training and experience needed to do the job properly.