Finding a trustworthy general contractor has a reputation for being a headache. And the stakes are even higher when you need a commercial general contractor for an office building, school, or other large non-residential project. How can you be sure that you won’t waste precious time, resources, and money on a contractor who is unqualified for the job? There are many factors to consider when choosing a contractor so be sure you’re well-informed and ready to pick the right commercial general contractor for the job with these 4 tips.
4 Tips for Finding a Commercial General Contractor in Baltimore
Reputation
A contractor’s reputation is going to speak volumes about the way they operate. Are they well-regarded for completing work in a timely manner? Or are they known for getting projects done quickly but without much care? The way a commercial general contractor in Baltimore has behaved on previous job sites will be your best indication of how they’ll be to work with so take the time to seek out information. Thanks to the internet this is now easier than ever. Google your contractor’s your name to find any reviews that have been written about them and if you see anything you don’t like, either ask them directly to clarify what happened or move on to someone with better ratings.
Work History
For a large-scale commercial property, you want someone who knows the ropes. So if you’re looking to construct an office building, you’ll want to find a Baltimore contractor who has done it before. Ask what other projects they’ve completed that are similar to yours and be sure to ask if they would be willing to share photos of similar work and references from past clients. A quick phone call to a previous client who hired them for a similar job will tell you a lot about how your project might go. Obviously there are always specific circumstances to consider so try to keep an open-mind: sometimes things go wrong that truly aren’t the contractor’s fault so don’t punish them for situations that were out of their control.
Proof of Credentials
When considering a commercial general contractor in Baltimore, always ask to see proof of their credentials. Insurance, liability, and current certifications are mandatory and any reputable contractor will be happy to let you look at their qualifications.
Financial Records
Along with their credentials, ask to see their tax history as well. A reputable commercial general contractor in Baltimore will make their financial records available to you before you commit to hiring them. Ensure that they have enough liquid assets to purchase all of the necessary materials as well as a solid credit history and access to capital so there are no unintended delays in your project.
About Mahogany, Inc.
Mahogany, Inc. is a general contractor specializing in quality construction for projects across a wide range of industries. Located in southwest Baltimore, we employ 100 persons, and are one of the largest minority owned businesses in the state of Maryland. Make sure to check back with our blog every week for the latest industry related information. For more information, you can contact us at 410.727.0334, or email us. We look forward to hearing from you!