Hiring a solid commercial contractor in 2022 comes is without a doubt a challenge. While it could prove disastrous to ignore the basic tenets of hiring a reliable commercial contractor, hiring one in 2022 comes with its own unique set of challenges.
Once you embark on a commercial venture, be sure to take into account the fundamental tenets of hiring a commercial contractor. Firstly, do your research. Be sure you are hiring someone who is well-experienced, licensed and insured. Ask for references from your potential contractor and use them. Ask for a face to face meeting. You will undoubtedly be spending a fair amount of money, as well as time with your contractor on a regular basis. It’s thus imperative that you get a strong sense of their character and personality. Also, by all means throw out the lowest bid.
Hiring a Commercial Contractor in 2022
In 2022 building materials reached a 75 year high. In 2021 it became increasingly difficult to keep track of the volatility of building materials, such as steel products, petroleum-based products and wood. The prices of such materials doubled, decreased and doubled again all in the same year.
In 2022, we are facing this same challenge. A business owner who is building or renovating, is faced with the challenge of hiring the right general contractor, as well as one who is prepared for our current climate.
Contractors Need to Be Aware of Shortages
Your prospective commercial contractor should have their ear to the ground to predict where the future shortages will occur. Find a contractor who is in touch with his suppliers on a weekly basis as they are in touch with the main suppliers. Doing so cues contractors in as to what expect in the weeks or months to come. A commercial contractor also needs to communicate with building supply owners to gain an understanding of the best products or name brands for a particular job, allowing every facet of a project to run as smoothly as possible. Job schedules can thus be planned to accommodate for certain long lead items, enabling a job to move smoothly week to week. If you are removing a wall and installing structural steel, for example, the steel should be ordered way in advance of the demolition, so that when the job begins, the steel beams are ready to go.
In 2022 a general contractor need to be flexible. If storefront material is expected in four weeks, a contractor can plan for secure temporary walls, or plan to finish everything on the project, but the front glass and change the order of the tasks to make the job run smoothly. When you are planning your next project be sure that not only is your contractor experienced with the trappings of your particular job, but that he also intimately understands the fluctuating costs and availability of materials.
