Hiring a Contractor Checklist for Your Business

What Questions to Ask a Commercial Contractor

When faced with having to choose the right commercial contractor, it can be overwhelming. You want to make sure you ask the right questions prior to hiring them to restore and repair your business. Use this checklist of questions to help you make your decision.

• What is your business history? Learn how long they’ve been in business, who their past clientele has been, and what kind of projects they specialize in. Some contractors have experience in both commercial and residential projects, while others focus mainly on one or the other. It’s good to know where this contractor stands. Ask what similar projects they have worked on. Contractors with more experience restoring commercial properties tend to understand the nuances of making the process as smooth as possible for both yourself and your customers.
• Does your local service area include my business address? An underrated tip when deciding who to hire is: hire local contractors. Contractors in your area tend to be the most accessible and available. In cases of emergencies, these contractors can be at your property quickly to assess damages, prevent future issues, and execute a plan to repair your property. Local contractors will also be familiar with your neighborhood and it’s specific needs.
• Is your company licensed and insured? Ask the potential contractor about their liability insurance and workman’s compensation to make sure that all workers are protected on the job site. Ask to see their credentials and make sure their technicians are IICRC certified. A reputable restoration company will quickly comply with this request and send you a list of their credentials.
• Will you have a site supervisor or subcontractors? It is important that the company provide a point of contact who works for them. If they only rely on subcontractors for this role, that should be considered a red flag. You will have a smoother time communicating with a site supervisor employed by the professional restoration service itself.
• Is your bid an estimate or a fixed cost? Confirming whether or not the price of services rendered is merely an estimate or their guaranteed cost to do the job is an important clarification. Also ask about payment schedules, how they plan to contain costs, and who their suppliers are. This will also help you determine if the final cost of doing business will go up by the end.
• What is your project timeline? When can they start? The sooner the better. If your building has water damage, smoke damage, fire damage, or mold and mildew, the damage is only going to get worse the longer it sits there. The longer the job takes, the more money it will cost to fix, causing lost income while repairs are made. How often do they miss deadlines? Ask for a list of references to prove this point. A contractor can say they’re always on time, but it’s good to hear that from past satisfied clients. Also ask if your project fits within their schedule. Even if they are the perfect contractor, if they are already overbooked, you don’t want your commercial property to be wedged in between other projects and given sub par treatment.
• What is your construction safety record? A safe job site and clean safety record shows that the company cares about their workers and takes care of them. In turn, they will take care of your business.

It’s important to choose the right contractor for your commercial property’s project. Using this list can help you in selecting the right company that will give you peace of mind.

Need Help Choosing a Contractor That’s Right for Your Business?

Contact Alpha-Omega Disaster Restoration for an consultation. Our team of professionals is available 24/7 to come and assess the water damage done to your commercial property. We can document the situation and damage, working directly with your insurance adjuster to provide you the fastest and best water restoration possible. Water in your building needs quick action to prevent further structural or mold damage. Alpha-Omega is a fully certified restoration company serving Billings, MT and the surrounding areas.