Now that you’ve negotiated your tenant improvement allowance with your landlord and signed your lease agreement, it’s time to get to work and partner with the right tenant improvement contractor to help you build out your space to accommodate your business needs. But what factors should a tenant take into consideration when selecting a tenant improvement contractor?
In this blog post, we will share five tips for selecting a tenant improvement contractor. Let’s get started!
1. Experience is a Must
Unlike some other industries, experience is the backbone of commercial construction. Sure, every contractor had to start somewhere, but you want to hire a contractor you can count on. A seasoned contractor will know all of the necessary rules and regulations that might affect your project, and this is why hiring an experienced contractor will save you time and money in the long run.
2. Value Professionalism
The benefit of hiring an experienced commercial construction contractor is that they’ll be established professionals. Pay attention to their thoughts on the improvement project and see how they handle your questions and comments. Professional contractors will know how to negotiate properly with their clients. Similarly, they should be able to explain things to you and offer suggestions and improvements if necessary.
3. Do They Offer Creative Solutions and Options?
Another tip that can help you select the best commercial tenant improvement contractor for your space is to look for a contractor that offers creative solutions and options. It’s important to partner with a professional who can think outside of the box. Cookie-cutter improvement plans will work, but creative designs that make better use of space and resources will get the job done more effectively by producing better outcomes. Professional and experienced contractors are familiar with the pros and cons of different products and approaches and can use this to deliver high-quality results.
4. Are They Good Communicators?
Planning tenant improvements can be a big job with several parties involved, and everyone will want updating along the way. A professional contractor should be easy to contact and able to provide regular project updates throughout the life of your improvement project. Good communication is vital during both planning and construction, and you should feel confident in your contractor. If something goes wrong during your tenant improvement project, you must be able to rely on them.
5. Remember That Quality is Key
Cost is likely your main priority during tenant improvement and that’s for good reason; however, it’s important to remember that low cost does not equate to quality work. Investing in a professional contractor might cost a bit more money, but it usually guarantees better results. The last thing you want is to call another contractor in 6 months’ time to come and make repairs. Be sure to check out previous projects for any contractors you’re considering to work with to get a feel for their work quality. Also be sure to discuss what materials they’ll use to ensure you are getting what you pay for.
Final Thoughts
Searching for and partnering with the right tenant improvement contractor can seem like a daunting process, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s important for you to find a contractor that you can trust and that will bring value to your improvement project – and the five tips we’ve provided above will help you do just that.
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