5 Tips for Choosing a Commercial Tenant Improvement Contractor

Commercial tenant improvements can be a big task. They often take a significant amount of time, money, and trust to get the job completed. When you’re ready to hire a contractor to do this kind of work, you’ll want to make sure you’re choosing the best option for you in your area, but this can be difficult.

Deciding on a contractor for your commercial tenant improvement is a lot easier when you work with a company that prides itself on the quality of its work. Robert Hakes Construction specializes in tenant improvements in the Vancouver area and can offer a low-stress, professional experience for commercial building owners. We keep our clients’ needs at the forefront of every project.

The best commercial tenant improvement contractors will put your needs first, but selecting them from among other contractors isn’t always easy. It helps when you know what kind of questions to ask and what things to look out for during your search.

Here are a few tips to help you choose the best commercial tenant improvement contractor for your project.

1. Ask to See a Portfolio

You can’t trust just anyone to complete a large project for you without seeing their work first. Before you choose a commercial tenant improvement contractor, you should definitely ask to see the work they’ve done previously. Getting a good visual representation of their style and what they’re capable of doing could help you to see the vision you want for your own project or even give you new ideas.

Ask to see a portfolio of their projects, or better yet, go see their projects in-person. Checking out the work they’ve done on other commercial buildings can help you decide if they’re a good fit for your project. It will also show you that they have experience in their field.

No one wants their project to be the first that the contractor has ever done. A lengthy resume can be another thing that points you in the direction of a good contractor for your project. An experienced company that can readily provide you with proof of its experience is often a better choice than a less experienced business.

2. Find Someone Who Can Do the Work in Phases

When you’re dealing with commercial tenant improvement, time is money. Despite the work being necessary or a big visual improvement, any time that the business has to be closed due to construction means that the business is losing out on potential sales. For this reason, it’s best to find a commercial tenant improvement contractor that can do the work in phases and that’s willing to keep the business’s success in mind while the work is being completed.

When you have commercial tenant improvements done with Robert Hakes Construction, you’ll have the convenient option to have the work done in phases. This causes minimal disruption and allows the business to still run while construction is in progress. Robert Hakes Construction is a flexible company, and we’re willing to work after business hours, during the weekend, or even during nights in an effort to not disrupt your business. Occupied spaces will be able to continue to stay open while amazing improvements are being made to the space.

3. Confirm They Are Licensed and Insured to Do the Work

When you’re trying to choose a commercial tenant improvement contractor, you’ll want to make sure they have the proper licenses. Anyone can claim to be capable of doing commercial tenant improvements, but there’s more to this profession than just being physically capable of getting the job done. Knowledge about the process of commercial construction, building codes, and safety are also key components of this type of work. Having the required licensure proves they’re knowledgeable professionals who are both credible and well-trained in their craft.

Insurance is another thing you should inquire about before choosing a contractor. You don’t want to be held responsible for any damage that they cause to the building, their staff, the tenants, or the merchandise. The contractor’s insurance will cover all of those things, releasing you from liability. Choosing a contractor that isn’t insured could mean disaster for you or your building and create unexpected costs. Making sure that they have a license and are insured can give you peace of mind during the construction process, and a good contractor will gladly show you proof.

4. Find a Company That Specializes in the Work You Want Done

Not all contractors have the same kind of experience. Different types of projects give contractors more specific experience, and the more experience they have with the work you want done, the better. You should find a company that specializes in the kind of work that you want completed, as they’ll be able to complete the work properly.Robert Hakes Construction is proud to specialize in tenant improvement projects such as doctor’s offices, restaurants, and retail spaces in the Vancouver area. Our expertise covers a broad range of tenant improvements. Plus, with our commitment to finalizing these projects on time and within budget, we have been able to build a strong network within the commercial field.

5. Keep Your Budget in Mind

Budget plays a big part in large projects like commercial tenant improvement, which is why it should be at the forefront of your mind as well as that of your contractor. You should have a budget in mind before starting your project and be able to communicate that number comfortably to your contractor. Knowing your budget beforehand, your contractor will be able to give you more realistic ideas of what’s possible with the amount you’re able to spend.

At Robert Hakes Construction, we build accurate budgets in the preliminary stage. This can assist with project cost estimates, as well as give us a more accurate picture of the timeline and design options available to our clients. This also avoids any financial surprises further down the road. The right contractor for your project will make you feel comfortable discussing your budget, keep you in the loop about finances throughout the project, and still create impressive and creative results.