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Looking for a Commercial Contractor in Pleasanton, CA? Here’s What You Need to Know

Looking for a Commercial Contractor in Pleasanton, CA? Here’s What You Need to Know

by Proforma Construction Inc, February 18, 2021

It’s imperative to be careful when choosing a commercial contractor in Pleasanton. Don’t just assume the first name that comes up in your Google search results is the best option. You should be aware of the differences between residential and commercial contractors. Here are some key points you should look for in a commercial contractor.

What Determines Whether a Contractor is Commercial?

The main difference between residential and commercial contractors is commercial builders typically work on bigger projects that involve more heavy-duty equipment. The main factors that determine whether a contractor is commercial or residential involve design, permits, supplies, building codes, and zoning regulations.

Before you decide on a commercial contractor, you should ask yourself if your project requires a commercial contractor. In many cases, you may need such a contractor, but you can be more flexible if it’s a relatively small project. Check with your local officials to find out the requirements for commercial construction in your chosen location.

Most construction projects in Pleasanton require workers to have proper licensing. Usually, a building permit is required before a commercial construction project can begin. Once the project is completed, the owner must secure a certificate of occupancy before launching it as a place of business.

Typical projects that commercial builders work on include corporate headquarters, branch offices, restaurants, and retail shops. Commercial builders are also often hired to build schools and government offices. Essentially any general building contractor can be considered a commercial contractor.

Narrowing Your Contractor Choices

Your selection process for a Pleasanton commercial contractor should prioritize knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as licensing, certification, and insurance. A business owner should avoid hiring a handyman who lacks these elements since it can lead to improper installation and nullify warranties. Trying to cut upfront costs by hiring someone without proper credentials and training can lead to expensive reinstallation.

A contractor specializing in residential construction is not an appropriate choice for a commercial project because the company may not be equipped with the proper tools or have access to the right suppliers. For many reasons, commercial building is much too complicated for DIY owner projects. The best way to meet codes and ensure proper construction is to work with a team rich in commercial building experience.

The process of hiring a commercial contractor involves approving a bid proposed by the builder, checking the contractor’s license, and making sure you’re dealing with professionals who possess strong communication skills. One of the ways a relationship with a contractor can fall apart is if the contractor purposely uses a lot of industry jargon that can confuse or mislead stakeholders. Clear communication is one of the necessary ingredients for building long-term relationships.

Why the Right Fit Matters

Even within the realm of experienced commercial builders, you still need to find the right match. Some builders specialize in certain types of projects, while others do various work through subcontracting. Find out what type of personnel the company employs and if it outsources to other companies.

Another concern you might have is the contractor’s reputation in the business community. Checking up on references is a good way to gauge how well the builder satisfies its clients. Examine work the builder has done in the past to determine how well the contractor meets your specific needs.

It’s best to plan out your project well in advance and spend time making sure the contractor understands your business goals and deadlines. Finding the right builder that can complete the project on time means making sure they are well connected with main suppliers and backups. You don’t want to get trapped into a contract with a new company that relies on a limited list of suppliers, which can mean slowdowns and disruptions during periods of economic uncertainty.

Avoiding Common New Construction Mistakes

No matter who you choose as a contractor, you must stay on top of the project, so it doesn’t fall behind schedule or get side-tracked with misunderstandings. You must be involved in several steps to make sure the project is progressing the way you envisioned it. One of the most common mistakes that new owners make with their first projects is not considering the specific materials and costs needed.

You can never afford to treat various projects the same way, as every building project usually involves a degree of customization. A building owner who’s thinking about renovation should consider how it will impact tenants. Safety should always be a top issue with building owners, particularly when it comes to withstanding known recurring natural disasters in their region. That’s why it’s a good idea to investigate the contractor’s safety records to make sure they meet worksite safety standards.

Another potential mistake for the buyer is to base the decision entirely on who offers the lowest price. When it comes to construction, you don’t want to cut corners on safety since it can lead to bigger problems down the road. Start-ups with inexperienced and low paid personnel can temporarily disrupt markets, but poor quality eventually catches up with a company and can ruin its reputation.

The contractors that have been around for years with a track record of successful projects are the ones that ultimately remain in business, while poor quality contractors don’t last long. Ideally, it’s best to work with the same construction company over many years to develop a clear understanding of your business goals.

Conclusion

Finding the right commercial contractor in Pleasanton is imperative if you want a high-quality, durable solution. Make sure the contractor you choose is licensed to operate in your state and meets the rest of your checklist. Contact the experts at Proforma Construction, Bay Area to learn more about how we can meet your construction needs.