HOW QUALIFIED IS YOUR CONTRACTOR?
Preparing for your commercial remodel or custom home build is an exciting change! When considering who to hire for your contracting needs, it is essential to form a list of questions to ask when communicating with construction companies. Before hiring a commercial contractor, it’s vital to verify that they possess a valid contractor’s license and adequate insurance coverage. A license guarantees that the contractor meets the requirements to operate legally. Insurance protects you from liability in case of accidents or damages that may occur during the project. Make sure you are educated on Florida’s required licenses, and if you are looking to build beyond central Florida, in states such as Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, or Alabama, make sure you obtain all required licenses for the specific state. Choosing a contractor with more licenses is always a safer bet, as it certifies you are secure financially throughout the project.
In addition to choosing a contractor with valid licenses, understanding the contractor’s background and experience is crucial for assessing their suitability for your project. Inquire about their past projects, areas of specialization, and their years in business. An experienced contractor will bring valuable expertise to your project and may have completed similar projects, which can be advantageous.
YOU NEED RIKEN: When it comes to construction expertise and project experience, Riken has done it all. Riken has been a leader in commercial construction in the southeast region for the past 15 years. Our experienced professionals are committed to solving complex problems and working with specific client needs. Riken works with everyone to make their dream a reality.
Requesting a list of past client referrals is an effective way to gauge the contractor’s reputation and the quality of their work. Contacting previous clients allows you to gain insights into their experiences, satisfaction level, and overall contractor professionalism. A reputable contractor will readily provide references and positive testimonials. You can also view their social media accounts and website before choosing your contracting team to view recent and past projects.
One of the most important aspects of any construction project is ensuring that you have all the required permits. Navigating the complex world of permits and regulations can be challenging, so it’s essential to confirm if the contractor will handle the permit process, if they are required, on your behalf. Examples of projects that may require a permit are building projects, plumbing and electricity, and specialty projects, such as fireplaces and decks. A reliable commercial contractor will have experience dealing with permits and will ensure that all necessary approvals and inspections are obtained, saving you time and potential headaches.
YOU NEED RIKEN: Riken has a dedicated permitting team for each project they take on. Their team of professionals has experience dealing with projects in many states, some of which include Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.
AN ORGANIZED PROJECT IS A SUCCESSFUL ONE
Organization and structure are critical to any successful construction project. Often, many steps are involved, and the contractor you choose must be committed to completing each step correctly. Understanding the contractor’s schedule is crucial for proper project planning and coordination. Inquire about their availability and ensure it aligns with your desired timeline. A clear schedule will help manage expectations and minimize potential delays or conflicts during construction. It is also important that they inform you of the time the crew will arrive and leave each day.
YOU NEED RIKEN: Our client-exclusive proprietary software walks them through their entire construction process from beginning to end. In addition, it automatically updates the client based on our team’s daily progress. This software allows for open communication and clear project updates, removing guesswork.
While unforeseen circumstances can impact project timelines and cause projects to run longer than projected, it’s important to establish an estimated timeline for completion. A professional contractor will provide you with a realistic timeframe based on the scope of work and their experience. Regular communication and updates throughout the project will help keep you informed of any changes. Typically, the schedule will include milestones, allowing the team to stay on track and letting the client know where their contracting team is in the process.
In addition, large-scale commercial projects often involve subcontractors for specialized tasks. It’s important to clarify whether subcontractors will be involved and, if so, inquire about their qualifications, experience, and the contractor’s work supervision. Also, it is ideal to maintain the same subcontractors throughout the project to guarantee project consistency. Depending on your needs, subcontractors may fall into the following categories: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, painting, plastering, flooring and concrete, carpentry, siding, roofing, and sheet metal. Ensuring that subcontractors meet your standards is crucial for maintaining quality and accountability.
YOU NEED RIKEN: Riken’s trusted vendors complete a rigorous process to guarantee their standards and quality align with our company’s mission and values before hiring our subcontractors.
Understanding the contractor’s contract delivery method is essential for your peace of mind. It is advisable to have a written contract that clearly outlines project details, timelines, costs, and responsibilities. For easy access, request that the agreement be provided to you in a format that is easy to review and clearly states all terms and conditions. The contract should break down the client’s quote, and the document should also cover details such as guaranteed maximum prices, lump-sum delivery, and the total cost. Discussing payment terms and expectations in the beginning is crucial to avoid misunderstanding. Inquire about the payment schedule, deposit requirements, and methods of payment. A reputable contractor will provide a transparent payment structure that aligns with the project’s progress. Most projects typically have payments due after each milestone is complete.
YOU NEED RIKEN: When you choose Riken Construction as your contracting team, our subcontracts outline the exact payment schedule. We aim to lay out the expectations and goals clearly and as early as possible. There are no surprises here.
Establishing clear lines of communication is vital for a successful working relationship. Inquire about the contractor’s preferred mode of communication, whether it’s phone calls, emails, or project management software. Open and consistent communication will help address any concerns or questions promptly. Additionally, the client must know how they will receive project updates. Will the contracting company communicate these directly, or will they be provided via text or email? Be sure to ask your contractor how they will provide updates, such as completed milestones or hurdles that may arise.
YOU NEED RIKEN: We assign a specific project manager and a superintendent as a resource and point of contact during construction for each project. Additionally, our proprietary software is available to you for communication purposes, allowing you to receive updates without contacting your project manager directly.
PROJECT SAFETY MEASURES
Inquire about the contractor’s measures to protect your property during construction. Discuss topics such as dust containment, protection of existing structures, and the use of safety measures to minimize potential damage. Will they cover the furniture before beginning construction? Will they lock the doors after leaving the construction site? Make sure you are aware of your role in the pre-construction preparation, and be sure that you choose a contractor that ensures your space is liveable during the construction process by eliminating as much debris and dust as possible. A responsible contractor will prioritize the protection of your property throughout the project.
Post-construction cleanup is an often overlooked aspect of projects, but it’s essential for a smooth transition. Ask the contractor about their cleanup protocols, including debris removal, site cleaning, and any additional charges. A professional contractor will make sure the site is clean and ready for occupancy. Cover any vents and furniture beforehand if you are worried about dust settling or potential damage.
Discussing warranties for both services and materials is essential. Inquire about the warranty coverage and its duration for items such as fixtures and electrical components. A reliable contractor will stand behind their craft and provide warranties that offer protection and peace of mind. There is typically a standard one-year warranty with most materials, so it will be helpful to note this if that is the case for your project.
YOU NEED RIKEN: One of our highest priorities is ensuring that each client receives exceptional service from start to finish, which includes the cleanliness of our work and how we leave the job site each day. We are committed to limiting dust and debris as much as possible, and we implement all safety measures and protocols before beginning any construction. Our team and clients’ safety, as well as our clients’ satisfaction, is our top priority.
Your construction project is in great hands with Riken. Our careful planning, timely execution, and thorough clean-up are completed by a top-notch team of experts. Check out the work we have achieved with our trusted partners. Learn more about our services and contact our team for a quote today.
Riken Construction and Design, LLC. provides our clients with the highest level of quality construction and consulting services at fair and market-competitive rates. We pledge to establish lasting relationships with our customers by exceeding their expectations and gaining their trust through exceptional performance by every member of the construction team. To fulfill our goal, we treat all employees fairly and involve them in the quality improvement process to ensure responsiveness and cost-effective work practices. Our clients count on our dependability, our drive, and our integrity. We take great pride in our accomplishments and build on them every day. To learn more about Riken Construction, call us at 321.363.4904 or email [email protected].
