Tips on How to Select the Right Contractor for your Commercial Project
Identify your project
Define your project goals including the budget, timeline, scope, preliminary design, permits needed, building code and expectations. Repair or replace? Upgrade to more efficient and reliable equipment? What are the problems you’d like to solve? Have mechanical drawings available. Determine building hours and when the building is available for work. Building code, energy codes and requirements are changing. Consult with an expert to help you through the process.
Start the selection process early. Your contractor will be your business partner for the project duration. Compatibility, communication and meeting expectations are key to a successful relationship. Remember to discuss ground rules.
Contractor considerations and questions to ask
- Experience, education, continuous training and certification.
- Qualifications for the technical team.
- Are they licensed and bonded? Check insurance (liability and surety bond). Verify CCB and/or Washington license.
- Are they local and what geographic area do they serve? Do they have a local phone number and professional staff to answer the phone? Are they available 24/7?
- How long have they been in business?
- What is their history and background?
- How large is the company?
- What is the full scope of capabilities?
- What are their specialties?
- Does their mission, values, corporate culture fit your needs?
- Will they be a consultant/advisor and add valuable insight to the project?
- Who will be the project manager?
- What are the payment requirements?
- Is there an allowance for contingencies?
- What is your hourly rate? CCB requires a written contract for all projects over $2,000.
- What are some similar projects you have completed?
- What is the lead time to schedule work? (The best companies are usually the busiest and not usually the cheapest.) What is the lead time or availability for equipment?
- How long will the project take from start to completion?
- What are the warranties or guarantees? Do they provide a minimum one-year parts and labor warranty following installation of new equipment?
- Ask to have them provide examples for high level of customer satisfaction.
- What is their experience with Energy Trust of Oregon or other incentive programs?
Check References
- Was the project on time & within budget?
- How was the communication?
- Were the people on the team professional, courteous, and knowledgeable?
- Was the work performed quality?
- What did you like best about working with the contractor?
- Would you do business with them again?
Interested in our services?
N.C.C. has built its reputation on the philosophy that a job is not complete until our customer is satisfied. We welcome the opportunity to demonstrate to you our excellent service. Give us a call at (503)656-9205 or send us a message to see how we can help!