Three Things to Consider Before Hiring a Commercial Contractor

Posted on September 17, 2018 by Kinghorn Construction Hiring a Commercial Contractor

Hiring a commercial contractor is an important decision for the future and growth of your company. This decision will set the tone for your entire project. No matter your business, taking time to consider your options and learn all you can about a commercial contractor will be nothing but beneficial. Read through these three things to consider before hiring a commercial contractor and then contact us to learn about our commercial construction services, industries we serve, and available financial resources.

Experience

The first thing to consider before hiring a commercial contractor is how much experience the company has. A contractor’s body of work and length of time in business will help you determine if they’ll be the right fit for your project.

Look into past projects and clients. Did they do a good job? Are the clients happy? Does the commercial contractor provide referrals or testimonials? What does a typical job look like for them?

Are niche projects their specialty, or do they serve a variety of industries? The answers to these questions will help guide you to a commercial contractor that fits your company’s needs. Finding answers to these questions will help you know exactly what you’re looking for in a commercial construction project management team.

Communication

Good communication is key to excelling at any type of project, especially before hiring a commercial contractor. Steady, efficient, and informative communication from the contractor will ensure the project gets done right – on time, on budget. Figure out your main point of contact before signing with a company. Make sure they are flexible enough to meet your communication needs. Do they respond in a timely manner? Will they be easily accessible throughout the project?

Under the umbrella of communication, it’s also important to check that the commercial contractor’s bid includes all expenses. A bid should account for all costs. If there’s something important missing from the estimate, inform your commercial contractor so they can give you a revised bid.

Safety and Insurance Coverage

The third thing to consider before hiring a commercial contractor is safety and insurance coverage. Safety is the most important thing for any construction project. Review the contractor’s work practices and what they do on a day-to-day basis to ensure not only their employees’ safety, but the safety of your employees as well.

In addition to everyday safety policies, your commercial contractor should have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverage. That way, you won’t be liable for any injury or damage that occurs while the commercial contractor is working on your project/property.

For more information about what to consider before hiring a commercial contractor or for questions about our process or financial resources, contact Kinghorn Construction today.

The Differences Between Residential and Commercial Construction

Posted on August 20, 2018 by Kinghorn Construction

The construction industry is divided into two main categories – residential and commercial. While similar, these two industries have many differences, from types of materials used to cost variations. Here are the main differences between residential and commercial construction.

Size Distinctions

The most obvious difference between commercial and residential construction projects is that one has a larger scope and difficulty. Residential buildings have smaller floor plans to accommodate simple living needs. More complex commercial buildings, the uses of which vary, require a sturdier frame and many times, more complicate design.

Different Materials for Different Projects

Materials differ from project to project, but there is a distinct difference in materials used for residential and commercial construction.

Residential construction relies on cost-effective materials suitable for smaller buildings. Housebuilders often use inexpensive yet sturdy timber frames for the structure of residential buildings.

Larger and taller commercial buildings, however, require steel frames for a more resilient, sturdy structure.

Clientele

Residential and commercial construction projects involve two distinct types of clientele. Residential builders work for one client with specific demands regarding their personal choices for themselves and their family. Commercial building projects involve a team of stakeholders within an organization who most likely have laid out their goals and specific budget for the project.

Money, Money, Money

Costs for residential construction projects compared to commercial construction projects are very different – even if they’re comparatively sized. Many factors go into the cost of construction projects including material selection, compliance maintenance, employee skill, and labor expenses.

Commercial construction buildings are bigger projects and run on a tight schedule; this is not always the case for residential projects. The difference in cost comes from those two factors. Experienced laborers working more hours and more expensive materials impact the budge of commercial projects.

Kinghorn Construction strives to provide high quality design-build services and construction management for commercial buildings. Contact us today to learn how we can bring your commercial construction project to life.