5 Tips to Find the Best General Contractor for Your Commercial Construction Project

Finding a general contractor (GC) for a large commercial construction project can feel overwhelming. We’re sharing our top 5 tips and things to look for in a GC before you begin your next project:

1. Industry Expertise

Your needs are unique, but they may have more in common with other companies in your industry than you think. Finding a general contractor with experience in your industry means that they’ve already faced similar challenges and (hopefully) have the right certifications and processes in place to run your project smoothly. Whether you’re looking for cGMP, a rack lab, clean room or tenant improvement, you want to know that your GC has satisfied clients who accomplished similar goals.

2. Project Size

There are thousands of general contractors out there that you could consider – but not all of them are created equal. Make sure that your GC is the right size with the agility to scale the project you’re planning and can either handle the demands of a large job or will be able to prioritize smaller projects in their portfolio.

3. Services Offered

You need to trust your general contractor with all the responsibilities that come along with planning a major construction project. Are you looking for a ground-up builder? Someone who specializes in design-build? Do you need pre-construction services? Make sure that your GC offers exactly what you are looking for so that you can be sure your trust is in the right place.

4. Project Manager & Superintendent Experience

Your project manager and superintendent will be your main points of contact on your project. From initial scoping and vision discussions to day-to-day updates, all the way to final closing, you want someone with experience to make your project a success. Ask questions about their years of experience and their experience in your industry specifically. Ask about their approach, communication style, and what kind of support they receive from their corporate office.

5. Focus on Safety

It might not be the most “fun” topic, but safety is an important topic for any type of construction project. Make sure your general contractor has an Environmental Health & Safety Plan (EHS), request 3 years of OSHA 300 log, and ask to see a 3 year Experience Modification Rate (EMR) letter. All this readily available information provides details on their safety track record. Some GCs even have additional outside ratings to show that they take safety seriously. When your GC is committed to prioritizing safety, it’s better for everyone involved.

If you’re looking for a general contractor in the Bay Area focused on commercial construction, we might be the right fit for you! Contact us today to learn more about our services.