Choosing a trusted contractor for your commercial building

Commercial building maintenance and repair can be a lot to tackle. Depending on the issues you encounter, you can spend large amounts of time and money making repairs.

Having the assistance of a professional contractor who understands commercial buildings is essential. Choosing the right contractor can save you both time and money in the long run.

So, how do you ensure you’re choosing a trusted contractor for your commercial building?

Ask for referrals

Be open to asking other facility managers or building owners who they use as a contractor. They will be able to provide the pros and cons of working with specific contractors.

You can then contact the contractor to speak with them directly about your needs. Be sure to ask them for references and make sure you check out those references.

When asking other companies about your list of potential contractors, ask questions like:

• How long have you worked with them?
• What types of repairs or maintenance do they provide?
• What do you like best about working with them?
• What challenges have you encountered with them?
• What have they done to resolve any issues?

Certifications and insurance

Reputable contractors should provide you with a list of any certifications they hold, as well as their insurance information.

You can do some quick research with the Secretary of State’s office to make sure their business is in good standing. They should also be properly licensed and bonded.

Online resources to check include the Better Business Bureau, state court records, and online reviews.

Portfolio

Ask for examples of past work. This can help you understand the scope of projects that are typical for the contractor and whether they are a good fit for your needs.

Communication

Spend time discussing your expectations as well as theirs regarding communication.

• Will you be able to contact them directly when needed?
• Are they available by phone or text after normal business hours?
• How will they handle giving you bad news about a project or repair?
• What is their preferred method of communication? What is yours?

Depending on the scale and scope of your project, plan on spending time vetting a potential
contractor. The time spent will help you determine the best fit for your business. This can save you hours and money in the future.

At JK Industries, we take pride in our relationship with our customers. We would like the opportunity to discuss becoming your trusted contractor. Please contact us for more information.