Hiring a construction company is a big step, and it can feel overwhelming. You want to make sure you’ll have an optimal experience and receive the final results you’ve envisioned. If you’re considering hiring a commercial construction company, make sure it has most if not all of the ten qualities listed here:
1. Licensed and Registered: Verify that the company you choose is licensed and employs 
licensed and registered workers. To remain in good standing, contractors must take continuing education classes and fulfill training requirements. Ask about the most recent courses they’ve taken and ensure they are current.
2. Longevity: You’ll want experience and tenure in your construction company; ask for references for recent work as well as from projects completed several years ago. Ask past clients if any issues have arisen since the construction the project was completed.
3. A Permanent Office: Confirm that the company has a permanent business address to verify they have stability and the means to see a project through to completion. Contractors without a permanent office or business address should raise suspicions.
4. A Consistent Business Name: Has the company been using the same name for its duration? A company with multiple past names is a red flag. If there has been a name change, confirm that it wasn’t due to angry customers, a bad reputation or Better Business Bureau disapproval.
5. Clear Payment Terms: Make sure pricing and payment terms are detailed clearly in the agreement you forge with the construction company. Find out about costs to bring the contractor back for additional or incomplete work, specific payment methods required, the timeline for payments and any other possible hidden costs.
6. Safety Plan: Make sure the company has a safety plan with guidelines that ensure workers’ on-site behavior and adherence to health, environmental and job safety measures. The contractor you choose should be able to provide you with a detailed plan including insurance coverage details.
7. How Do They Resolve Issues? It’s not necessarily a deal-breaker if a contractor has encountered disputes or complaints, especially for companies that have been in business for a long time. The more important consideration is how the contractor handled the issues. Find out how the company resolves any disputes and complaints.
8. Will All Project Details Be Handled? Verify that details such as code compliance and acquiring building permits will be handled by the contractor. Find out the cost of these permits and make sure they are clearly itemized in the bid.
9. Substance: The old adage “you get what you pay for” often rings true; look for substance in the bid and verify that you’ll be able to communicate readily with the company should problems arise. The lowest-priced bidder is not necessarily your best option.
10. A Solid Workmanship Warranty: Your construction company should install product according to manufacturer specifications, or the warranty will be invalid. In some cases, the construction company must be certified to install the product. Make sure all necessary rules are being followed.
Be smart — protect yourself and your property by following these ten guidelines when selecting a construction company.