You’ve found a new space for your business and now it’s time to embark on the next chapter…with a much-deserved tenant improvement project! With so many construction companies, how do you know what to ask to find the right construction partner? As industry experts, Great States Construction wants to empower owners to ask questions and confidently begin tackling the initial bid stages. That’s’ why we did the work for you! Here are five essential questions owners should ask when getting tenant improvement bids.
Who will be on my project team?
Your project team should have a Project Manager and a Superintendent. The Project Manager is your primary contact for things like planning and budget. The Superintendent is your day-to-day construction manager on site. These two key roles ensure a project runs smoothly, and everything stays on track. Get to know your project team by sitting down with these team members before you accept a bid.
How long will my project take to complete?
It’s important to know the scope of your project and any factors that could delay your project, especially when they may impact opening your business or day-to-day operations. Make sure a contractor can offer a realistic schedule by asking them if their timeline includes other important components like city inspections, material lead times, or other subcontractor duties.
Which part(s) of my project will cost the most?
If you want to know where to allocate your budget for the most important pieces of your space, ask about your project’s biggest cost-contributors, like low, middle, or high-grade finishes. A more commonly asked question, ‘How much will everything cost?’, may be too broad to give you the answer you are looking for. Remember, the lowest bid doesn’t always mean the best value.
How do you handle ‘change’ orders?
Understanding how your construction team handles change orders is crucial, as they can significantly impact both your budget and timeline. Does a contractor charge for change orders, or is it part of their service? How is it documented? Make sure you ask about this upfront, so you aren’t hit with unexpected costs due to change orders down the road.
Can you provide references or examples of similar projects?
Reviewing past work or speaking with previous clients gives you important insight into the contractor’s capabilities and reliability. Ask for examples of projects similar in scale and complexity to yours. This allows you to measure their expertise and determine if they’re the right fit for your property needs.
As an owner, undertaking a tenant improvement project is an exciting yet daunting task. Armed with these questions, you can confidently find a construction partner who meets your needs and delivers quality results.
READY TO BID? Whatever project you may have in mind, Great States Construction can provide the capability and expertise required to bring your idea to life. Take a look at our completed projects here!