5 Helpful Tips When Choosing A Commercial Restoration Contractor

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Picking the right commercial reconstruction contractor for your Greene County business is a serious decision. Each contractor has its strong points, specialisms, and strategies for handling a project. It’s vital to do your research, ask the right questions, and know what to watch for when choosing a commercial restoration contractor.

Over the years, SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County has witnessed (and helped mop up) the tragic consequences of hiring unsuitable restoration contractors. To help you avoid the most common (and easily preventable) mistakes businesses make when hiring a contractor, here are some helpful tips:

1. Interview all referrals and check their licenses

Call other business owners who’ve recently worked with the contractor to hear what their experiences were. Ask these questions:

• Was the contractor easily available during the project? After a text, voicemail or email, what was their response time?
• Did you feel that you were always in the loop? Did the contractor clearly present your options and assist you in choosing the right one?
• Was the project completed in a timely matter and on budget? If not, did they communicate why?
• What did you like about working with the contractor? Would you recommend their services?

It’s also crucial that you ask the contractor to offer adequate documentation for their current licenses, insurance, references and safety record. A dependable contractor will provide these things quickly upon request.

2. Don’t hire a contractor without restoration experience

A general contractor isn’t necessarily a restoration contractor, but most restoration contractors are first-rate general contractors. Experience is critical with regard to complex mitigation, restoration, and rebuilding projects.

It’s one thing to build something from the ground up, but it’s a completely different issue when you need to assess the damage, clean, and restore a property damaged by fire, water, or other disasters. And if you can, choose a restoration contractor that already has experience working with your insurance company as it can save you time, money, and anxiety!

3. Ignore those who want a large upfront payment or offers a cash discount

Alarms should sound if you hear either of these terms. It usually means that company has some serious issues. But do ask the contractor about their payment expectations, especially if an insurance company is covering restoration costs.

Your contractor will need a reasonable amount of money to get the project started, but most states don’t allow contractors to ask for more than 33% of the total estimated cost upfront. Additional payments should be tied to important project targets.

4. Don’t accept over the phone quotes

A common mistake some make is accepting quotes for restoration projects over the phone before any kind of on-site inspection. Every building and situation is different, so there’s no way a contractor could give an accurate assessment and cost before eyeballing the job.

5. Don’t hire a contractor that doesn’t offer a plan

The restoration contractor you choose should deliver a detailed plan (that you can clearly understand) that shows the exact steps that will be necessary to restore your commercial property quickly. They should be able to present all your options and help you choose one that fits your budget and specific needs.

Following these five tips will assist you in choosing a trustworthy, dependable, and experienced restoration contractor. A great contractor will eliminate needless stress and anxiety and help you get your business back up and running as soon as possible.

Contact SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County today to acquaint yourself with our services. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your commercial restoration, mitigation, and repair needs.