Do you own a commercial property that is currently undergoing or about to undergo construction and renovations? Keeping your property in tip-top condition is one thing, but sometimes it needs more than cosmetic touches and a more in-depth project is warranted.
The problem is that a construction project on a commercial property isn’t always quick and easy, and can’t be compared to home renovations. This is why it’s important to have the right people on the job.
Here we’ll take a look at what to consider when hiring additional support for a construction project.
What is the Scope of the Project?
Before you can start hiring additional support, you must be clear about the scope of the project. How big/small is it, what are the end goals, and why are you taking on the project? Being specific about your expectations, wants and needs will help you to figure out such important things as the timeline, budget, resources needed, professionals needed, materials and so forth.
Do You Have a Vision?
It’s really difficult to hire additional support when you don’t have a solid grasp of your vision. You need to be specific so you can communicate efficiently with the various tradespeople. If you’re having a hard time forming a vision, try flipping through décor magazines, looking online, and paying attention to how other businesses are set up.
What’s the Budget?
Speaking of the budget, this is a great time to give it thought and set one that you’re comfortable with. When setting the budget you need to be realistic and it’s also smart to build a contingency fund within. There’s nothing wrong with having a positive mindset and believing all will go well, but issues can arise and they can end up costing more than you had anticipated. Having a bit of a slush fund will ensure there isn’t too much stress when these unexpected costs pop up.
Does It Make Sense to Hire a Construction Project Manager?
Depending on the size of the construction project, it may be too much for you to manage. If you’re trying to juggle running your company with overseeing the construction project, things are bound to be overlooked and forgotten, which isn’t good. Hiring a construction project manager means someone else will be in charge of the renovations, sticking to the budget, procuring the materials, hiring sub-contractors, and so forth.
Does the Professional Have Experience with Commercial Projects?
It’s also important to recognise experience — not just any type of experience, but the relevant experience. If you’re hiring a professional tradesperson, you need to know they have handled commercial projects like yours in the past. Residential and even industrial experience isn’t the same, and for the job to be done safely, correctly, to code and promptly, they will need specific experience.
If you’re in search of “electricians near me”, check out a site like MyBuilder.com, which acts as a directory of vetted and reviewed electricians. They can share information about their work, qualifications, licenses and experience. You can ensure you pick one that has commercial experience. Be sure to take the time and read the reviews provided by customers, as this will help you narrow down your options.
When it comes to qualifications, if you are hiring a tradesperson, you will want to look into whether they are a member of a trade association. Being a member means they will be kept up to date on all the latest news, information, policies, rules, practices and more. It’s also important to ask if they are registered. If they are a builder they should also have insurance, in particular contractors’ all-risk liability, employers’ liability insurance and public liability insurance. Insurance protects them and you should anything go wrong.
Can They Provide You with References?
A simple question to ask any additional support people is if they can provide you with references. Ask for at least two and be prepared to follow up with them. You can also ask to see their portfolio if applicable.
How Does the Construction Affect Day-to-Day Activities?
The final consideration is how all this construction will affect the daily activities in the workplace. Will employees still be able to do their job efficiently, effectively and safely? If the answer is no to any of these questions, then you need to come up with a solution. That could mean temporarily moving off-site to another location, allowing employees to work remotely from home, or shuffling people around so they work in an area that isn’t currently under construction. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to close down for a few days.
Factoring in all of these considerations will help ensure that your construction project goes smoothly, you have qualified and experienced people doing the work, and that it is as stress-free as possible.
