5 Things You Should Consider When Choosing a Commercial Contractor

5 Things You Should Consider When Choosing a Commercial Contractor

Choosing the right commercial contractor can make or break your construction project. From ensuring transparent costs to fostering strong communication and trust, here’s a concise guide to help you make an informed decision.

1. Transparent and Complete Cost Estimates

When reviewing proposals, pay close attention to the costs listed. A reputable contractor will include standard costs associated with construction, in addition to:

  • Winter conditions
  • Full time site supervision
  • Code compliant building insulation systems
  • Fire suppression/ firewalls

Ask your contractor if these costs are included upfront. If they’re missing, find out why. These costs are essential and can cause major budget headaches if they surface mid-project. The goal is to avoid hidden costs that arise after construction has begun. At FED, we take pride in estimating all costs associated with your project accurately so you know exactly what to expect from the start.

2. Customer Testimonials and Repeat Clients

Any contractor can claim to be the best, but customer feedback is the real indicator of quality. Ask if they have:

  • Testimonials or references from previous clients
  • Repeat customers who trust them for ongoing projects

Repeat clients signal consistent, high-quality service, a hallmark of a contractor who values customer satisfaction.

3. Your Experience with Their Team

Pay close attention to how the contractor’s team treats you during initial communications. Ask yourself:

  • Do they listen carefully to your vision?
  • Do they ask thoughtful questions?
  • Are they transparent about timelines and challenges?

If you feel like just another project in their pipeline, consider that a red flag. Your project is a significant investment, and your contractor should show genuine interest in bringing your vision to life. Something FED takes great pride in is keeping our customers well-informed throughout the entire process by providing weekly updates.

Before signing, review the contract thoroughly. It should detail:

  • Scope of work
  • Payment schedules
  • Timelines and milestones
  • Warranties

Additionally, ask how communication will be handled. Whether it’s guided by a single point of contact, regular meetings, or digital project management tools, understanding this is important.

4. Licensing, Insurance, and Safety Practices

Verify that your contractor:

  • Is fully licensed to operate in your area
  • Carries sufficient insurance (general liability and workers’ compensation)
  • Has a documented safety program to protect their workers and your property

These basics protect you from unnecessary risks and ensure compliance with local regulations.

5. Experience with Similar Projects

When selecting a contractor, it’s essential to verify that they have a proven track record with projects similar to yours, whether that’s office space, retail, warehouses, or other commercial environments. This experience means fewer surprises, more efficient planning, and a smoother construction process.

Ask the contractor for examples of previous projects that match your scope of work. At FED, this is a standard practice because not only are we proud of the work we have done, but we also want to offer real-world examples that showcase our quality and experience. By sharing these examples, we demonstrate our commitment to transparency and help you feel confident in our ability to deliver.

Conclusion

Choosing a commercial contractor is a huge decision, one that impacts your budget, schedule, and overall peace of mind. By focusing on transparency, experience, and proven communication, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth process and a successful outcome.

At FED, our decisions are guided by core values, customer service, quality, and integrity, which shape every step of your project. That means realistic allowances from the start (so you’re never underfunded), updated schedules every week, and full-time site supervision to coordinate trade partners and monitor quality. And through well-informed weekly communication, you’ll always know exactly where your project stands.

Too many business owners come to us after disappointing experiences with other builders: missed deadlines, hidden costs, or poor craftsmanship. FED exists to restore confidence in the building process with honesty, clarity, and a dedication to quality from start to finish.

With FED, you’re not just hiring a contractor, you’re choosing a partner who values your trust as much as your project. Let’s build something great together.