Developing a commercial project from an idea to the fruition of that idea is an enormous undertaking that involves hundreds of people and dozens of contractors. Each of these plays an important role in this process but the electrical contractor is particularly important because of the critical nature of the service they provide.
That means that choosing the right electrical contractor is crucial to the successful completion of a commercial project. The challenge lies in knowing how to put your trust in the right contractor. What do you look for? Whether it be a large-scale commercial endeavour or a smaller project, how do you determine that a commercial electric contractor is the right fit for you?
Key Factors When Choosing an Electrical Contractor
1. Ask Other Industry Professionals and Contacts
When you are looking to choose a contractor, it helps to ask people you know in the industry about electrical companies you are considering working with. Word of mouth works the same in electrical projects as it does in any other business. People will be happy to tell you about a great contractor and will want to warn about contractors to avoid.
2. Verify Licensing and Insurance Certificates
Any commercial electrician or electrical outfit needs to be properly licensed and properly insured to work on large or small commercial projects. Ensure that they have all the necessary licenses and insurance before commencing any work.
3. Previous Client Reviews and References
Ryan from electrical engineering company The Green Gate Group said “Taking the time to read the client reviews and asking for references from previous projects is another important way to ascertain whether a contractor is a good fit for your electrical contacts.“
4. Contractors Past Experience with Commercial Projects
This is crucial because residential projects are not the same as commercial projects and large commercial projects are significantly different than smaller ones. Knowing the scope and scale of their previous work can give you confidence that they can handle the type of project that you are looking to develop.
5. Track Record of Finishing Projects On Time and OnBudget
Timelines and budgets need to be managed accordingly for the successful completion of any commercial project. Check their track record to see if they have a reputation for on-time and on-budget completion.
6. Commitment to Safety
Electrical systems are inherently dangerous and for this reason, a commitment to safety is paramount, even more than for other types of contractors. Safety should be a prominent part of the company culture and should be worked on daily.
7. Customer Service Reputation
How you are treated by your contractors after the electrical work is complete is important as well because there are always items that will need to be addressed later. How they continue to serve you as a customer and handle your service request shows a lot about the commitment they have to their work and the respect they have for you.
The Right Contractor Means a Job Well Done
Use these tips for choosing a commercial electrical contractor so that you can work with the best fit for you, your budget, your timeline, and your project.