You might have a warehouse construction project coming up, or perhaps you are looking to remodel your restaurant for better ambience and more footfall. Whatever your commercial construction project requirements may be, know that not all commercial contractors are the same.
For example, you’d need to connect with a restoration contractor if your old office building needs work after a fire or a tenants’ improvement (TI) contractor to renovate a space you plan to lease.
To help you understand, here is a quick overview of eight types of commercial contractors, what they do, and some factors to consider when hiring them.
General Contractor
A general contractor (GC) supervises and coordinates all aspects of a commercial construction project from start to finish. This includes procuring materials, managing workers and subcontractors, handling on-site construction, and ensuring that the project stays within budget and is completed on time.
Factors to consider when hiring a general contractor:
- Their experience working on similar projects
- The size of their team and subcontractors
- If they have a good understanding of your project requirements
- If they can stay within your budget
- How well do they communicate and coordinate with other stakeholders?
Construction Manager
A construction manager (CM) is similar to a general contractor in that they are responsible for coordinating and supervising a construction project. However, a CM typically works for the owner of the property rather than the builder or developer. This means that their loyalty lies with the owner and not with the builder or any other party involved in the project.
Design-Build Contractor
A design-build contractor is a single entity that provides both the design and construction services for a commercial project. This type of contractor can be either a general contractor, a construction manager with in-house architects or engineers, or an architectural or engineering firm that also provides construction services.
Tenants’ Improvement (TI) Contractor
If you plan to lease a commercial space, you will need to connect with a TI contractor. These contractors specialize in renovating and customizing leased spaces according to the tenant’s needs and requirements. They will typically work closely with the landlord to ensure that all necessary permits are obtained and that the renovations are completed within the agreed-upon budget and timeline.
Restoration Contractor
A restoration contractor is specialized in repairing damage caused by natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes, or man-made disasters, such as fires. They will assess the extent of the damage and create a plan for restoring the property to its pre-disaster state.
Structural Engineer
You will need to hire a licensed structural engineer if your commercial construction project involves any structural work. Structural engineers are responsible for designing buildings and other structures that can safely support the weight of the materials used in construction and the weight of the people and equipment that will occupy the space.
MEP Engineer
MEP stands for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. An MEP engineer is responsible for designing and installing the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in a commercial building. This includes the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, the lighting system, the fire protection system, and the plumbing system.
Environmental Consultant
If your commercial construction project is located in an area that is designated as environmentally sensitive, you may need to hire an environmental consultant. Environmental consultants are responsible for assessing the potential impact of the construction project on the environment and providing recommendations on how to mitigate any negative impacts.
Final Word
There are many different types of commercial contractors that you may need to hire for your next construction project. By understanding the difference between each type of contractor and what they do, you can be sure to hire the right professional for the job.
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