Your company is growing, and it’s time to construct or remodel a commercial building! While it’s exciting that your company is stepping into the next big chapter, it’s also stressful to start the construction process (especially if you’ve never done it before). You’re trusting someone with your time, your money, and your business’s future.
We want you to feel confident and prepared for the whole thing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose between contractors and construction companies in Utah. You’ll learn how to vet candidates, compare bids, and avoid the most common beginner mistakes.
What a Commercial Contractor Actually Does (and Doesn’t Do)
A commercial general contractor is responsible for overseeing your entire construction project. Construction companies in Utah don’t perform every specific task themselves; instead, they coordinate all the moving parts to make sure the project is completed correctly and on schedule.
- What They Do: They manage the entire project from start to finish. This includes pulling permits, hiring specialized subcontractors (like plumbers and electricians), managing the daily schedule, and making sure everything is built to code.
- What They Don’t Do: They usually aren’t the ones designing your building from scratch. While they will work closely with architects and engineers, you’ll typically need to hire them to draw up the official plans first.
Know What You Need Before You Reach Out
Before you start calling contractors, take some time to nail down your basic project details. You don’t need to know every little thing, but having a clear vision helps construction companies in Utah give you accurate answers.
Try to figure out your timeline, a realistic budget, and the main goals for your space. Having rough sketches or a list of “must-haves” makes that first conversation much more productive for everyone.
How to Vet a Commercial Contractor in Utah
You wouldn’t hire a new employee without checking their resume, and the same goes for your contractor. Here’s what you should look for when evaluating construction companies in Utah:
- Licensing: Ask whether they hold a valid commercial general contractor license in the state of Utah. This proves they have the legal right and required knowledge to build your project.
- Insurance: Ask for proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This protects your business from being sued if property damage or an injury happens on your site.
- Portfolio and References: Ask to see similar projects they’ve completed. Better yet, call their past clients and ask if the contractor was honest, on time, and easy to work with.
- Communication Style: Pay attention to how they talk to you during your first few meetings. You want a partner who answers your calls, explains things clearly, and treats you with respect.
Getting and Comparing Bids
Once you’ve found a few good candidates, it’s time to ask for pricing. This is called a “bid”; the contractor will look over your plans and estimate the total cost of the job.
How Many Bids to Get
As a general rule, try to get three bids. This gives you a clear picture of the market rate for your project. If one bid is drastically higher or lower than the others, that’s a sign to ask more questions.
What a Commercial Bid Should Include
A good bid should break down the costs for materials, labor, permits, and the contractor’s fee. It should also include an estimated timeline for the work.
Red Flags
Watch out for bids that are incredibly vague or lack specific details about the materials being used. Also, be wary of contractors who pressure you to sign immediately or ask for a massive cash deposit up front.
What the Process Looks Like Once Work Starts
After you sign the contract, the real work begins. Your contractor will start pulling permits, ordering materials, and scheduling the subcontractors to arrive in the correct sequence.
You should expect regular updates from any construction companies in Utah. While a construction site is always a bit noisy and chaotic, a good contractor will keep the site safe, organized, and moving forward.
Common Mistakes First-Time Owners Make
Plenty of business owners learn things the hard way. Let’s try to make sure you’re taking an easier route. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid during your first commercial build:
- Choosing the Lowest Bid Without Comparing Scope: A low price can indicate the contractor left out important details. Make sure every bid includes the same work.
- Not Budgeting a Contingency: Construction always has surprises. Set aside an extra 10% to 15% of your total budget for unexpected costs that pop up during the build.
- Skipping the Contract Review: Take the time to read your contract thoroughly. Make sure you understand the payment schedule, the timeline, and contingency plans.
- Going Around the Contractor to Talk Directly to Subs: If you want to change a paint color or move a wall, tell the general contractor from your construction company in Utah. Giving instructions directly to a subcontractor creates massive confusion and delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a contractor is licensed in Utah?
You can verify a contractor’s license by using the online database provided by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). This shows they meet the state’s standards for insurance, financial responsibility, and professional conduct.
What is a change order, and how does it affect my budget?
A change order is a formal document that outlines a proposed modification to the original construction plan, like altering a design or using different materials. Since these changes can impact the project’s cost and timeline, they must be agreed upon and signed by both you and your general contractor before any new work begins.
Who is responsible for obtaining permits for a commercial project?
Typically, the general contractor is responsible for securing all necessary building permits from the local municipality. Their experience with the permitting process ensures that all applications are filed correctly and that the project complies with relevant building codes and regulations from the start.
What is the difference between a bid and an estimate?
An estimate is a rough approximation of what a project might cost, often provided early in the discussion phase. A bid, on the other hand, is a formal, detailed offer to complete the work for a specific price based on a finalized set of plans and specifications.
Let Arnell-West Build Your Future Space
Tackling a commercial project doesn’t have to be stressful when you have the right construction company in your corner. Arnell-West brings decades of experience, a commitment to quality, and a history of on-time project delivery to every job. We are the trusted partner for business owners across Utah. Get in touch with us today, and let’s turn your big idea into a reality!