You hear it all the time: finding a good and reliable contractor is impossible. We’re here to tell you that it is not as difficult as you may believe. As professionals in the commercial contracting business, we at American Bath Remodeling would like to offer you some advice on how to find a good commercial contractor or subcontractor for your next construction job or remodel.
If you’re looking to redo your commercial bathroom facilities, we can help you with that too. We have been assisting businesses, hotels, universities, public housing, and military housing with their commercial bathroom remodeling for over 35 years. Our staff is factory-trained on our custom installation services so there is no need to bring in a third party contractor.
Our services include tub to shower conversions, bathtub liners, shower bases, vanities, fiberglass bathtub replacements, and wall surrounds. We pride ourselves on serving our customers, so we will walk you through the remodeling process step-by-step and help you stay within your budget.
We can also be of service to companies with built-in construction companies by acting as your product supply lead.
If you’re not looking to redo a bathroom, here is our advice for finding the diamond in the rough.
Good Subcontractors Are Everywhere
Finding a good contractor or subcontractor is not the challenge; the difficult thing is booking them to fit your schedule. Good contractors and subcontractors are in high demand and do not necessarily market themselves to the general public. Many only work for builders with whom they have built a relationship with.
Therefore, the easiest way to find a good contractor or subcontractor is by asking around. Ask your builder, architect, designer, or tradesperson you’re working with about what company they use for their contracting services. Start a conversation with them and see if the contractor they use would be willing to work for you and if they would be a good fit for you.
Look at their experience and job history too. For instance, we have worked with Best Western, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Hilton, LaQuinta, Marriott, and more.
Another way to find a good contractor is to keep your eyes open. Take note of what companies are working on what projects around your hometown. When you spot one, give them a call or research them online to see if they are interested in working for you.
Don’t forget to utilize social media too! Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are great tools to keep track of their job history, photos and reviews. They all allow you to open channels of communication between you and the contractor.
Manage Your Expectations Before Searching
While some contractors and subcontractors are the root of the problem, you may not be able to find one because your expectations are too high. Set realistic expectations for your project.
Professional and experienced contracts are not lightning fast at what they do. They take their time to ensure the job is being done correctly, all mistakes are corrected and no corners are cut along the way.
Don’t expect to get your project started right away, either. We know you’re excited to see the completed room and to get rid of the mess, but construction and remodeling takes time.
Remind yourself that good contractors are busy. They are in high demand and are often working with more than one company at a time.
Contractors will not be in one location every day until the job is completed, either. They are working on numerous projects and waiting on products to be delivered, so don’t expect to see them on a daily basis.
An experienced contractor will be able to give you a realistic timeline so you can be ready for the estimated starting and ending date. That being said, not all projects can stick to a strict timeline. A good contractor works to finish a quality product and will take the time to address any unforeseen issues with all of their projects as they come up. This can extend your project deadline.
Plan the Design First
The first step in any remodeling or construction job is to know exactly what you need. Contractors and subcontractors are not designers. They do not always know how to tell you what will work best for your space.
A well-defined plan sets the tone for success.
Some companies, like us, offer one-stop remodeling services. Our staff can take your project from designed to done in record time.
Avoid The Lowest Bid
Finally, remember that you will you get what you pay for. Make a realistic budget that matches what you want. You will get bids lower than your expected budget. Remember that taking the lowest bid comes with the risk of taking the lowest quality project.
Do not expect a flawless glistening remodel for your 50 hotel bathrooms if you choose the cheapest contractor. While they can still do a good job, there is a chance the contractor or subcontractor will choose to cut corners and use low quality material to get you the cheapest price.
Conclusion
There are many steps to making sure you pick the right contractor for the job. Managing your own expectations for the job is just as important as finding the right contractor. Be realistic and be thorough. It’s your property and you deserve the best.
Our staff at American Bath Remodeling can help you. Our patented installation process ensures consistent and reliable results for our 1,000,000+ bathroom remodels. We manufacture, ship, install and warranty all of our work and products. This resulted in us developing a positive reputation among commercial clients nationwide. Contact us today.