Commercial Contractors OKC deal with large-scale construction projects like offices, retail stores and medical buildings. They are accustomed to working with more extensive codes and regulations, larger teams of workers and higher budgets than residential contractors.
When looking for a commercial contractor, it is important to compare bids and service fees. However, it is also vital to evaluate the contractor’s experience and credentials.
The commercial construction project management process involves meticulous planning and coordination, and is a complex task. The process starts with the high-level decision-making that takes place at the start of a project, and continues through to the final stages of completion. This includes budgeting, bidding, technologies, scope, and more.
One of the most important roles for a commercial contractor is to manage the project’s schedule. This requires careful planning and coordination, as well as attention to the lead times for custom components like windows and doors. It is also critical to account for unforeseen events that could impact the timeline, such as weather or labor problems.
Another crucial role is to negotiate with subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors. The CM will use principles such as principled negotiation, mutual-interests negotiation, and aggressive negotiation to achieve the best outcome for the owner.
Subcontractors
A commercial contractor is responsible for a variety of tasks in the construction process, including managing subcontractors. This ensures that all aspects of the project are completed on time and within budget. Often, contractors hire subcontractors to work on specific areas of the job that are outside their area of expertise. Subcontractors can include plumbers, framers, roofers, carpenters, and electricians.
When choosing a commercial contractor, it is important to consider their reputation, experience, and track record. Ask for references and contact previous clients to get a feel for their work ethic. It is also important to request a bid before hiring a commercial contractor. This will help you determine if they are providing an accurate estimate. It is also important to remember that the lowest bid is not always the best option, as it may indicate that the contractor will cut corners to save money.
Commercial contractors should always have a written contract in place before beginning work. This will protect both parties in the event of a dispute and ensure that all details are clear. This should include the scope of the project, a timeline, and budget. It is also a good idea to have the contract reviewed by an attorney before signing.
A commercial contractor should always pay their subcontractors on time. This will encourage them to continue working on the project and will help keep the project running smoothly. It is also important to treat your subcontractors with respect and communicate regularly. This will help them feel like genuine members of the team and will motivate them to do their best work. Additionally, it is important to check the status of their licenses and insurance periodically to make sure they are up to date.
Material Selection
The construction of a commercial building requires a lot of different materials. This is why the material selection process is an important part of any project. The right materials can ensure that the building is built to last and will be able to withstand extreme weather conditions. It can also help reduce maintenance costs.
The first step in the material selection process is to identify the requirements. This will include the type of building, budget constraints, and sustainability goals. The design team can then use these requirements to narrow down the list of potential materials. They can then analyze each candidate to determine its suitability for the job. This may include evaluating thermal and electrical conductivity, strength, Young’s modulus, and resistance to corrosion and chemicals.
Another important consideration in the materials selection process is the cost of the material. This is especially true for large projects. Commercial contractors should look for suppliers that offer competitive prices and a good track record of service. They should also consider the quality of customer support offered by each supplier. This will help them make the best decision when selecting materials for their projects.
Finally, the selection process must take into account any local codes or regulations that will affect the choice of materials. For example, a city may require the use of certain types of materials because they are fire-resistant or have low carbon emissions. The commercial contractor should be familiar with these rules and regulations so that they can choose the right materials for their projects.
It is also important to select the right materials for a commercial construction project based on how the building will be used. For example, the materials used for sidewalks and pavement must be able to withstand heavy foot traffic. In addition, the materials should be visually appealing and complement the design of the building.
Change Orders
The construction industry’s ever-shifting conditions require a flexible approach to project scope and change management. Unforeseen site conditions, differing ground levels for renovation projects, or the discovery of underground obstructions on new construction projects can all prompt the need for a change order. Other causes for a change order include delays that are beyond the control of the contractor, architect or owner, such as weather, shipping issues, labor disputes, fires or evacuation orders.
If the original contract stipulates a change order process, the procedure should be followed. Typically, all parties will meet to discuss the proposed change and how it affects the scope of work, cost and schedule. Then, the change is documented, and everyone agrees on a price for the additional work. Depending on the contract, this could be through unit pricing, time and materials (T&M), or a combination of both.
Once a change is agreed upon, it should be updated on the project’s change order form. In addition, the change should be reflected on the critical path of the project schedule. This will help to ensure that the contractor does not fall behind on any schedule milestones and cause a delay to the project completion date.
When documenting a change, it is important to be specific and include supporting documentation such as photographs or drawings. Also, it’s best to get the change ordered signed off as quickly as possible. This will not only prevent conflicts down the road, but it also shows good faith and keeps the relationship on an even keel. The construction software busybusy can greatly improve the process of change orders by automating workflows and keeping all stakeholders in the loop.
Insurance
There are multiple types of insurance that help protect contractors during projects. Contractors often need general liability insurance, which helps cover claims of property damage or bodily injury from products and services. This is the most common type of insurance required for contractors. Some projects also require commercial umbrella insurance, which adds additional protection beyond the limits of other policies. Workers’ compensation insurance is also a must for any contractor working with employees. It covers workers for medical expenses and lost wages if they are injured on the job.
Large construction projects can involve dozens or even hundreds of subcontractors and sub-subcontractors. This increases the risk that one or more subs will miss a deadline or fail to complete their work according to specifications. Wrap insurance, which provides liability coverage for an entire project, can reduce this risk. General contractors can also purchase specialized subcontractor default insurance (SDI), which adds to the protection of a performance bond by covering a contractor for claims against them due to a failed contract with a subcontractor.
Other forms of contractor insurance include pollution liability insurance, which provides coverage for cleanup costs and other losses resulting from environmental hazards or materials. Contractors that own or operate equipment may need installation floater insurance, which provides broad coverage for business property in transit, in storage locations or awaiting installation at the site of a project. Contractors can also buy business interruption insurance, which pays for loss of income if a project is interrupted by covered property damage.
Some small contractor businesses qualify for a Business Owner’s Policy, which bundles general liability and commercial property insurance into a single policy at a discount. Contractors can also purchase a specialized errors and omissions policy, which is similar to general liability but protects against financial losses rather than physical damage or bodily injury.