Meeting with a Commercial Builder in Mid-Missouri? They Should Be Able to Answer Your Questions With Ease

Are you itching to start building a new commercial space in mid-Missouri? Before you get carried away by blueprints or blue-sky planning, it’s vital you find a commercial contractor who can deliver an amazing new building for you. The best way to ensure you're partnering with the right commercial builder is to schedule a meeting and conduct an interview. Regardless of whether you have prior experience with commercial builds or are new to the process, interviewing a contractor is always a crucial step before embarking on a construction project.

A thoughtful and thorough discussion during the interview process will not only provide clarity on the contractor's capabilities and approach but also foster a strong understanding of how well they align with your vision for the project. It's an opportunity to establish clear communication channels, discuss timelines, and ensure that your expectations are met with precision.

Ready to build? Be well-prepared for your meeting with a commercial builder by asking these 10 questions.

Don’t Choose a Commercial Contractor in Mid-Missouri Before Asking These 10 Important Questions

1: How long have you been working as a commercial contractor? 

In the world of commercial contracting, experience matters! A commercial contractor with a long history of beautiful builds and satisfied clients will always offer more value than a cheaper alternative. An experienced commercial builder will provide valuable insight into the construction process, offer innovative solutions to problems, and manage all aspects of your build with ease and professionalism. It can be challenging to find a commercial builder who meets all those requirements, but Professional Contractors & Engineers are your perfect match.

Professional Contractors & Engineers have been around for more than three decades, and our founding families have roots that go even deeper. Would you like to know more about our rich history as mid-Missouri’s premier commercial contractor? Explore our history.

2: Have you worked on commercial building projects similar to ours? 

The truth of commercial construction is no two projects will ever be the same. Even franchise locations will differ based on local needs and regulations. However, a good commercial contractor will know exactly how to handle your build and the requirements that must be met based on your industry. For example, if you are a project leader overseeing the building of a new public school, you should look for a commercial general contractor who has experience building for educational purposes. When looking for a commercial contractor, view their portfolio and look for buildings that match your industry. If they don’t have a portfolio, be sure to ask about their work in your field. 

Professional Contractors & Engineers has proudly built schools, churches, multi-housing complexes, retail centers, restaurants, offices, showrooms, and so much more. Get a better understanding of our experience in the commercial construction industry by exploring our portfolio.

3: What sets you apart as a commercial contractor from your competitors?

When it feels like every commercial contractor you speak with offers the same service at a similar price, it can be challenging to choose the perfect contractor for your build. Sometimes you will need to dig into a commercial builder’s personality and communication style before you feel comfortable making a choice. If you prefer a contractor who will adapt to your communication preferences, make sure your final choice is flexible and ready to provide regular project updates via email, phone, video, or in-person meetings. Do you want a commercial contractor who can provide Green solutions during the build process? Not every builder can deliver, so you must narrow down your choice by asking the big questions. 

4: Is your company licensed, bonded & insured to perform commercial construction work?

It may seem like a no-brainer that a commercial contractor would have all the proper paperwork in place to perform their work, but it’s not always guaranteed. Negligent contractors may skimp on holding the required insurance and licenses because they want to save some money. However, should the local government catch wind of their unwise actions, you could end up with an incomplete building project with no way to move forward.

Before committing to a commercial contractor, ensure they have the appropriate licenses, insurance, and bonding to protect you from any potential concerns or problems. A contractor who can’t provide evidence of these should not be your chosen commercial builder.

5: Do you have project managers who will oversee my commercial build?

Every commercial build, no matter how large or small, should be led by a skilled project manager. In the commercial building space, this person is known as a commercial general contractor. Your commercial general contractor will manage your budget, schedule, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and more. They keep the commercial build running smoothly, on schedule, and on budget. Your commercial general contractor will also be your primary point of contact during the build. They will keep you informed of any milestones or setbacks and break down any confusing parts of the commercial construction process.

Professional Contractors & Engineers’ commercial general contractors have years of experience working on projects with all types of needs and budgets. We back up our work with proven experience and exceptional delivery. See what our general contractors have to offer when you explore our commercial services.

6: Do you work with subcontractors to complete commercial construction projects? 

Commercial contractors will often utilize subcontractors to complete certain steps of the construction process. This could include an electrician, plumber, carpenter, roofer, or even a demolition expert. It takes a wise commercial contractor to know when they need help, and when they have a long list of subcontractors they trust, you can feel confident in your build.

Mid-Missouri is full of trustworthy subcontractors, and Professional Contractors & Engineers are proud to say we have a robust list of subs we work with regularly. We choose only the best in the business to ensure your project is built with quality craftsmanship. 

7: Who will design my commercial build? 

Blueprints don’t appear out of thin air, so it’s important to know who will be designing your commercial building. Most commercial contractors will rely on architects to design and prepare blueprints for a new build. Sometimes a commercial construction firm will have architects working in house or they will rely on independent architects they hire out on a per-project basis. No matter how a builder sources their blueprints, it’s important to trust your architect to put your vision to paper. 

Professional Contractors & Engineers’ is proud to work with mid-Missouri architects to develop some of the most attractive and impressive structures in the area. Our design and build services are the perfect choice for business owners and organizational leaders who need a team to develop their build from start to finish. We’d be proud to be the commercial design and build team for you.

8: How do you ensure the cost of my commercial construction project?

Budget is at the top of mind for any business owner or organization leader. After all, you never want to spend more than you need, and if you don’t have the means to cover overspending, your business could be in serious trouble. Before you hire a commercial contractor, make sure they know how to manage a budget. A good commercial builder will order materials that align with your budget, hire subcontractors when necessary to save on costs, and look for cost and time-saving methods that could make your build much simpler. There are so many ways to keep a project on budget, and without the financial finesse your project requires, you could find yourself drowning. 

One of the best ways to ensure your project is completed with a guaranteed budget is to choose Professional Contractors & Engineers’ construction management at-risk services. A CM at risk will set a guaranteed maximum budget with you and if that budget is exceeded, they will be responsible for the additional costs. We ensure commercial construction costs in mid-Missouri.

9: Can you provide references from your previous commercial building clients?

One of the easiest ways to determine whether a commercial contractor is the right choice for your build is to speak with previous clients. If the contractor cannot or will not provide references, this is a huge red flag. A commercial contractor without references is either too inexperienced for the job or will have a bad reputation among their previous clients.

However, commercial contractors with a long list of happy clients are a walking green flag. They are proud to connect you with previous clients and will even encourage you to reach out. Professional Contractors & Engineers would be pleased to share our references with you. From recent clients to repeat clients we’ve worked with for decades, our list of past partners is long and precious. In fact, it’s these legacy clients who have built us into the best commercial construction firm in mid-Missouri. 

10: How soon can my commercial property build be started? 

Have you found the right commercial builder for you? You’re probably ready to get started right away! However, it’s important to be patient. A good build takes time and should never be rushed. If you want to start building as soon as possible, don’t settle for a builder who will skip the necessary steps that must be taken for safety and regulatory compliance. Instead, choose a commercial contractor who can be nimble for you without sacrificing quality or care.

When you’re ready to start your build, Professional Contractors & Engineers will be here for you. We can’t wait to discuss your building plans and how we can accelerate our timeline to accommodate your needs.

Have we answered all your questions? Reach out to Professional Contractors & Engineers to learn why we are the #1 commercial builder in mid-Missouri

We are the well-rounded and experienced builder your company or organization needs to be successful. Not only do we have the history and reputation to back up our work, but we also boast a long list of clients and a stunning portfolio to prove our value. To start building your own commercial property in mid-Missouri, get in touch with our team today. We’ll take your goals and transform them into a building you and your partners can be proud of.