Expanding into a new location is an exciting time for your business. It can be nerve-wracking too, with the sheer amount of details to consider and keep track of. One decision you must make is regarding the team that will actually build your new location. If you will be building a new branch and not leasing, here is how to find the best team to do it.
Ask for References
Reach out to any contacts you have in the industry who you think might have suggestions for you. For example, you might know other restaurant owners who recently built a new location of their restaurant. Leverage your network to find qualified professionals to undertake a commercial building project for you. Ask them specifics—what they liked about working with a specific builder and what they didn’t like so you get a clear picture.
View Their Previous Work
With builders, it can be easy to view and examine examples of their previous work. Simply find out which buildings they worked on and then go see them for yourself. If the building is open to the general public, go inside and take a look around. If you like what you see, you can consider moving forward with a specific contractor. If you aren’t especially familiar with commercial building design, it might be a good idea to have someone who is accompany you to notice key details.
Gather Bids
Once you have a list of building companies, ask them for estimates on the project. Get bids from at least three different contractors. It’s important not to simply go with the cheapest option but carefully evaluate their value and quality in addition to price. Ask them how long it will take to complete the project as well. Timeframes are important when opening a new branch of your business and you will need to know if a builder can have the building ready when you need it to be.
Check Credentials
Once you have decided on a builder, for example Jeffrey Hills and Associates, or are simply down to considering your final few candidates, be sure to check their credentials. For example, are the properly licensed and insured? Check with relevant state agencies to confirm any licenses or accreditation. Obtain a copy of their proof of insurance documentation and retain it for reference. Finally, discover whether they have engineers on staff or work with engineering consultants so your building will be structurally sound.
You want the right team working on building a new branch of your business. Do your due diligence and find a construction firm that meets your needs and does good work. Doing so will make opening a new branch of your business a much smoother affair.
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