One of the most critical decisions you’ll make as you embark on a journey to build a new Lehigh Valley office space is who your general contractor will be. You’ll want a contractor who is skilled enough to achieve your vision, on your budget, and on your timeline.
But with so many factors to consider, where do you start? From assessing a contractor’s experience and local reputation to warranties, communication preferences, safety certifications, and more, it can feel like an overwhelming search.
It’s worth the time to carefully review your options since every project is going to be different. Look to vet the right general contractor for your project so you can avoid costly delays, unplanned expenses, or subpar work that does not meet your expectations.
We’ll walk you through each factor to consider (along with red flags to avoid) when choosing a Lehigh Valley general contractor. So you can find a partner who can not only execute your vision but support your future growth.
Define your project’s vision
The first step to choosing the right Lehigh Valley general contractor for your project is to define your vision for the space. What do you want the overall look, feel, and function of your space to be? Determine your size and layout requirements, along with the types of spaces you’ll need to support your team’s goals, such as private offices, open work areas, or tech-focused areas. A detailed scope of your project will help contractors give you an accurate estimate and a full understanding of your project goals.
Seek contractors who prioritize partnership
Look for contractors who prioritize open communication and teamwork – this will minimize potential conflict and ensure a smooth working relationship. Your contractor should take the time to understand your vision, address your concerns, and make decisions that support your goals, making you feel like a true partner in the process.
Signs that your contractor is partnership-focused
- Active listening: They try to understand your goals by asking questions and addressing any concerns.
- Transparent communication: They are upfront about costs, timelines, and any potential issues.
- Flexibility: They prioritize your needs by adjusting their plans based on your feedback on the project scope and timeline.
- Regular updates: They provide you with regular updates on construction progress, ensuring you’re aware of any milestones or deviations from the plan.
- Follow-Through: A partnership-focused contractor will fulfill their commitments to you and show accountability.
Evaluate relevant experience
A contractor who specializes in office builds will better understand your specific needs. Be sure to request case studies, customer testimonials, or portfolios of previous projects that match your aesthetic and goals, especially in the Lehigh Valley area. This will give you a better sense of their capabilities.
1. Why is local experience important when choosing a general contractor in Lehigh Valley?
Local experience ensures your contractor is familiar with Lehigh Valley’s building codes, permitting processes, and regional regulations. Contractors with ties to the community often have established relationships with local Lehigh Valley suppliers and subcontractors, which can help streamline your project and minimize delays.
2. How do I evaluate a general contractor’s relevant experience for an office build?
Ask for case studies, portfolios, or testimonials of previous commercial construction projects similar to yours. Look for experience with office spaces that match your aesthetic and functional goals, and verify their expertise aligns with your industry’s needs, whether it’s modern layouts, tech-forward builds, or multi-use workspaces.
Confirm licensing, insurance, and community involvement
One often overlooked but important factor to consider is their level of community involvement. A contractor involved in the community will be more invested in quality and reputation because their work will affect their standing in Lehigh Valley.
Set up a pre-bid interview
A pre-bid interview can give you and any project stakeholders valuable insight into how the contractor would manage your specific project from start to finish. It can give you a chance to review preliminary timelines and discuss communication preferences and other important issues, such as how they’d handle project setbacks. It also gives your team a chance to ask questions and gauge their openness to frequent site visits or regular project updates.
Questions to ask during a pre-bid interview
- How many projects like ours have you completed in Lehigh Valley?
- How often will we receive updates on the project’s progress?
- How do you handle unforeseen challenges, like material delays?
- What steps do you take to avoid going over budget?
- Can you provide an estimated timeline for commercial construction?
Clarify contract terms and warranty
You’ll want to confirm that warranties cover both materials and labor. The warranty outlined in your contract should clarify that any issues due to defective parts, products, or workmanship will be rectified without any additional costs to you. Understand the length of the warranties and what factors might void them prior to signing a contract. This will protect your investment, establish accountability, and help avoid any unpleasant surprises that might pop up.
Pro tip: Look for a partner who can offer support post-project. For example, some contractors provide regular check-ins or maintenance post-construction, which can be a real value-add in a new space.
Make your choice while considering your future needs
When you finally make your choice, consider the contractor who can support any future needs, like an expansion or additional customizations or renovations. Building a long-term relationship with a general contractor can make any future projects you embark on more efficient and streamlined. Plus, it ensures you have a quality partner who understands your approach to projects, communication preferences, aesthetics, and more.
General contractor red flags to avoid
When you start the process of searching for a general contractor, look out for the following warning signs. These may indicate that you’ll run into issues down the road:
1. High-pressure sales tactics.
Steer clear of a general contractor who pressures you to sign a contract on the spot, or offers you “today-only” discounts. This can be a tactic to prevent you from comparing quotes or to distract you from limitations in their proposal.
2. Vague or missing contract terms.
Your contract should be crystal clear. A contract that lacks details about timeline, costs, warranties, certifications, or more can lead to misunderstandings and disputes mid-project.
3. Significantly low estimates compared to competitors.
A contractor that offers you a much lower bid compared to competitors isn’t always a great sign. In fact, it could be a signal that they plan to cut corners, use low-quality materials, or lack industry experience.
4. Requests for substantial up-front payments.
A contractor who demands large, up-front payments may warrant suspicion – most reputable contractors have reasonable deposit terms. If your contractor requests this, it may be a sign of financial instability or worse – a scam.
5. No local experience.
If a contractor has no ties to the community or lacks experience working in Lehigh Valley, they may struggle to navigate local building codes or regulations and potentially cause delays and complications.
Choose Jerdon Construction for your next Lehigh Valley office build
Finding a Lehigh Valley general contractor who can achieve your vision for an office space doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. Trust Jerdon Construction to handle your new office space commercial construction project from start to finish. We have the experience and expertise to achieve your goal, whether it’s a modern new build or an office renovation. Ready to get started? Contact us today.
