Looking to build or remodel your home office? You need a good contractor. Here’s our guide to office remodeling 101 and how to find a stellar contractor.

In 2017, Americans spent $29 billion on commercial property remodeling.

If you don’t fancy your office’s current look or it’s literally begging for an upgrade, don’t shy away from splurging on a remodel. And now that you’re ready to give it a renovation, there’s probably one thing in your mind: finding a contractor who understands the craft.

With more than 73,000 businesses in the commercial property remodeling space, you’re not going to have an easy time finding the best.

That’s why we are here!

In this article, we’re sharing top tips to find a stellar office remodeling contractor.

Understand Your Office Remodeling Needs

Obviously, by now your eyes are on set on a remodel. However, it’s never too late to take a back seat and re-evaluate your needs.

Is an office remodel really the best option? Have you considered the costs of relocating to a new office with the features you want versus updating your current space?

If a remodel is the way forward, have you identified all the features (both interior and exterior) you want? Are there any physical and financial barriers?

Involve all your employees, so that everyone is in on the project, and make a list of these features.

Once you have an intricate understanding of your office remodeling needs, you’re ready to step into the market and begin your contractor search.

Begin Your Search Next Door

Workplace design has a positive impact on employee performance. Many employers now know this and have already implemented creative workplace redesigns.

As such, it’s certain there are organizations near you that have had office remodels in the recent past. This is where you need to begin your search for the best contractor.

Feel free to walk into those organizations and explore their office designs. If you like what you see, ask the management whether they moved into the office as is, or had the place remodeled. If remodeled, ask for a reference.

Take Your Search Online

Sometimes an offline search might not yield any results. Or you need multiple options, and asking around gets you less than that.

Don’t fret. Do an online search.

A simple “office remodeling contractors near me” search will reveal a handful of contractors. The thing with search engines, though, is they don’t necessarily rank business in terms of professional competence and experience. It’s those with a good mastery of SEO that rank top.

Yes, business with lots of positive reviews usually have higher rankings, but don’t take anything at face value. You’ll need to dig deeper. This will involve reviewing customer testimonials and investigating their BBB ratings.

At the end of your search exercise, you should have a list of at least 3 potential contractors.

Get Those Questions Ready

A common mistake people make when choosing an office remodeling contractor is making a decision based on gut or instinct.

When it comes to finding a stellar contractor, there is no room for instinct. Interviewing the contractors on your list is the only way to identify the best.

Ask the following questions:

• How long have you been in the trade?
• How many office remodeling projects have your completed?
• Are there projects you weren’t able to complete within the given timeframe? Why?
• Are you properly licensed and adequately bonded?
• Do your employees hold any industry certifications or designations?
• How many projects are you currently working on?
• Do you subcontract any work? If yes, does the client have a say in the choice of the subcontractor?
• Will you get the permits required for this project? Note this is the contractor’s responsibility.

Depending on how the contractors answer your questions, you should have a better idea of the direction you’re heading.

Ideally, you need a contractor who has been in business for at least five years and has completed hundreds of projects. Cross check license information with the relevant department in your state or local authority.

It’s also important to consider whether a contractor specializes in certain areas. When you want a home office remodeled, for instance, you want a contractor who routinely remodels homes offices, not corporate offices.

Evaluate the Quotes

At this point, you already have a mental choice but don’t call off the search -yet. You still need to evaluate the quotes, lest you’re left with a pricey contractor.

If your preferred contractor readily offers a price that meets your budget, bingo! But what if the quote is beyond your reach? Do you go for the most affordable contractor, even if they aren’t your most preferred?

Negotiate.

It’s not uncommon for contractors to bring down their prices, often as long as you’re also willing to move up. Plus, stellar office remodeling contractors charge a premium for their services. Be ready to spend.

Get the Contract in Writing

Like most remodeling projects, office remodels are capital intensive. To ensure your money is well spent, enter into a contract with the contractor.

If possible, get some legal input before the contract is sealed. This should spell out the ground rules, address problems that might occur during the course of the project, and state who shoulders responsibility.

In the contract, agree on terms of payment.

Typically, a contractor shouldn’t ask you to pay up the entire cost upfront. In fact, you shouldn’t pay more than 30 percent upfront.

Your New Office Awaits!

The powers of an office remodel are well documented. From stimulating worker productivity to bosting company image, splurging on a remodel is well worth it.

But before you reap the benefits, you need a stellar office remodeling contractor to get the work done. We know remodeling excitement can get in the way of finding the best contractor, but this information will no doubt point you in the right direction.

While at it, have you thought of creating a green office/business?