Advice for Choosing an Efficient Renovation Contractor for Your Retail Space in the Manhattan, NY Area
When you’re ready to have your Manhattan, NY business renovated and it’s time to start your search for a renovation contractor, you may feel at a loss about where to look and who to choose. As a business owner, you know the importance of minimizing downtime so you can keep your business up and running during or after renovations are complete. Hiring an efficient renovation contractor is critical, so how do you know that you’re choosing the right contractor for the job? Here are some tips for choosing an efficient renovation contractor for your retail space.
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Look to Previous Customer Experiences
One of the best places to begin your search for a renovation contractor is Google. You can learn a lot about a contractor by reading their online reviews. Are they highly rated? What kinds of comments are their previous customers making? Make sure that the contractor you choose is a good communicator. The last thing you want is to be left in the middle of a renovation project with a contractor who stops responding.
You can take it a step further by asking the contractor for a list of references. Contact these previous customers and ask questions about their experience. Did the renovation contractor stick to their original timeline, barring any circumstances outside of their control? How long ago was the work done? Is their work holding up to the test of time? While efficiency is important, you also don’t want a contractor with shoddy work who cuts corners.
Ask Around
Talk to other local business owners to find out who they have hired to complete renovation work. If you've noticed recent renovations in any of the stores you frequent, inquire about the contractor they hired for the job. Word-of-mouth referrals are generally reliable, and sometimes the business owner could get you in touch with their renovation contractor.
Hire an Experienced Local Contractor
There are numerous benefits to hiring a local contractor rather than one located hundreds of miles away from your location. You’ll be able to check with local references and even see their work in person. Local contractors often have relationships with subcontractors in the area, which can make the overall timeline shorter.
You can count on a local renovation contractor to be familiar with local building codes and regulations. Building code violations can be time-consuming and push your project timeline out further than you first agreed upon, so for efficiency’s sake, it’s a good idea to hire someone familiar with all of the local regulations.
If you’re a small business owner, you can appreciate the fact that you are supporting another local business and keeping the money in your community. Plus, local businesses are often built upon their reputations, and if the contractor does not have a good track record, word will get around quickly. As a bonus, your business reputation can increase simply because you’ve hired and supported another local business owner.
Finalize a Timeline
Make sure to get a projected timeline from the contractor. This helps ensure you are both on the same page as to when the project needs to be finished so you can continue business as usual. Check-in periodically throughout the project to ensure everything is going according to schedule.