What Assisted Living Facilities Should Look for in a Commercial Builder in New York City Area

Finding the right commercial contractor for a new assisted living facility or for a facility renovation is critical for the project's success. The right contractor must have not only a stellar record of communication, expertise, and excellent customer service; but a thorough understanding of the unique needs of senior care facilities.

A contractor is involved in the project from inception to completion,  including the design, surveys and permitting, materials purchases, zoning and building code adherence, management of subcontractors, and ensuring timely and satisfactory completion of the project.

An assisted living facility owner will be working with a contractor very closely. Since many projects don’t always go exactly as planned, so the #1 factor in choosing a contractor is their ability to communicate. 

1. Excellent Communication Skills and Customer Service

Client questions and concerns must be addressed completely and clearly. The overall communications should be enjoyable for both the contractor and the facility owner. 

Good communication sets expectations prevent misunderstandings and help keep projects running smoothly. A contractor should be responsive, easy to reach, polite and respectful, accurate, and transparent. 

2. Thorough Organization Skills and Attention to Details

Both new construction and renovations are complex and require thorough planning and coordination. It’s not easy to see whether a contractor is organized or not. One way is to talk to previous clients and read reviews. A visibly successful project - with a happy client and a quality project - speaks a lot to a contractor’s organizational skills.

You can also tell a lot from the bid. A bid will outline, at least roughly, the scope and phase of the work: deadlines, materials, costs, change order procedures, payment terms, communications parameters, and more. A too-sparse bid is a red flag: not only poor and vague communication, but potential problems during the project (“it’s not my job”).

Good contractors pay close attention to details. All construction projects are complicated and small problems can mushroom into big problems if they're not fixed quickly. Plans must be detailed and followed closely.

3. Positive Testimonials

An experienced contractor should be happy to share client testimonials to prove their expertise, integrity, and professionalism. Walk away from any contractor who can’t or won’t provide references. 

If you read negative reviews, consider the contractor’s replies to the client: in many cases, they will quickly attempt to solve the client’s problem (most people are quite happy and forgiving when a contractor does the right thing to rectify a mistake). Red flags include a lack of response or consistent bad reviews that don’t appear to have been resolved.

4. Current Licenses, Certifications, and Insurance

No commercial contractor should be without current licenses, industry certifications, and insurance. Never hire unlicensed or uninsured contractors. You will have no recourse if things go wrong. Certifications are not necessary, but they show a contractor’s commitment to excellence. Maintaining current certifications isn’t cheap and it requires keeping up with industry trends and technologies

5. Expertise

A new facility or a facility renovation is not the time to be giving the benefit of the doubt to a contractor inexperienced with this type of project. You want to work with someone who has been up against challenges specific to the senior care industry.

6. Warranty

Contractors should be able and willing to back up their workmanship with a clear and detailed written warranty.