If a commercial construction project is on your 2025 to-do list, the best time to look for a commercial contractor is right now. To help you find the best commercial contractor in the Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, and Chesapeake, Virginia area, we compiled a list of tried-and-true signs of a good commercial contractor as well as concerns specific to the current economic environment.
Continue reading to discover how to find the best commercial contractor for your upcoming renovation, build out, or remodel.
What is a Commercial Contractor?
Before we dive into those signs, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page: what exactly is a commercial contractor? A commercial contractor is someone who works exclusively with businesses or commercial landlords on construction projects.
These contractors can specialize in new buildings or renovation projects. Carlton Building Services, for example, falls into the latter and regularly works with local businesses and landlords on renovating, remodeling, or repairing commercial spaces.
The reason you want to hire a commercial contractor, not a residential one, is because they understand how a renovation project impacts your business’ bottom line. When they complete a project, their main concern is your budget and your vision for the business’ future, not how aesthetic a particular light fixture is or if a backsplash aligns with personal preferences.
Signs of a Good Commercial Contractor
Now that we’ve reviewed what a commercial contractor is, what exactly are the signs of a good one? Usually, a good commercial contractor has a successful track record of finishing projects on-time and on-budget. They also tend to be efficient communicators with both commercial tenants and commercial property landlords. Ahead, discover the five signs to look for in a commercial contractor.
Good at Communicating
Construction projects have a lot of moving parts, and the scope can change quickly. As the client, you shouldn’t have to work about the project nuances, but should be aware of everything happening on the project. To accomplish this goal, select a commercial contractor who prioritizes communication. Warriors For Life, for example, found a contractor who was good at communicating for a recent project. The nonprofit wanted to build an ice hockey rink for veterans, which is a multifaceted project that few contractors in the warm state of Virginia are familiar with. Fortunately, the contractor they went with sent weekly project updates and communicated promptly throughout, leading to a smooth, pain-free rink construction.
Successful Track Record
Alongside good communication, you should ensure any contractor you work with has a track record of success. Ideally, your contractor should have past projects on their website and be able to articulate more details about those projects in initial meetings or phone calls.
Finishes Projects On Time
Construction projects are notorious for being drawn-out. We all know that one home renovation project that took double the time to complete or that road that’s constantly under construction. You don’t want your business to end up in a similar situation. To avoid this, find a contractor who finishes projects on-time, even when obstacles pop up.
AAMCO in Chesapeake, Virginia found a contractor who was able to conduct a thorough repair on the initial timeline they provided in their proposal. Plus, AAMCO was able to stay open during the repair, meaning they didn’t lose revenue during the project.
Finishes Projects On Budget
Along with finishing a project on-time, you want to find a contractor who can stick within your budget. If the project scope extends beyond your budget, that contractor should also be candid about the financials and offer alternatives.
McCormick Law had a vision of floor to ceiling windows in their office meeting room. Their budget, however, wasn’t big enough for this renovation. Their contractor was upfront about this budget concern and provided an alternative that created a similar aesthetic at a fraction of the cost.
Knows the Local Area
The right commercial contractor will be familiar with your local area, including how the local economy is performing, what makes a business in your area successful, and how local permits work. Based on this location-specific knowledge, a contractor will be able to complete your project faster and within budget.
Carlton Building Services, for example, specializes in projects in the Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake areas. We’re familiar with the best subcontractors, how local permits work, and what your business needs to succeed. Plus, we understand that the local commercial real estate property is stronger than the national market, meaning there’s never been a better time to complete a renovation on a commercial property in this area.
Specific Concerns Going Into 2025
The economy of 2024 was full of ups and downs, though it ended in a great place for commercial landlords and businesses, thanks to the interest rate cut in quarter four of 2024. With this rate cut, you can now get a business loan for property renovations at a lower interest rate, meaning any money you invest into construction goes further than before.
At the same time, working with a skilled contractor also helps your money go further. We’ve already discussed five tried-and-true traits a contractor should have, but a few more specific to 2025 include:
- Aware of how technology is transforming the construction space
- Understands your business’ future and how to help you thrive based on commercial interior design trends and the overall economy
- Doesn’t cut corners on the project or communication
Alongside these three traits, choose a local contractor. More and more commercial contractors are becoming “chains” that work across state lines. Chain contractors may offer better prices (upfront), but they don’t understand the local process to obtain building permits, have relationships with the best subcontractors in your area, or understand the local community.
By working with a contractor who understands your area, it will take less time to get building permits, your project will be completed by the best contractors, and you’ll probably end up paying less since local contractors can better estimate costs and keep projects running smoothly.
Starting a Commercial Construction Project in 2025?
If looking for a commercial contractor in the Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, or Chesapeake, Virginia areas that marks all these boxes, consider Carlton Building Services. Our team are pros at communicating, successfully finishing projects on budget and on time, and navigating local permit regulations. Contract us for a free quote for your 2025 commercial construction project.
