With all the commercial buildings in the Los Angeles market place, the commercial construction space is very competitive needless to say. There are hundreds of commercial contractors in Los Angeles and the surrounding cities so as a consumer, how do you choose the right company for your commercial construction project?
Company Reviews
In today’s day in age, consumer experience is a priority for many reasons. One of the biggest reasons is because everyone has the ability with a touch of their thumb, to have access to any review site online. Whether they leave a review on the pages of Yelp, Google or the Better Business Bureau, they will detail their experience whether Good, Bad or Ugly. Now, I know what you’re thinking, who’s to say that one of your competitors doesn’t leave a “fake” bad review to unethically gain a competitive edge over you? Although it does happen, this happens few and far between. Most sites require a review to be attached to a verified email address. Either way you need to see what their client experience has been to date.
Licensed Contractor
I know you’re thinking this is a a no brainer. Believe it or not, many consumers think just because the company has a license number on their business card, website and invoice forms, they have to be legit. Wrong! The only sure way to ensure you are doing business with a licensed contractor is to check the Contractors State Licensing Board website. Make sure it is the same company name, license number and owners name on the website. I have seen in the past, people get burned because someone was using another persons license to do the work. Be careful! Also, make sure the contractor you plan on doing business with is “bonded” and “insured.”
What does it mean to be bonded?
The term “bonded” means that the consumer is protected if the contractor doesn’t complete the project, fails to pay for permits or a slew of other financial obligations that is the contractors responsibility. If you feel that work has not been completed, contact the surety company directly which the information can be found on the Contractors State Licensing Board website.
Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance
Liability protects you for any damage to your property that is done during the work on your project. If the workers of the commercial construction damages your property in anyway then you can file a claim for the damages.
Worker’s compensation on the other hand is to protect the workers. This is pay for injured workers for lost wages and medical needs regardless of the responsible party. In most cases, worker’s compensation also provides benefits to the contractor’s family in case of a work-related death.
Online Presence
Everything and anything can be found on an established company in any industry. As simple as putting a company name in the google search bar, if there is no information found on that specific company…you should be a little skeptical or hesitant.
For example, DGR Construction Company, Inc. has been providing commercial construction services including creative space, construction for medical suites, retail and high rise buildings. They’ve bring over 20 years of experience and have become one of the premier Commercial Construction companies in Los Angeles, Downtown LA, Santa Monica, Playa Vista, Culver City, Century City, Pasadena and Beverly Hills. When you “google” their name, you will find their professional business website, reviews, listings and articles they have written aside from countless other pieces of information across the internet.
