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5 Things to Consider When Hiring a General Contractor for Your Restaurant

So, you’ve decided to open a restaurant, congratulations! Opening a restaurant of your own is an exciting endeavor that can lead to a lifetime of success. Hiring a general contractor or commercial builder is one of the initial steps you need to make in bringing your dream restaurant to life. At RAYWEST DESIGNBUILD, we understand that hiring a contractor for your project is a big decision. Consider the following when interviewing general contractors to ensure you hire the right professional for your project:

Experience:

Experience is one of the most important things about a general contractor. While there are many new contractors who are talented and skilled, you will likely want to partner with a builder who has experience with projects similar to yours. When you partner with an experienced contractor, you can feel confident in their ability to execute your project with excellence. While interviewing contractors, consider asking them the following questions: 

  • How long have you been in the industry?
  • Do you have experience in the restaurant/food industry? 
  • Do you have a portfolio of projects I can view? 

Communication:

Communication is key when it comes to hiring a general contractor for your restaurant. You will be investing time, energy, and money into the contractor you hire, so it’s important to choose wisely. Your general contractor will have many decisions to make throughout the duration of your project, from ideation to completion, which is why it is so important that they maintain clear communication with you. Good communication can prevent disappointment, frustration, and misunderstandings from both parties. 

Licensing and Insurance:

Before hiring a general contractor for your restaurant, you must confirm that they are both licensed and insured. Contractors must be licensed and insured to protect the company, their builders, and the client. Hiring an unlicensed and uninsured contractor comes with many risks that could derail your project entirely, lead to safety hazards, and lost time. At RAYWEST DESIGNBUILD, we are fully licensed and insured, giving our clients confidence and trust in our craftsmanship.

References: 

Before you agree to work with a general contractor, it’s recommended that you check out their references and reviews. Take the opportunity to speak with their previous clients to learn more about their experience working with the contractor you are considering. Hearing other’s experiences can help you make the final decision, and give you confidence moving forward with your selected contractor. 

Compatibility:  

Last but not least, it’s important that your general contractor is compatible with you as an individual and with your project. After reviewing their portfolio, do you feel like their design build services match the vision you have for your restaurant? Are you confident in the contractor’s ability to execute your project on time and within budget? Do you feel like you can trust the contractor to deliver excellent craftsmanship while maintaining clear communication throughout the project? Working with a compatible contractor will lead to a more enjoyable and successful project, so make sure that you have thoroughly assessed your selected builder before kicking off your project. 

Are you on the hunt for a commercial contractor for your new build or upfit, but don’t know where to start? Contact RAYWEST DESIGNBUILD today to see if we may be a good fit for you!