Commercial construction is vastly different from residential construction. Not only are the two often on different scales, but they also differ in areas of expectation, skills required, and complexity. Therefore, it’s important to source commercial builders in Melbourne that will be able to make your vision come to life. But with so many commercial construction companies in Melbourne already, how do you choose the right one? We’re sharing some steps on how to figure it out in today’s blog.
Step 1: Know your project
Without knowing exactly what you’re looking for, you’ll never be able to find that perfect fit. You need to be able to summarise and present the scope of your project, even including detailed information about measurements where needed. These specifications will allow your commercial builder to provide a more accurate quote, which will give you the opportunity to conduct more precise comparisons between builders.
Knowing your project will also help you to verbalise your expectations, allowing for clearer communication once the construction process commences.
Step 2: Learn more about their experience
When it comes to construction, don’t underestimate the value of experience. A business with many years of industry experience is an immediate indicator that they’ll be a better fit for your project, as opposed to a newer construction company with less to show.
There are a few key benefits to choosing an experienced builder over one that is new to the industry, including:
- They have access to – and connections with – reputable suppliers and sub-contractors, who will help you achieve quality results within your budget
- They will know how to approach your project in the most effective way possible, especially if they have previously completed projects just like yours
- They’ll be much more efficient in organising anything externally and communicating with you along the way.
Step 3: Choose a specialised team
It’s important to select a builder that specialises in commercial projects – purely because they have a greater capacity to meet your needs and deliver the results you’re striving for.
However, commercial builders have the added benefit of knowing how to work with your business during the construction process. They understand that any disruptions can result in a loss for your business, so they are often well-equipped to ensure downtimes are kept to an absolute minimum.
Within commercial building, if you can find a team that specialises in your exact project, you’ll have greater confidence that your expectations will be exceeded by the results.
Step 4: Check licenses and warranties
If you choose to work with a commercial builder that does not hold the right licenses and warranties, you could be setting yourself up for failure. Licenses and warranties protect both parties in the event of damage or injury. Without them, you could be opening yourself up to high repair costs, or worse, the job could be completed in a manner that is not compliant with industry standards and regulations. Look for builder’s warranty, liability insurance and worker’s compensation documents.
Any affiliations or memberships with reputable industry organisations (such as Master Builders Victoria) is also a great sign your commercial builder complies with industry standards.
Step 5: Examine their portfolio
What better way to choose a commercial builder than to visually inspect their past projects? While browsing their online gallery is certainly valuable, it never hurts to pay a visit to the site and examine the quality of work executed by the builder. After all, this will give you a good indication of what you can expect for your own project, especially if the building onsite is similar to the one you are envisioning.
You can also ask the builder directly about their past work. Speak to them to get a good idea of what to expect in terms of timeline, budget, and any other potential challenges.
Looking for experienced commercial builders in Melbourne?
At S & B Lamble Builders, we design and execute highly specialised commercial projects in and around Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs. We have over 35 years of experience in delivering stunning commercial solutions in Melbourne, and we are committed to helping local communities build infrastructure that is functional, long-lasting, and beautiful.
Within the broader classification of commercial construction, we specialise in building government properties, aged care and education facilities, and industrial premises. Whether your envisioned project is small or large-scale, our team is fully licensed and qualified to handle your commercial construction needs.
If you’d like to submit a tender or want to find out more about our team of commercial builders in Melbourne, then give us a call on (03) 5941 8135 today.