Construction is far from the only industry where credentials and experience vary greatly in value, but it’s definitely one of the areas where the differences stand out the most. Since construction is such a physical and hands-on process, it’s not enough to simply know how to build commercial structures. When shopping for a general contractor to handle your building project, you need to look beyond where they studied and what credentials they earned. It’s essential to look for experience as well to make sure the project flows smoothly from the beginning to the end.
Different Paths to the Same Industry
Unlike engineering or architecture, it’s perfectly acceptable to enter the world of construction without previous education. This is one of the few industries left today that allows young men and women to learn all the relevant skills and techniques on the job. However, many contractors are choosing to take the education route before getting a job in the field. This results in a definite split between the two types of contractors. Companies run by people with degrees in construction and building science may know more technical tricks for project management and job site design, but it doesn’t always translate into a better finished project.
For large-scale commercial projects, nothing compares to real-world experience. All the training in the world can’t prepare a contractor to deal with sudden weather changes, a supplier failing to deliver building materials or a project drastically changing in scope in the middle of construction. Modern Construction Corporation has dealt with all these problems and more, so you can feel confident in your choice to work with us on your commercial building project.
Asking the Right Questions
When it’s time to choose a contractor, be sure to look for a company that offers a combination of educational credentials and real-life experience. Don’t choose the first company with a long list of certifications and endorsements from national organizations since those credentials may not mean anything outside of the classroom.
As you talk with contractors to determine which company to hire, measure their ability to deal with challenges by asking questions like:
- Are you and your employees licensed in this state? Does this state require licensing? Are you licensed to do commercial work, if a separate exam is required?
- Do you hold any additional certifications, like LEED building approval or certification from the International Code Council? Check the certifications to find out what kind of testing or experience is required, if any, before assuming they are signs of quality. Some certificates are given to any contractor willing to pay the fee.
- How does your company comply with OSHA standards? Safe workers get the job done better and faster.
- How many similar projects have you completed, and what are the details of the projects? What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
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