Pursuing an office buildout in SoFla will require you to make hundreds of choices, but perhaps none is more important than choosing the right general contractor to lead your project.

If it sounds like we’re ringing the alarm bells, it’s because we are. The stakes in commercial construction are high, and the pace is fast. One wrong turn at this juncture can be the difference between a successfully completed office project that’s finished on time and on budget, and one that encounters delays and cost overruns at every turn.

Stay on track with your Miami office renovation from the very start by looking for these important qualities when hiring a general contractor.

1. One who is local – Office buildouts are complex enough on their own, but factor in zoning and permitting requirements, environmental factors, and a host of other nuances unique to Miami-Dade, and you’ll be lost without a local to guide you through the local process.

2. One who comes highly recommended – Don’t underestimate the power of a recommendation. Talk to the GC’s previous clients, learn what they liked and didn’t like while working with the GC, and ask for their honest recommendations. Nowhere will you get a more truthful assessment of a contractor’s work than by talking with someone who recently worked with them.

3. One who is licensed and insured – Don’t just take a GC or vendor’s word for it – look up their licensing status online. To see if a contractor is licensed in Florida, search the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.

4. One who prioritizes communication – You don’t want to be left in the dark about anything related to your office buildout, but all too often, it ends up being radio silence from your GC. Hire a contractor and project manager who is committed to keeping you informed and up-to-date every step of the way. It’s the surest way to avoid errors due to miscommunication and keep the project on track and on budget.

If you’re planning an office buildout in South Florida, please get in touch with our team at Seacoast Construction. We offer owner’s representation services as well as general contracting, construction management, pre-construction coordination and more. Call us at 786-433-8740 to schedule a free consultation.