How to Choose the Right National Commercial Construction General Contractor
Selecting a general contractor for a national commercial construction project is a high-stakes decision. The right choice leads to smooth execution, while the wrong one results in delays, cost overruns, and frustration. In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of general contractors, their working styles, and how to determine which one aligns with your project’s needs.
Types of General Contractors:
Not all contractors operate the same way. Some prioritize planning and consistency, while others rely on aggressive tactics or flashy innovations. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
- The “Wild, Wild West” Contractors:
These contractors somehow grow into massive firms without solid systems for preconstruction planning, project management, or trade coordination. Instead, they rely on hiring experienced individuals to compensate for their lack of structure.
Warning Signs: Minimal planning, inconsistent execution, and over-reliance on trade partners to “figure things out.”
How to Spot Them: Ask trade partners about their experiences. If projects seem chaotic or unpredictable, it’s a red flag.
- The “Turn & Burn” Contractors:
Large, high-volume contractors that win projects due to their size and buying power. However, they’re always behind schedule, understaffed, and stuck in reaction mode. They often pay trade partners late and use brute force to push projects forward.
Warning Signs: Constantly firefighting, strained trade relationships, and a reputation for being difficult to work with.
How to Spot Them: Trades often have unflattering nicknames for these companies. Listen carefully to how they describe working with them.
- The “Old School Consistent” Contractors:
These contractors might not be the flashiest, but they get the job done. They stick to traditional methods, maintain structured processes, and focus on reliable execution. While they may not be early adopters of new tech or methodologies, they deliver steady results.
Why Choose Them? If you value reliability over innovation, this type is a safe bet.
How to Spot Them: Look for companies with a long-standing reputation for delivering projects on time and within budget, even if they’re not using the latest industry buzzwords.
- The “Planners”:
Planning-focused contractors invest time in preconstruction, risk mitigation, and workflow efficiency. They aren’t reactive—they anticipate challenges before they arise. While they may not be the lowest bid, they ensure smoother execution and fewer surprises.
Why Choose Them? They deliver high-quality projects with fewer headaches.
How to Spot Them: They emphasize preconstruction planning and can clearly articulate how they’ll execute your project.
- The “Progressives”:
These contractors embrace the latest trends, cutting-edge tools, and modern business models. However, they often lack consistency—some projects run smoothly, while others are chaotic. Their effectiveness depends largely on the specific team assigned to your project.
Warning Signs: Over-reliance on technology without strong foundational processes.
How to Spot Them: If every project they deliver varies drastically in quality, you may be dealing with a progressive but inconsistent firm.
- The “Total Package” Contractors:
The rarest breed—these contractors combine planning, consistency, innovation, and strong trade relationships. They invest in training, have structured systems, and always staff their projects adequately. If you find one, you’re working with a top-tier firm that consistently delivers excellence.
Why Choose Them? They balance structure, adaptability, and efficiency, ensuring smooth project execution.
How to Spot Them: Look for companies with well-documented processes, long-term trade partnerships, and a reputation for excellence across multiple projects.
How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Project:
To make the best decision, follow these steps:
- Talk to trade partners. They’ll tell you more about a contractor’s real-world performance than any marketing pitch.
- Visit current project sites. Seeing a contractor in action will give you a clear picture of how they operate.
- Create a scoring system. Develop a list of criteria to evaluate contractors based on your project’s priorities.
Key Takeaway:
Choosing the right national commercial general contractor isn’t just about price—it’s about aligning with a firm that fits your project’s needs. Whether you prioritize planning, consistency, or innovation, evaluating a contractor’s track record, trade partner relationships, and execution style will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure project success.
If you want to learn more we have:
-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here)
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here)
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)
Discover Jason’s Expertise:
Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.
On we go
