Commercial Construction
How to Choose a Commercial General Contractor
September 25, 2025 · 6 min read
Bid comparison is not contractor selection. The lowest number usually reflects the smallest scope, and the difference shows up as change orders three months later.
What to verify
Before comparing price, confirm the contractor can actually carry your project.
- Licensing in the jurisdiction and current insurance certificates
- Completed projects of similar type, size and complexity
- In-house project management vs. fully brokered work
- Filing and expediting capability in your city
- References from owners, not just architects
How to compare proposals
Normalize scope line by line. Look for allowances, exclusions, and assumptions about existing conditions — that is where bid gaps hide.
Red flags
Refusal to provide a transparent price on a defined scope, no written schedule, vague exclusions, unusually low general conditions, and reluctance to name the actual project manager.
Contract terms that protect you
Transparent price on a complete scope, milestone schedule, defined change-order process, retainage, lien waivers with each payment, and closeout deliverables listed explicitly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I always take the lowest bid?
No. Compare scope first; the lowest bid frequently excludes work the others included.
Planning a commercial interior project?
Transparent pricing, one contract, and a schedule we commit to — across New York, Texas and Florida.
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