Brown and Chris Monk of the Associated General Contractors of America said going through a professional association is often helpful in making the right hiring decision. Associated Builders maintains a database of contractors and can turn a list of specifications into a list of potential contractors across the country. Referrals are often the best advertisements, while architects are also a good place to start. Contractors can also be found through competitive bidding. It is important to find a contractor that can build in your specific industry, whether it's a restaurant, health care facility, industrial plant or technology center.
Contractors tend to have niches.
Armed with a list of suitable candidates, it's time to make the final selection. Just as important as the contractor, is the staff. Monk and Brown said checking a contractor's affiliation with trade associations like the Associated General Contractors of America and the Associated Builders and Contractors can also help in finding the right match as well as their local affiliations in community organizations and chambers of commerce. It is also important to check up on the contractor's financial track record and payment to subcontractors. In order to complete a job, all workers must be paid.