Selecting a Contractor Experienced Meeting the Needs of Large Commercial and Industrial Clients
Most large commercial and industrial businesses use electrical power on a scale that is far different from what most individuals, and most electricians, deal with. If you need to upgrade a facility or expand, you need to hire an engineering firm experienced not just in commercial/retail spaces but in industrial electrical engineering. There are a few things you can do to streamline the selection process and end up with a productive business relationship.
Selecting an Industrial Electrical Engineering Firm
If you need to hire an electrical contractor for a big project in a commercial or industrial space, you know this is a big decision. Several things can go seriously wrong, and screening potential contractors can be difficult. To minimize the risk, you want to start by considering five things:
1. Experience – Look for many years of industrial and commercial electrical engineering experience, specifically with the type of project you need. A company that has broad experience in industrial and commercial projects is best.
2. Accreditation/Licensing – If your project involves engineering work or blueprints make sure an engineer with the relevant licensing will be in charge of that. Make sure the actual installation or repair work would be done by state-licensed electricians.
3. Additional Services –While not critical, it can be helpful over the long term to have a regular and reliable electrical contractor.
4. Insurance – Any firm that offers to perform industrial or commercial electrical work will have to carry insurance and be bonded. Just be sure to check their insurance coverage.
5. Reputation – You can gauge this by online reviews and by referrals or recommendations. If a contractor is reluctant to share contact information for any recent clients, this is probably a bad sign.
Vet companies in a systematic way, so you can do a side-by-side comparison based on pricing and other key variables.
Managing the Process
Create a spreadsheet if you have lots of contenders. If there are variables specific to your industry or your company, put them on the spreadsheet too. For example, “green” business is a big deal in some sectors. If this is relevant to your company, pick a contractor with experience doing energy efficiency improvements or installing modern, energy-saving equipment.
Industrial Electrical Engineering Experts
Schaffhouser is also a full-service contractor with experience from electrical engineering design work to maintenance and repair work. If you have a big industrial or commercial electrical project, we invite to contact us and learn more about our qualifications.