What is the first thing you do when you have a project in mind? You find an industrial contractor, right? But how can you tell if they will be a good fit for your needs before the project starts? Here are five questions to ask your potential industrial contractor before signing any contracts.

1. Do You Have Experience With My Type of Project?

Whether it is a warehouse or factory or even a large production area, there is no one-style-fits-all approach to building. Some contractors like to use the cheapest products and workmanship for quick results; others will go above and beyond to ensure that the project outcome is of high quality. Think about what is most important for your project, and explain to your contractor.

If you are concerned about the cost of materials, ask if they have any suggestions for keeping costs low while maintaining quality. If you want to be sure your building or production facility lasts more than a few months, ask whether there are any special methods or products that will ensure it looks great for years to come.

2. Can You Supply References?

One of the best ways to see if a contractor will suit your needs is to look at other projects they have done. Ask for their list of references and reach out to a few of them to see what experiences they had with this company. A great industrial contractor will have no problem giving you references, as it is one of the most important factors in choosing a contractor.

3. Are You Familiar With My City or State's Building Codes?

Workplace safety is an important concern, and making sure your project meets local, state, and federal codes is vital. Some companies will try to cut corners to save money, leading to injury and dangerous conditions. If you want to make sure your building or production facility is safer for employees and the surrounding community, ask if the contractor is familiar with local codes and regulations.

4. Are You Insured?

Accidents can happen, and it is always good to know that the company you are working with has your back in case of an emergency. Asking about insurance makes sense before starting a project; just remember that some companies might not want to reveal they lack certain forms of insurance until an accident or mistake occurs.

5. Can You Give Me a Ballpark Estimate?

A great contractor will be able to give you a basic estimate even though pricing is often open-ended and depends on too many factors to list. That said, asking for an estimate can help get a conversation started about how your needs and potential costs match up.

According to Statista, new construction expenditures will exceed 1.53 trillion United States dollars by 2022. That growth might be good for business, but it also means more competition among industrial contractors. Asking your potential contractor questions before the project starts can help you avoid future complications and ensure your workspace is built exactly how you envisioned.