Contributed by Scott Kramer, CEO, Spartan Contracting Corporation
When it comes to building out a new office or commercial space, the choices you make early in the process will determine the project’s overall success. Yet, too often, companies delay selecting their general contractor, treating them as just another vendor rather than a trusted partner. This approach can lead to costly mistakes, inefficiencies and unnecessary headaches. Instead, businesses should select their general contractor as early as possible—just as they would choose a doctor, dentist or other licensed professional who plays a vital role in their well-being.
The General Contractor as a Trusted Professional
Consider how you select a physician or financial advisor. You don’t wait until you’re in a crisis to seek them out, you build a relationship with a trusted professional who understands your unique needs and can guide you with expert advice. The same mindset should apply to selecting a general contractor. Your GC should be one of the first partners involved in your commercial buildout, not an afterthought.
By bringing in a contractor early, you ensure that the team overseeing your project is aligned with your vision, understands your priorities and has the expertise to navigate potential obstacles before they become costly problems. Just as a good doctor wouldn’t recommend surgery without a thorough evaluation, a seasoned contractor won’t wait until construction starts to flag issues that could have been prevented in the planning phase.
Early Involvement Leads to Cost Savings and Efficiency
A common mistake companies make is selecting an architect or designer first, developing plans in isolation, and then putting the project out to bid. While this approach may seem logical, it often results in budget overruns, design conflicts and extended timelines, when contractors are forced to revise plans or work around impractical specifications.
A general contractor involved from the beginning can:
Provide Accurate Cost Estimates: Avoid sticker shock by ensuring the design aligns with your budget, from day one.
Enhance Value Engineering: Identify areas where materials, timelines or construction methods can be optimized without sacrificing quality.
Streamline Permitting and Compliance: Navigate local regulations early, avoiding costly delays.
Reduce Change Orders: Minimize the need for mid-project adjustments that can disrupt schedules and increase costs.
A Long-Term Partnership Pays Off
Just as you don’t switch financial advisors every year, you shouldn’t treat your general contractor as a one-time transaction. The best commercial builders prioritize relationships over projects, getting to know their clients’ business needs, workflows and long-term growth plans.
Establishing a trusted contractor relationship means:
Faster Project Turnarounds: When your contractor understands your preferences and priorities, they can work more efficiently on future projects.
Consistent Quality: A long-term partner ensures that the work meets the same high standards, every time.
Less Stress for Your Team: You don’t have to reinvent the wheel with each new buildout—your contractor already knows your expectations and how to deliver on them.
Choose Wisely, Choose Early
In Tampa’s thriving business environment, competition for top-tier commercial contractors is fierce. The best firms are booked months in advance, making last-minute selections a risky move. By choosing your general contractor early, you gain a strategic partner who will ensure your project runs smoothly, stays on budget and meets your vision.
At Spartan Contracting, we believe that construction isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about building relationships. We work alongside business leaders from the earliest planning stages to ensure their buildouts are seamless, cost-effective and future proof. If you’re planning a new office or commercial space, don’t wait until it’s too late. Engage your general contractor now and set your project up for success.
Scott Kramer is the CEO of Spartan Contracting Corporation. For more information on how Spartan Contracting can help your next project, visit www.spartancc.com or contact Scott at skramer@spartancc.com.
