A new building project is a major investment of both time and money—so it’s only natural that you would want to find someone that can provide quality construction results. But how do you go about finding a builder who will meet your needs? Here are a few guidelines to help you out.

Specialization Matters: Designing an institutional building is very different from residential construction. Be sure to enlist a construction services team that has ample experience with the specific type of project you need help with.

Single-Point Responsibility: It is hard to overstate just how valuable a general contractor will be in keeping the work running smoothly. You don’t want to try to manage several different subcontractors on your own. Look for a construction services team that can provide a single point of accountability—someone who will oversee all facets of the work to get everything completed on time and on budget.

Pay Attention to the Contract: What if the work falls behind schedule? What if an unexpected change needs to be made during construction? These and other questions should be answered in your contract. When choosing a builder, make sure that the contract clearly covers payment terms and other essential details so you aren’t subjected to any unpleasant surprises later on.