Take a look at the company’s history and its people. Find out when the business was founded, how long it has been in operation and where it originated. Do the employees have relevant experience in this area? Is the organisation credible and has a good financial record? This information will help you get a better understanding of the people involved.
Is it possible to work with them?
Are you able to trust the people you meet with? Are they friendly, knowledgeable and approachable? This could be a long-lasting relationship, as many companies remain with their chosen provider for many decades. You should look for a partner, not another service provider, to extend your team.
What types work are they covering? Take a look at past case studies.
It is always a good idea for you to look at previous work so that it can be compared with your requirements. This will show the type of organization that is willing to trust their projects to that provider. This information is always available to companies so don’t be afraid to get it!
Is their expertise in your area?
Certain companies specialize in certain areas, and they are able to provide the best advice for their clients. Some have extensive experience in every aspect of refurbishment. It is up to you to choose the best fit for your company and who will provide the best representation.
What kind of service/attention to detail does this person provide?
Ask questions about the recipients when looking at past client work and case studies. You might also want to visit the site and view the completed work. Is it up to your standards? Are the pieces of furniture ‘off-the-shelf’ or custom? Are they able to make their own furniture? Did the staff keep their work area clean, tidy and prompt? What was the level of interference caused by the works? All of these are important aspects for any work.
Are they able to offer Site and Project Management?
You will want to be reassured that your chosen provider will manage all aspects of your project in a timely and efficient manner, especially if it is a large-scale project. These areas should be covered in order to make sure that all activity is tracked and reported on throughout the project’s life.
What kind of aftercare / back-up do they provide? Do they offer ongoing support?
Do not assume that your partner will be satisfied with the job done. Make sure you verify that your chosen partner receives support, advice, and maintenance after the job is done. You never know what might happen after the dust has settled.
Give a short description.
The more information you provide, the better. In the end, everyone benefits when they all know exactly what is needed and when it should be done. Provide detailed information about the items you require/want and let them know what you want to leave to allow their creativity to flourish.
How can they visually communicate their ideas?
After the company has understood your requirements, make sure they present their proposal/costs in a way that clearly shows your needs and gives you an opportunity to envision how it might look. Accept a written reply.
What is the cost?
While cost is obviously important, it doesn’t guarantee that you will get what you need or want. To get an idea of the cost, get several quotes for your project. If they’re all the same, you can choose your own preference. It may be helpful to give an estimate of the budget cost. This could help you save time and money.
