Maybe you’re just starting a business and you want to create a building to your exact specifications. Or maybe you’re taking over an existing building and finding that there are elements of it that are not right for you. Maybe a part of your building is broken and needs repair. Or perhaps you’re looking to upgrade the security of your own home.

No matter what, you want to make sure that the job is done professionally by qualified individuals. But looking for someone to do it can be overwhelming. What information do you need? What services can you expect to find in one place?

Assess Your Needs

In this article, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process of hiring a commercial door contractor so that when the time comes to make a decision, you’ll feel prepared and confident. The first thing you want to do before you start making calls is to figure out what services you need. Take a walk all the way around your business, facility, or even your home, and make note of what you see that needs improvement.

Keep in mind your security needs. This means many different things to different people. Check the locks. Are they strong and secure? Are they well-fitted into the door? Are they large enough to protect your interests?

Take into account both the front and back door, as well as any additional entrances. Schools, for example, have several entrances and it is important that each is equally secure.

Next, take a look at your panic/emergency devices. Click this link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crash_bar for more information about panic devices. Do you have as many as needed to be up to code? Are they in good working order? You should test to be sure. The last thing you want in an emergency is to be let down by your security devices.

What about your doors themselves? Are they made of low-quality material, or are they strong and sturdy? Metal frames and doors are stronger and more secure than their wooden counterparts. In places with high security needs like banks, schools, hospitals, or stadiums, you want to ensure that every part you choose will be sturdy enough to meet your needs. A metal door could mean the difference between life and death.

After security, the next thing you want to consider is accessibility. Not only do you want to keep any potential threats out, but you also want to make sure that the people utilizing your building are able to navigate comfortably.

Are the entrances wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs or other medical equipment? What about the bathroom? Are the doors wide enough? Do the stalls have enough room? Are there fixtures that are accessible to people in wheelchairs? Try taking a look from their perspective to try to find any issues you might have missed.

All of these things will be taken into consideration under inspection. All businesses have to be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant in order to avoid a hefty fine. Click the link to find out more about your responsibilities as a business owner.

But you want to go beyond the bare legal requirement and ensure a comfortable experience for all. Is the bathroom big enough to meet your needs? A large multiplex theater with only one or two toilets available is going to create a big backlog of patrons waiting to use the restroom instead of enjoying the movie they paid to see. Every part of a guest’s experience is under your control, so why not make it the best it can possibly be?

While you’re looking at the bathroom, see what improvements could be made for sanitation. We’re still fighting Coronavirus and any way that you can make things safer and healthier will be a net gain for your business.

Automatic paper towel and soap dispensers are one way to help aid in the sanitation of your facility. Fewer places to touch means fewer germs spreading to make your guests and employees ill.

As you tour your facility, it is a good idea to take pictures of what work you want done so that you can easily refer to them later.

Reputation is Key

Once you have your list ready with pictures and detailed notes, you’re ready to take the next step.

Hiring a contractor is one of the most important things you can do for your business. You want to make sure that the work is done by reputable professionals so that it’s done right. One way to do that is to check references online. Many businesses have listings up on multiple websites so you can cross-check to see the overall tone of customer feedback across platforms. Don’t skip this step.

When talking to a contractor, make sure to ask questions up front. For example, do they provide maintenance on the things they install? If so, what are the costs? Are they going to stand behind their work? These are things you want to know before making any commitment.

Plan into Action

Once you’ve hired a contractor, the final step is to plan the actual build or install. You want to make sure that you choose a time that works well for both your contractor as well as your business. The ideal construction will have little to no disruption on your daily business. Some contractors will even complete their work overnight when your facility is closed.

A contractor can help you make decisions not only about the function of the building you’re looking to update, but also help you find the best fit aesthetically. A good door can look modern and stylish and still fulfill the role you need it to. Remember, the door is the first thing someone sees when they first approach your building, and you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

If you follow the steps outlined above, you will be well on your way towards an exciting new look for your school, office, or other commercial facility.