Choose a commercial contractor by comparing relevant experience, a defined scope, delivery capacity and the proposed working relationship—not the lowest total alone. A useful bid comparison explains what each price includes, what remains uncertain and who is responsible for the next decisions.
Retail plazas, schools, restaurants, hotels and medical facilities have different requirements. Ask for evidence that relates to your building and delivery model.
12 questions to ask before signing
Have you completed comparable work? Ask about building type, occupied-site constraints, systems complexity and location. Distinguish the firm’s scope from work performed by others.
Can I speak with relevant references? Ask owners about communication, changes, deficiencies and handover, with permission to contact them.
Who will manage my project? Identify the project manager, site supervisor and escalation contact. Discuss availability alongside other commitments.
What is included in the price? Compare drawings, specifications, demolition, temporary works, servicing, finishes, equipment, commissioning and site cleanup.
What is excluded or allowed for? List allowances, quantities, taxes, owner-supplied items, investigations and provisional work. Low allowances can make a bid look artificially competitive.
What supports the schedule? Request milestones, approval assumptions, procurement dates, trade resources and seasonal constraints. Distinguish construction completion from opening day.
How are trades and suppliers selected? Discuss qualification, scope coordination, lead times, quality checks and continuity of supervision.
What insurance and coverage evidence is available? Ask for project-appropriate insurance documentation and current WSIB clearance where applicable. Have your advisers verify requirements and any bonding needs.
Does the business have capacity for the job? Discuss current workload, procurement commitments and evidence appropriate to the project. Any confidential financial review should be handled through agreed channels.
How will changes be managed? Require written scope, cost, schedule effects and approval authority. Distinguish a priced proposal from an authorized change.
How will payment and reporting work? Agree on supporting draw information, cost forecasts, decision logs and meeting frequency. Have counsel review the contract and applicable payment requirements.
What happens at handover? Define inspections, testing, manuals, warranties, training, deficiency tracking and post-completion contacts.
Compare bids on the same basis
Create a simple comparison sheet with one row per scope item and one column per bidder. Mark each item “included,” “excluded,” “allowance” or “clarification required.” Record assumptions beside the totals. Ask bidders to price the same clarified scope before deciding which offer represents value.
For example, one plaza bid may include shell units and base services while another includes tenant finishes. A restaurant fit-out adds kitchen coordination, equipment and ventilation requirements. Those prices cannot be compared only by dividing by floor area.
Match the delivery model to the project
General contracting, design-build and construction management allocate responsibilities differently. Understand who engages designers and trades, how the price develops and who administers the work. The agreement must reflect the actual arrangement; a label on a proposal is not enough.
Review CCDC contract basics with your legal and professional advisers. FCC can discuss construction scope and coordination; legal advice and contract drafting belong with qualified counsel.
FCC example: ask what “commercial plaza” means
FCC’s Clarence Street project in Brampton comprises three buildings and more than 35 adaptable commercial units. The published scope describes shell spaces for future tenant customization. For an owner comparing contractors, the useful follow-up is: where does the shell contract end and each tenant’s work begin?
Approvals and accountability
Identify the owner’s, designers’ and contractor’s responsibilities for applications, inspections and coordination. Applicable code requirements depend on the building and work; use Ontario’s Building Code resources and the relevant municipality rather than assuming all commercial projects have identical obligations.
Frequently asked questions
Should I automatically reject the lowest bid?
No. Clarify its scope, allowances, resources and assumptions. A well-defined competitive bid may be suitable; an incomplete one needs clarification.
Can I select a contractor before design is complete?
Yes, under an appropriate agreement. Define the early services, fee, estimate limitations and how any later construction contract will be established.
Read pre-construction planning and construction timelines. Explore FCC’s general contracting service or send us your project scope for an initial discussion.
Updated October 28, 2026. Published by FCC Builders Canada. General project-planning information; confirm requirements with your project consultants and the relevant authorities.
