October 2024
CONTRIBUTING EXPERT: TIMO SCHMITT , DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS | EIS GENERAL CONTRACTING

Renovating the interior of your business or building from scratch is a huge undertaking. There are several decisions to make and moving parts to coordinate.  

Plus, there is a lot at stake. The interior helps define the customer experience, so it’s important to get it right. And every day you’re closed during construction is a day you’re missing out on generating revenue. 

A lot goes into commercial interiors. An interior needs to be designed, materials need to be sourced and installed, and construction needs to be coordinated. That’s why finding the right commercial interior contractor is vital to your project’s success. 

What is a general contractor?  

There are typically a lot of specialists required for interior construction. You might need electricians, flooring experts, millwork installers, and more.  

So, what does a general contractor do? A general contractor assumes the responsibility for the overall planning, coordination, and execution of a construction project.  

“As a general contractor, we guide our clients through every phase of their project - from the initial idea to final completion,” said Timo Schmitt, Director of Operations for EIS General Contracting based in Aschaffenburg, Germany. “We offer comprehensive interior solutions to ensure that projects are completed smoothly, on time, and to the required quality.” 

What things should a prospective client look for in a contractor/manufacturer and why? 

1. Experience and references: Be sure to ask a prospective contractor for references and project examples, then follow up by contacting those references. Pick a contractor with verifiable industry experience. 

2. Even within industries, there are subspecialties. For instance, among restaurant contractors, some are experts at front-of-house design, while others are experts at functional back-of-house design. Finding one who’s good at both can help simplify your project if you need a kitchen and serving area. 

3. Communication and transparency: Open and clear communication is crucial to the success of a project. A contractor should keep the client regularly informed of progress and offer a transparent pricing structure to avoid misunderstandings. 

4. Value for money: The most affordable provider is not always the best. Find a good balance between cost and quality. It is worth comparing offers and paying attention to both the price and the services offered. 

5. Adherence to deadlines and flexibility: The ability to meet deadlines is crucial. At the same time, the contractor should be able to react effectively to unforeseen circumstances without the project suffering as a result. 

What is a sole-source contractor? 

A sole-source or single-source contractor, like EIS General Contracting, offers services for every aspect of your interior construction project. A sole-source contractor has experts to help you design the interior, the manufacturing capabilities to build what you need, and the project management skills to coordinate and oversee construction and installation.  

The aim is to provide a stress-free construction process by offering all the necessary trades and services from a single source. 

What are the benefits of using a single-source contractor? 

1. Central coordination: A general contractor takes over the entire project coordination. This means that customers do not have to deal with various subcontractors, suppliers and planners themselves, which significantly simplifies the process. 

2. Cost efficiency: By bundling all trades under one roof, the general contractor can often negotiate better prices and plan and control costs more efficiently. This usually keeps the project within budget. 

3. Time savings: General contractors have experience in scheduling and project management. They ensure that the work flows seamlessly and avoids delays as all processes are well coordinated. 

4. Quality assurance: A general contractor ensures that all work meets the required standards and the agreed quality. They monitor the execution and guarantee a high level of quality. 

5. Risk minimization: General contractors are responsible for the success of the project, including errors and defects. This reduces the risk for the client. 

If you use a single-source provider, is your design limited to that firm's manufacturing capabilities? 

A good, experienced contractor can source materials, furniture, and other FF&E needs from outside of its own organization. 

“We prioritize meeting the individual needs of our clients,” Schmitt said. “By leveraging our broad network of subcontractors, we can bring a wide variety of design visions to life. This means that while we serve as a single source provider, your design is not limited to our own capabilities but is instead enhanced by the diverse expertise and flexibility of our trusted partners. This allows us to implement any design our customers have in mind.” 

Sole-source contractors have an advantage over other contractors when it comes to simplifying the complicated process of commercial interior construction and renovations. It may be worth it to seek one out for any interior projects you’re planning. 

About Elkay Interior Systems   

Elkay Interior Systems (EIS) is a tight-knit team of industry-leading designers, commercial-grade manufacturers, innovative engineers, resourceful project managers, and sourcing experts committed to every stage of your project by guaranteeing quality and reliability. We stand out from the crowd with our 40+ years of global experience in the restaurant, hospitality, retail, and education markets. We believe in simplifying the complicated.