If you’re planning a commercial construction project, one of the first things you’ll need to do is get a quote from a general contractor. Whether you’re building a new office, renovating a healthcare facility, or expanding a warehouse, the quote process sets the tone for the entire project.
But if you’ve never gone through it before, it can feel a little overwhelming. What information do you need? What should you expect? And how do you know you’re getting a fair price?
At Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, we’ve been helping clients navigate the quoting process for nearly 70 years. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get started.
Know What You Want Before You Call
You don’t need a complete set of blueprints to reach out for a quote. But the more information you can share upfront, the more accurate that quote will be.
Think about the basics: What type of project is it? A new build, a renovation, or an addition? How big is the space? Do you have a target budget or a deadline you need to hit? Even a rough idea of what you’re looking for gives a contractor something solid to work with.
If you already have drawings, site plans, or specs from an architect, that’s great. Bring those along. If not, don’t worry. A good contractor can help you figure out what you need during the pre-construction phase.
Reach Out to the Right Contractor
Not all contractors do the same kind of work. Some specialize in residential. Others focus on commercial, industrial, or municipal projects. Make sure the contractor you contact has real experience in the type of project you’re planning.
At Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, for example, we work across a wide range of commercial markets including healthcare, education, financial, industrial, municipal, and historic renovation. That kind of range means we understand the unique requirements that come with different building types and can give you an accurate estimate based on real-world experience.
When you’re shopping for a contractor, look for one with a strong local reputation, proper licensing, and a portfolio of completed projects that match yours.
Be Ready to Have a Conversation
Getting a commercial construction quote isn’t like getting a quote for a car repair. It’s a conversation, not just a number on a page.
A good contractor will want to talk with you about your goals, your timeline, and your budget. They’ll ask questions about the site, the intended use of the building, and any special needs like accessibility, energy efficiency, or specific materials.
This back-and-forth is actually a good sign. It means the contractor is taking the time to understand your project instead of just throwing out a number. The goal is to make sure the quote reflects what you actually need, not a generic estimate.
Understand What’s Included in the Quote
Once you receive a quote, take the time to understand what’s in it. A detailed quote should cover things like labor, materials, permits, subcontractor costs, and a project timeline. It should also outline any allowances or contingencies.
If something is unclear, ask about it. A reputable contractor will be happy to walk you through every line item. Transparency during the quoting phase builds trust and prevents surprises down the road.
Be cautious of quotes that seem too low. If a price looks too good to be true, there’s a good chance something is being left out. It’s better to invest in a thorough, honest estimate from the start than to deal with change orders and unexpected costs halfway through construction.
Consider the Delivery Method
How your project gets built can affect the quoting process. There are a few common delivery methods in commercial construction, and each one works a little differently.
General contracting is the traditional approach. You hire an architect to design the project, then a general contractor bids on the work and manages the construction.
Design-build combines the design and construction under one roof. This can speed up the timeline and streamline communication because you’re working with one team from start to finish.
Construction management puts the contractor in an advisory role early on, working alongside the owner and architect to manage costs and scheduling before construction even begins.
Korte & Luitjohan Contractors offers all three of these approaches, so we can help you choose the method that makes the most sense for your project and budget.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
The quoting process is your chance to get to know the contractor as much as it’s their chance to learn about your project. Here are a few good questions to ask along the way:
• How long have you been in business, and what types of projects do you specialize in?
• Can you share references from similar projects?
• What is your approach to safety on the job site?
• How do you handle unexpected costs or changes during construction?
• Do you self-perform any of the work, or is everything subcontracted out?
At K&L, we self-perform carpentry, concrete, piping, and excavation. That means we have a high degree of control over quality and scheduling, which often translates to better pricing and fewer delays for our clients.
Take Your Time, But Don’t Wait Too Long
It’s smart to get quotes from more than one contractor so you can compare. But keep in mind that the lowest price isn’t always the best value. Look at the whole picture: the contractor’s experience, their communication style, their reputation, and how thorough their estimate is.
That said, don’t sit on quotes for too long. Material costs can change, and contractor availability shifts. If you’ve found a team you trust, it’s worth moving forward while the numbers are still current.
Ready to Get Started?
At Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, we make the quoting process simple and transparent. As a family-owned company with nearly 70 years in the business, we take pride in treating every project like it’s our own. We think like an owner because we know what’s at stake for you.
If you’re planning a commercial project in the Southern or Central Illinois area, or anywhere in the St. Louis Metro region, we’d love to talk with you.
Give us a call at (618) 654-9877 or email us at officeadmin@korteluitjohan.com
You can also visit our website at www.korteluitjohan.com to learn more about our services or to request a call back.

We look forward to hearing from you.
