hiring the best gc

What's in a Name? Blackdog Retail Design

Let’s face it—finding the right contractor feels like online dating. You’re looking for someone reliable, skilled, and aligned with your vision. But what you see may not be what you get. 

Here’s how to swipe right on the perfect fit.

1. phone a friend

The cannabis retail world is tight-knit. If you know someone who recently built out a dispensary, ask them who they worked with. Referrals are gold because they come with firsthand experience, good or bad. 

2. sort carefully

Don’t hire the first contractor who looks good on paper or has the lowest number. Do your due diligence:

  • Review: Look for experience with retail spaces, especially dispensaries or similar boutique environments.
  • References: Speak to previous clients about their experience. Were timelines and budgets iron clad? Was communication smooth? How did they handle tough situations and thinking on their feet? 

3. value vs. price

Cheap contractors often cost more in the long run. If a bid looks too good to be true, it probably is. Focus on value: a contractor who’s transparent about costs, experienced with dispensary-specific regulations, and upfront about what’s included. 

**Pro tip- a great contractor is interested in future business, referrals and you singing their praises. They want a long term relationship and won’t wreck it over cutting corners.

4. duolingo for gc’s

Your contractor will be your partner for months, so communication is critical. During the bidding phase, notice how quickly they respond, how detailed they are, and whether they listen to your ideas. If they’re already slow or dismissive, it’s a red flag. If they omit big details or don’t clearly answer your questions, red flag. 

5. pen to paper

Once you’ve found the one, get everything in a detailed contract. Include:

  • Scope of Work: Specific tasks, timelines, and materials.This is also commonly called deliverables. 
  • Budget and Payment Terms: Payment milestones and what’s include, when it will be due. 
  • Change Orders: A process for approving and documenting additional costs. Make sure your contractor updates this frequently if there are a lot of changes. 
  • Warranties: A guarantee on the quality of their work. This could mean they’ll fix it until you’re reasonably satisfied or a monetary offset. Get details in writing before signing. 

Read it before signing.

Building out your dream dispensary is no small task, and contractors can make or break the process. By staying clear, firm, and proactive, you’ll avoid most pitfalls. Remember, it’s a collaboration. When you make the effort to protect your investment as well as their time and talent, set expectations early, and choose the right partner, you’ll be walking through your perfectly built out space

color temperature rating chart

Budget busters

Lighting can add up fast if you’re not paying attention and accurately counting. Strategic placement of lights can highlight key areas, creating a visually exciting atmosphere. You need energy efficient general lighting, but you’re also going to want accent lights. And task lighting that highlights your products. Light fixtures are not unicorns. Nearly every designer fixture will have a comparable, same look less pricey cousin out there. Go for the knockoffs as long as they are US rated safe, have the right wattage and reasonable shipping times. Don’t forget, you also need to think about installation and shipping costs in addition to bulbs, 

Great lighting enhances the space, makes your product POP and acts as jewelry for you space. You can enhance architectural millwork or details, add interest to the baseboards of your checkout counter or make your ID check moody and engaging. You can literally steer your customers through your showroom by using lighting. 

Click here to see our faves. (heads up, we like quirky stuff)

Here are the checkboxes for you to get it right

  • What type of fixture is needed? General/Task or Decorative?
  • Does the style of fixture accentuate my space or detract? 
  • Will I spend hours cleaning this or changing bulbs?
  • The optimal color temperature for retail showroom spaces is between 2700-4000k. 
  • Am I blowing the budget with this fixture? Is it going to add to the design or distract? 
  • Does this look like something I could buy on a generic builders website OR does it look like something that evokes a strong WOW/LOVE/HELLYAH?