J&R Construction projects include buildings used for retail, offices, entertainment, and various industrial applications. These structures typically account for specific environmental guidelines.
In addition, commercial projects follow strict building codes and may only proceed once a permit is issued. That ensures the structure is constructed to industry standards and will be safe for users upon completion.
There is much more to commercial construction than picking out the right piece of land or building to serve as a new business home. Site selection can make or break a project in terms of long-term success rates, and it is critical to know what factors to look for and how to evaluate them.
The adage “location, location, location” is as valid today as ever. A lot of time and money can be well-spent if a team overlooks that a particular site is incompatible with the type of business it intends to build. For this reason, it is essential to list criteria against which each potential area can be measured. These can include zoning restrictions, local taxes, availability of workforce, transportation infrastructure and shipping routes, and existing traffic flow patterns. Additionally, the regional economic climate must be taken into account. Some states and municipalities offer tax incentives in exchange for companies bringing jobs and commerce to their communities.
For industrial sites, considerations must also be made for environmental and safety guidelines. For example, teams planning to build a factory producing hazardous waste must ensure that they follow strict laws and can operate safely. Commercial sites usually have fewer guidelines to consider but still need to be evaluated to ensure they are located in areas with the proper infrastructure to support their operations.
Once a list of locations is compiled, it’s important to go on on-site tours and meet with community leaders to get a true feel for each one. That will help to identify the pros and cons of each option. For instance, if a site is too far away from the workforce, it could be difficult to recruit and retain employees. Additionally, if too many other businesses like the one being built nearby, sales could be impacted by sharing customers.
The site selection process requires a dedicated team to evaluate and prioritize each opportunity. That typically involves a company’s real estate department, leadership team members and data analysts.
Team members must stay in contact when planning a commercial construction project. That allows them to identify potential problems early on so they can be corrected or avoided. It also allows everyone to keep track of the progress of the project. That helps the project to stay on schedule and within budget.
The project planning phase includes:
- Creating a scope of work.
- Estimating the cost.
- Developing an overall plan for the construction.
Once the scope of the work is established, a project manager (CM) will conduct a bidder’s conference. That will allow multiple contractors to bid on and compete for the job. The contractor who offers the best rate wins the contract and starts building.
Different types of projects require unique planning strategies. For example, a warehouse may need to be built to meet industry safety and security standards. Industrial buildings must also follow strict environmental guidelines because they often produce hazardous waste. Commercial structures, on the other hand, have fewer ecological restrictions because they typically store and distribute items that aren’t hazardous.
During the planning phase, teams should consider the size and type of the structure they need to build. That will help them determine whether they need a general contractor or a specialty construction firm to complete the project. It’s also important to consider how long the project will take and what materials are needed. That will influence the final cost of the project.
Commercial projects can be on a small or large scale. Small-scale projects include making cosmetic updates to existing structures and light renovations. Large-scale projects involve constructing new office buildings, hotels and lodging facilities, and retail outlets like malls. These projects can be private, state, or federal construction.
A general contractor will have a team specializing in each construction area, including design, engineering, and building. Depending on the type of project, the team will have to obtain any necessary permits and ensure that all regulations are followed. They’ll need to ensure that the building is safe for occupants and has everything it needs, such as heating, plumbing, air conditioning, and climate control.
Design is a vital part of the process of commercial construction. That is when the contractor works with clients to create plans and 3D models of the final structure. That helps clients visualize the building before it is built and ensures they’re happy with what’s being constructed. At this stage, the contractor will also formally create contracts and a timeline for the project. The budget will also be pinned down at this point with reasonable accuracy.
Once the design is complete, the site will be prepped for construction by clearing the area, incorporating a drainage system, and constructing temporary storage facilities. The contractor will then acquire all the materials needed to build the structure. Depending on the contract, this can be done in-house by the GC or through subcontractors. The procurement process also includes securing permits and meeting insurance requirements. The contractor will also investigate the site to minimize environmental risks and hazards.
The site will be excavated during the construction phase, and a foundation will be built. Once the foundation is in place, steel erection and framing will occur. Once the structure is up, drywall, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC will be installed. Once everything is in working order, the local authorities will inspect and approve the building.
The post-construction process involves meticulous testing and a walkthrough with the owner, designer, and contractor. A punch list is created to identify any incomplete tasks or components that need to be addressed before the project can be considered finished. This step can be challenging for contractors, but it’s important always to put client satisfaction first.
As a result of increased spending on business operations, there has been an increase in demand for commercial construction. That can be seen in the growth of office buildings, retail stores, restaurants, and hotels. While residential construction focuses on creating living spaces, commercial construction focuses on areas that help businesses operate and generate revenue. These projects can be small-scale, medium-scale, or large-scale in size.
In commercial construction, building contractors must design structures to attract investors to purchase the buildings. For example, a new office building with stand-out features will sell well. Commercial builders must plan the form and choose materials carefully to create a unique look.
Unlike homes, which are usually wood framed, commercial buildings often need to be made from steel and concrete. Additionally, commercial structures must meet stricter regulations than residential ones. For instance, commercial facilities need to be equipped with sprinkler systems that put out fires. That is because buildings must hold more people than homes, and the occupants must be able to evacuate quickly.
While the planning and design phases are similar between commercial and industrial projects, the execution process differs. In most cases, industrial construction requires more extensive permits than other commercial projects because they typically use heavy machinery and require specialized power sources. Additionally, many industrial projects are subject to additional standards based on their location or the type of work carried out there.
Commercial projects also undergo a more in-depth review by governing bodies than home construction. As a result, obtaining the necessary permits can take longer and may require public hearings. The governing bodies may also dictate the size and construction methods of the building. In addition, the governing body may require that commercial projects meet fire resistance specifications.
Once the governing body approves the project, the construction phase can begin. During this phase, the governing body will require all contractors and subcontractors to register and submit background checks. That ensures the governing body has a complete picture of all parties involved in the construction process. The governing body will also review the contractor’s past performance and financial stability to determine whether or not they are qualified to take on the project.
During this phase, the project manager will prepare drawings and 3D models to show the client how the building will look after it’s finished. Using these models helps the clients understand what they will get for their money and allows them to make any adjustments if they aren’t happy with the final product. The next step is procurement, which means finding the labor, equipment, and materials needed to construct the building. That can be time-consuming, but it is crucial to the project’s success.
