Commercial construction projects require meticulous planning and precise execution. From initial site selection to the final inspection, each step is critical to success. In this guide, we'll explore the eight essential steps for effectively navigating the commercial construction process.
Step 1: Define Your Project Goals
Defining the purpose of a construction project requires setting clear criteria for achieving the desired outcome. This step should be highly detailed and focus on anticipating future problems. It also marks the beginning of the search for qualified personnel, such as architects, land developers, general contractors, and project managers.
A reputable company that specializes in the design and construction of commercial structures can help streamline this process. In addition, project owners and contractors should communicate their ideas to other stakeholders, ensuring everyone is on the same page. A construction plan should also include contracts, budgets, and schedules.
Step 2: Budget Planning
A comprehensive budget must account for all expenses, including both hard and soft costs. A building's expected cost per square foot depends on various factors, like its location, size, finishes, type of business, and type of construction. For example, a high-end medical facility will have a higher cost per square foot than a simple warehouse due to the complexity and regulations required.
Once you’ve developed the budget, most projects will require financing as project owners don’t typically have the capital needed to completely fund the project themselves. Lenders for commercial construction projects are typically willing to lend 70 to 90 percent of a project’s total cost.
Step 3: Site Selection and Due Diligence
Researching possible locations for a commercial construction project should include rigorous due diligence to ensure the site’s suitability.
Some of the key factors to consider include:
Soil conditions
Available water supplies
Proximity to other buildings
Accessibility
Demand for that location
In particular, soil engineers must test the soil for contamination and to determine if the building will require piles. You should also ensure that the site is zoned for the planned structure, including noise restrictions during construction. In addition, you should choose a location that will maximize the project’s return on investment (ROI).
Step 4: Design and Planning
Conceptualizing the project requires close collaboration with architects and designers to produce a complete set of drawings that includes all the project’s specifications. You also need to engage with the general contractor early on to ensure the design is feasible for the budget.
In addition, the design and planning stage should include consultation with various engineers to ensure the structure complies with applicable legal requirements. For example, a structural engineer should assume overall responsibility for the building's structural integrity. Furthermore, structures with at least three stories generally require a threshold inspector to inspect them at various stages.
Step 5: Permitting and Regulatory Compliance
Commercial construction routinely requires many permits from local authorities.
A knowledgeable general contractor can help navigate this complex regulatory landscape by conducting a site inspection, including an assessment of the soil and other environmental conditions. The relevant authorities will then analyze the data gathered during this process before construction begins. The local jurisdiction’s building department will also review the building plans, often requiring modifications before granting a building permit.
Step 6: Contractor Selection
Before choosing the right contractor, ensure you have detailed architectural/engineered plans. These plans are essential for accurate proposals, allowing for informed decisions in the construction process. While initial budget estimates and financing assistance are available, it's important not to rely solely on these early figures when making your choice.
Step 7: Construction and Project Management
Construction and project management is the process of overseeing the progress of the construction and its quality.
It often involves partnering with a commercial general contractor to ensure the efficient execution of required tasks and their adherence to timelines. Preparation of the construction site is the first stage in this process, including the removal of vegetation, excavation, and construction of a drainage system. Laying the foundation is next, which includes erecting steel structures, framing, roofing and interior works.
Step 8: Quality Assurance
Post-construction activities focus on quality assurance of the structure, such as inspections that ensure compliance with plan specifications and legal requirements. It also includes a final walkthrough by project owners, designers, and contractors, who will make a list of unsatisfactory components and incomplete tasks.
Once these outstanding tasks have been satisfactorily completed, a building official will issue a certificate of substantial completion.
Successfully Navigate The Commercial Construction Process With Buildout Pros
Partnering with a commercial general contractor like Buildout Pros can greatly facilitate the construction process. Our team has expertise in project management and a commitment to delivering high-quality results. Buildout Pros offers a wide range of construction services, including tenant improvement and ground-up builds. We provide a seamless, end-to-end customer experience for commercial design, pre-construction planning, ground-up construction, facility service, and maintenance.
Get in touch at:
Buildout Pros
847-749-0165