How to Reduce Costs of Your Commercial Construction Project

Embarking on a commercial construction project can seem daunting, especially if this is your first project. There are many choices and decisions that will need to be made that will not only affect construction costs but delivery schedules as well. In an industry where the sky’s the limit literally, the need to control costs cannot be overstated.

Create A Detailed Construction Plan and Budget

Creating a comprehensive construction plan and budget before selecting a commercial contractor is essential to minimizing costs. Your idea is the foundation of the entire project and should address the needs and goals of your project, whether it’s a renovation, build-out, or ground-up construction. For example, if you are renovating a 300,000 square-foot shopping center, your plan should include its location, the number of storefronts, the size of each unit, fixtures, flooring, funding, and any other features your project requires. Think of your construction plan as a living document rather than one that is carved in stone. It will give you the flexibility to make changes that will help you prevent cost overruns and stay on budget.

Select a Design-Build Contractor

A design-build contractor manages all phases of the project from design to delivery under a single contract with a single point of contact and one price for the entire construction project. It’s a turn-key solution that saves time and money because owners and developers don’t have to contract with multiple entities or go back and forth with multiple parties to resolve any issues that may arise. Design-build is the most efficient method for achieving your construction goals and minimizing waste.

Incorporate Value Engineering Principles

Commercial contractors that incorporate value engineering principles ensure owners and developers a more efficient and cost-effective construction project. With this value-oriented concept, the general contractor will automatically look for smart ways to minimize waste and control costs without affecting the quality, integrity, or scheduling of the project.

Some of the areas that contractors will apply smart principles to control costs include project and resource management, labor, and materials.  For instance, the contractor may recommend substituting lower-cost flooring or fixtures that will add value to your project without sacrificing quality or appearance.

Minimize Change Orders

Anytime an owner or developer makes a change during construction, a change order is required. The costs associated with the change could dramatically increase the cost of the project and significantly impact delivery schedules.

Perhaps the owner didn’t like the wall color after the paint was applied, or they decided to choose a different type of floor, or they want to add another office to the renovation. Every change order costs time and money. Depending on the change, the contractor may have to halt construction, remove materials, and restart the project costing both time and money. Minimizing change orders will reduce costs and reduce waste and construction delays.

Communicate Frequently

Commercial construction can be a complicated process, and there are many moving parts. And how smooth the process will run depends in part on maintaining effective communications with all parties and stakeholders. Misunderstandings often arise from a lack of communication. Owners, developers, and project management should communicate at least weekly, especially with your commercial contractor, during all phases of construction. It will help to resolve any issues that develop throughout the process quickly.