5 Reasons to Work with a Builder Specializing in Commercial Construction

In the commercial construction business, industry experience is essential for completing a successful project. Builders specialize in different types of construction projects such as residential, commercial, industrial, and government, for example. Could you hire a residential contractor to build a shopping center? You could, but there is a vast difference in terms of experience, equipment, materials, and skilled labor between building a 2,500 square foot custom home and a 100,000 square foot shopping center. 

Experience

A commercial builder who routinely builds these types of projects has a better understanding of the commercial side of the business. This breadth and depth of commercial expertise are necessary to make better material and structural recommendations that will reduce construction costs and shorten delivery times without affecting the integrity of the build. They also have a better understanding of how their client’s business is run and generates revenue. For example, a commercial builder with experience in the construction of hotels has a thorough understanding of client needs than a builder who has lacks this type of experience. 

Specialized Equipment

Constructing a commercial building requires specialized heavy machinery such as excavators, loaders, light towers, and boom lifts, for example. Not only does building a commercial facility require the use of large equipment, but they also need skilled operators. A contractor who routinely builds commercial facilities has the resources, equipment, and workforce to schedule the right equipment for the job at the right time.

Commercial Grade Building Materials

Commercial construction also requires the use of specialty and commercial grade building materials for the site work, building envelope, drainage, and ceiling, for example. The commercial contractor will select the best materials for the project, depending on the type of facility they are constructing. For instance, a building may require acoustic elements for the ceilings and walls to reduce the noise level in the establishment, such as in a restaurant, school auditorium, or hotel conference center. Other selections for commercial grade windows, flooring, and fixtures will also require the expertise of a commercial builder who can leverage their existing supplier relationships to acquire the building materials that will be necessary to complete the job on time and within budget.

Skilled Labor

A commercial construction project is a vast and complex undertaking that requires the use of dozens of skilled laborers at different intervals to complete the job. Without extensive experience in commercial construction, a contractor may not have the resources or relationships needed for the job, which can escalate construction costs and result in delivery delays.

Lower Construction Cost

There is also a financial aspect to consider. An experienced commercial contractor will also be able to offer lower construction costs. Why? Just like in residential construction, a commercial contractor usually obtains a construction loan to finance the build. When a contractor gets a bank loan to start a commercial construction project, prior experience in completing similar projects is a must for more favorable loan terms. A contractor without a track record of success in completing commercial projects is a higher risk for the lender. The cost of the construction project will likely be higher due to higher loan costs.