Commercial Construction Project Overview

Every construction project requires considerable planning on the part of the project manager and key individuals involved in the effort. New Horizon Construction Services of Groveland, FL, would like to share a brief overview of key parts of the commercial construction process.

Location

The right location for your new commercial property is crucial. Keep in mind:

• Properties in high-demand areas will have higher prices.
• There are local zoning ordinances and possible moratoriums you’ll have to deal with.
• Select a site that will meet your needs for space, operations, parking, landscape, and design.
• Ensure that access to water, sewer, electric and other relevant utilities exists or can be created.

Budget

Know the amount you’ll be able to spend for your commercial construction project, and create a detailed cost estimate with input from your construction managers and other key players.

Cost per square foot will vary greatly, based on the location of the site and existing amenities. Creating a project budget is time-consuming and detail-oriented, but don’t rush through this process.

Pre-design

The pre-design phase is the time to begin looking at specifics of the building. Key tasks include:

• Meetings with architects, designers and the general contractor
• Assigning individual responsibilities.
• Establishing timelines for starts and completions for phases within the project and for the project as a whole.
• Deciding on the purposes and uses for each room and area of the building.
• Purchasing equipment, furnishings, amenities and other items.
• Reviewing and revising final cost estimates.

Design

Here, you’ll be putting together the detailed drawings and schematics of the facility. You’ll ensure that the work will be done in compliance with state and local codes, and engineers will ensure the structural integrity of the building. From HVAC and electrical systems to plumbing and parking, the design phase will put the vision into a “reality” on paper.

Pre-construction

After the design for a commercial construction project is in place, it’s time to turn to the paperwork. Primarily, this means obtaining the required building permits and purchasing the necessary insurance coverages for all phases of the work. The vendor bidding process will commence during this phase, and you’ll set up the site teams.

Construction

During the construction phase, oversight and management will be needed for site preparation work that includes drainage, excavation, utilities, foundation work, framing, roofing, interior and exterior construction, landscaping and more.
Your key teams and leaders will be responsible for ensuring that each element is performed correctly and according to budgets and timelines.

Post-construction

When the project is complete, you’ll walk through the entire site with your general contractor to evaluate the quality of the job. Upon your approval, the architect will issue a certificate of substantial completion that will let you begin moving in furniture and equipment and preparing for an official building inspection.

Selecting a general contractor

Every commercial construction project is unique, and each varies greatly in terms of size, scope, purpose and cost. Selecting a general contractor for a commercial building project starts with identifying companies that have verifiable experience in the type of project you wish to build.

For more than 15 years, New Horizon Construction Services has worked throughout the greater Groveland, Florida, region, providing comprehensive construction, management and leadership for projects in the following areas:

• Hospitality
• Education
• Retail
• Healthcare
• Restaurants
• Entertainment
• and many others.

Talk with an experienced general contractor about your commercial construction project by calling (407) 574-2164 or using our contact form.