Your Guide To Commercial Construction 

It doesn’t matter if your company is a start-up looking for its own space or you are a multimillion-dollar manufacturer; commercial construction is a complex process that requires expertise and experience to navigate all the different aspects of the process. So, to help you understand the complexities of building a commercial structure, here is your guide to commercial construction.

Commercial Construction Starts with a Vision

Where Does Your Company Want to Build?

In order to build a commercial structure, you have to know what your company wants and where it wants it. There are a number of things to consider about the location, such as real estate costs and expenses such as property taxes, permitting, and licensing; all of these things can impact the budget in a significant way. It also must be determined if the area where you want to build is zoned for your type of business. Zoning limits the areas where you can build based on your type of business. Environmental concerns are another factor in where commercial construction can happen. 

Budgeting and Commercial Construction

Next, your company must decide how much it wants to spend on a new building, it can vary based on location. In Central Florida, there is a boom in commercial construction because the costs are comparatively low compared to places such as New York and California. Of course, the size and materials that will be used will determine the ultimate cost of your building. A small-scale project is going to have different costs and needs than a large-scale one. Collaborating with a contractor to choose the materials for your project can raise or lower costs. Using newer, more energy-efficient materials may cost more during construction, but it may save your company energy costs for decades to come. So, as you can see, budgeting is an integral part of the planning phase.

Choosing the Right Contractor

When your company chooses a general contractor to make your vision a reality, you need a contractor who understands that vision. Your company needs a transparent contractor who will keep the project on schedule and keep costs within budget. The contractor should be willing to meet with your architect in the pre-planning phase to connect planning with design. 

Making Your Commercial Construction Vision a Reality

The Pre-Construction Phase

The pre-construction phase is when contracts are signed, permits are obtained by your contractor, and workers are insured on the construction site.

The Procurement Phase

Procurement is when the contractors work to find materials and services that fit the budget without exceeding agreed-upon costs. An experienced and successful contractor will hire subcontractors with a proven track record to help eliminate problems before construction starts.

The Site Preparation Phase

You’ve probably seen a groundbreaking ceremony for a construction site, but there is much more involved than a ceremonial shovel. There must be an area where materials can be stored, fencing erected to keep the public out during construction, and temporary buildings such as construction offices (usually trailers) brought in. Of course, trees and brush must be cleared from the construction site before work can begin.

The Construction Phase

This phase is self-explanatory. The foundation is laid, the framework is erected, the exterior walls go up, and the roof is put on top. Next, things like wiring and plumbing are done, and in Florida, the most important part, the HVAC system, is installed.

After Construction is Completed

After the building has been constructed, the contractor walks it through to ensure everything is in order so that an inspector can sign off that your new commercial building is ready for use.

Let New Horizons Construction Build Your Commercial Building

We serve businesses in the greater Orlando area and can construct your commercial building. We are Central Florida’s commercial construction experts. We will guide you every step of the way through your commercial building’s construction. Contact us today, and we will discuss making your company’s vision for a commercial building a reality.