Commercial Construction – Things You Need to Be Aware Of

25 Apr Commercial Construction – Things You Need to Be Aware Of

Before you hand over the reins on your commercial construction project to a builder, you face many questions and decisions about what a successful project will look like. The critical stages of project planning and contractor selection will determine the value and impact of the construction process.

As a builder of specialty commercial projects in San Francisco, we understand the importance of managing all the moving pieces, regulations, and financial decisions involved. Let’s discuss some of the most important things to know before beginning commercial construction:

Commercial Construction Tips

Start with the architect and engineer

Have your plans created or approved by licensed architects and engineers as early as possible. Estimates, funding, permits, environmental regulations, and numerous other aspects of commercial construction are too variable and too project-specific for sketches or generic prints to be sufficient.

Establishing a timeline

A commercial construction project can be delayed for any number of things out of your control — material shortages, natural disasters, a labor strike halfway around the world. Even if the delays do not have a direct cost, a major delay could have serious indirect costs (such as paying your employees for a period of time when the business cannot yet be open).

So, it’s extremely critical that you establish your preferred timeline and work with your contractor to schedule everything wisely. Various elements can be layered together in such a way that a small delay does not necessarily create ripple effects that throw off the whole timeline.

Financing and projections

Commercial construction is not a good arena for online shopping or simply walking into your regular bank. Keep it local with a loan officer who intimately knows both the area and your industry. The more they understand your goals, the less risk they perceive.

Loans are available for commercial construction on either a short-term basis or a convertible model that becomes a mortgage after completion. Finding the best fit in financing can help with cash flow now and while your business grows.

Your contractor should feel like a stakeholder

The right contractor will not simply execute the plans. Commercial construction has many variables and a smart contractor will be there to discuss alternative methods and materials, environmentally friendly practices and energy savers, and foreseeing problems before they arise.

When construction ends, post-construction begins.

Completed projects will have leftover materials and waste that need to be removed. Final touches such as light fixtures and hardware may still need to be added — make sure that you understand what is included in the contract, the contractor’s responsibilities in post-construction, and what you’ll need to do before you can open the doors.

One of the biggest investments and commitments for a business owner is the commercial construction process and contract. For hands-on guidance and support at every step of the way, McNeil Construction, is the premier specialty commercial construction builder in the San Francisco area. Contact us today to discuss how we can steer your project to success.