Commercial construction differs from residential construction in terms of permits and codes, complexity, use of materials, and cost. It is a heavily-involved process, with its success hinging on understanding planning, design, budgeting, and procurement. For that reason, your commercial construction project must be meticulously planned and expertly executed from inception to completion.
In this article, we unveil the intricate process of commercial construction, demonstrating the need for a cutting-edge approach that guarantees seamless project execution, utmost quality, and timely delivery.
Step 1: Planning and development
The first phase is the most essential, as everything that subsequently happens is a product of pre-construction planning, as any errors will lead to problems later on. Planning and development involve all the stakeholders coming together to ideate and conceptualize the project. Location planning and budgeting are key at this stage.
Choosing the right location
Selecting the ideal location for a commercial building is a crucial initial decision. Some of the considerations include:
Zoning
Permits
Utility considerations
Environmental assessments
Infrastructure considerations
Surveying
Budget planning
Establishing a budget is paramount; it empowers financial planning, fosters resource optimization, and assures project success through well-informed financial decisions. Engaging the right construction company can bring innovation and coordination, enabling a smooth process within your budget limits.
Step 2: The pre-design stage
This stage includes various activities to determine the functions and sizes of rooms, equipment, materials, etc.
Defining intentions and project cost
The project aim and overall cost is determined with reasonable accuracy during this stage. To ensure a smooth process, developers may consider involving architects and general contractors or opt for design-build commercial building construction services.
Tasks during the pre-design phase include:
Determining building and design product costs.
Defining overall room size and function.
Ensuring project feasibility with utility connections and development covenants.
Assessing the feasibility of including desired client amenities.
Creating contract documents to establish a project timeline.
Step 3: The design stage
The design phase involves producing detailed drawings with final specifications, including costs and timelines for each construction stage. Various professionals contribute to this phase, including:
Structural engineers handle structural design.
Mechanical engineers plan air-conditioning and plumbing systems.
Electrical engineers design the electrical layout.
Civil engineers handle drainage, parking lot design, and infrastructure connections for larger buildings.
Step 4: The pre-construction stage
The pre-construction phase is the time before construction actually begins. Several necessary steps must be completed during this phase for a successful construction project.
Site clearing
Obtaining essential insurance like builders risk insurance, commercial and contractor general liability insurance, and workers' compensation insurance.
Soil testing before laying utilities.
Arranging for power, water, and sanitation.
Securing vendor bids and establishing a construction team comprising a project manager, superintendent, contract administrator, field engineer, and procurement.
Step 5: The construction stage
The actual construction process includes various stages such as site preparation, foundation work, framing, roofing, siding, HVAC installation, interior and exterior work, landscaping, and inspections.
This stage ends when the actual construction is finished. Nevertheless, depending on the location of the commercial construction, storage facilities, and temporary buildings must be removed and landscaping added.
Step 6: The post-construction stage
Upon project completion, a walkthrough is conducted with the contractor and client to identify any unsatisfactory components that require attention. Once these issues are addressed, the building gets a substantial completion certificate, after which a building official conducts the final inspection.
Let’s take the headache out of your commercial construction project
The commercial construction process is not just about constructing buildings; it's an artful blend of creativity, precision, and dedication. Every project stage must be executed efficiently without cutting corners to guarantee top results from concept to delivery.
At Luxury Commercial Contractors, we work tirelessly to provide our clients with a superior construction experience that exceeds expectations, taking immense pride in our ability to turn dreams into reality. Contact us today.