You may run into a situation where you need to arrange the construction of a new commercial building or upgrades to your current commercial building. When you’re put in charge of managing the project, you need to plan things properly from the beginning to produce the best results.
To plan your commercial construction project properly, you need to know as much about the project as possible from the beginning. Here is what you need to know before starting a commercial construction project.
Budget
First and foremost, you need to know how much you have in the budget. When you have a clear budget, you and your contractor can look into options that you can afford. Once you know your budget, you should do your best to divvy up the budget accordingly. Always leave a little bit of wiggle room to the budget in order to cover unexpected expenses.
Primary Objectives
What are the primary objectives going into this construction project? Some common objectives include:
- Save money
- Increase efficiency levels
- Create a “green” building
- Reduce noise
- Enhance appearance
- Safety first
- Open quickly
Tell your contractor your primary objectives from the beginning so that he/she can help you make decisions that will provide the results you want.
Legal Requirements
Do your research to learn about the different permits and licenses required for your construction project. You should also learn how much they will cost so that you can incorporate the expenses into your budget.
You need to learn about the commercial building codes in your area to ensure you stay up to code, too. Otherwise, you may need to spend more on fees and upgrades down the line.
Location
Anyone in real estate knows that location means everything. You need to pick a location convenient for your corporation’s main demographics as well as your employees. You should also consider the other businesses in the area. It can be a good idea to set up shop next to a complementary business. Of course, you want to avoid building next to the competition, as that can significantly reduce business. Finally, build in a safe and attractive location, especially if you plan to have customers come to the location.
Timeline
Many commercial construction projects have a tight deadline. During construction, the corporation can’t do business there. The faster the building opens for business, the sooner your organization can make money. However, you need to provide ample time to get the results you want. Talk to your contractor to learn different ways to speed up the finish date if your bosses want it done as soon as possible.
Plumbing
You need adequate plumbing and water for your building. For new construction, you will need to choose the type of pipes you want to use as well as the water heater.
You can choose from the following piping materials:
- Copper
- Steel
- PVC
Copper will reduce corrosion, steel will last the longest, and PVC piping costs the least. Of course, you also need to pick the option that will provide the best results. For example, PVC piping won’t work for conventional gas water heaters since the heat will damage the pipes, but it will work for a condensing water heater.
Your building’s water heater will play a large role in the building’s efficiency. Highly efficient water heaters will cost more upfront, but you will save money on your utility bills over time. You will also need to consider whether you want to use a gas or electric water heater.
Appliances
Your building will need appliances, such as a fridge and washing machine. Look for an Energy Star certification sticker to ensure you will save money on your bills.
Roofing Material
You have a number of roofing options for your roof. The two main options are asphalt shingles and metal.
Asphalt shingles provide a number of color and design options. They are also easy to repair if a single one becomes damaged. You can choose between different classes of asphalt shingles. Shingles with a higher rating may cost more, but they will last longer.
Metal roofs provide a unique industrial appearance and are resistant to fire. They also offer high efficiency levels. However, you may notice increased noise during storms.
Flooring
Some popular flooring options for commercial buildings include:
- Hard wood
- Ceramic tiles
- Vinyl planks
You want something easy to clean that requires low maintenance. The flooring can have a large impact on sound levels and fire resistance, too.
Siding
The siding of your building not only creates a majority of the curb appeal, but it also affects efficiency and THE water resistance of your building. You can choose from a number of different siding options, including:
- Stucco
- Vinyl
- Wood
- Metal
- Brick
Things to consider that will help you make your decision include how important it is in your area to remain safe from fires, what you want the building to look like, and how well you want the siding to last.
HVAC Unit
No one wants to do business when uncomfortable. That’s why you need a quality HVAC system. Some of the different types of HVAC systems include:
- Split systems
- Hybrid split systems
- Duct-free systems
- Window Units
Things you need to know to help you make your choice include how much control you need in each room as well as how efficient you want the system to be. Highly efficient systems will keep utility bills low and last longer. Many other considerations you make will affect the efficiency of your HVAC unit, such as the flooring and siding you choose. Don’t forget to ask about a smart thermostat to make control easy.
Lighting
You want lighting that keeps everyone energized while also offering efficiency benefits. Look for ways to incorporate natural light into the building when you want it, but also include shades. Talk to your contractor about how to provide plenty of control while also making it easy for people to turn on the lights when necessary.
Aesthetics
How do you want your building to look? It can help with branding to use colors associated with your business. You also want to choose a style that matches your company. For example, you want a modern look for a tech company, while a camping supplies company may benefit from a rustic look.
Aesthetics also come from the different fixtures you choose. You need to pick sinks, toilets, door handles, and light fixtures. Use this as an opportunity to create a building that portrays what you want.
Order Commercial HVAC Services
Beyer Mechanical provides commercial HVAC services in Selma, TX, including designing the best HVAC system for new commercial construction sites. Additional services include maintenance and repair.
Contact Beyer Mechanical to learn more about getting the best commercial HVAC system for your commercial building. Our core values include integrity, honesty, teamwork and respect. Our core values and top-notch service are what keep our customers coming back. We’re more than happy to help you.
