What are the Stages for Commercial Construction?

Building a commercial structure involves more than just assembling materials. The building phase is just a small part of the entire project. Proper planning before design and construction is crucial to prevent potential issues.

Construction management experts understand the importance of this planning phase and utilize it to minimize problems during the construction process. The process also continues after construction to ensure legal compliance and meet the client's standards. Let's go through the construction process step by step.

Step 1: Development and Planning

The most crucial phase of a commercial construction project is the development and planning stage. This step sets the foundation for the rest of the project. The location, budget, and choice of a general contractor all influence the subsequent steps.

Finding the Right Location

The project's cost heavily depends on the location in real estate. Land and construction expenses vary significantly based on location. Areas with high demand tend to have higher land prices for construction.

It is important to consider the location of a property and its accessibility for both customers and employees. This is especially crucial for in-person businesses, like restaurants or medical offices.

Before purchasing a site and beginning construction, it is necessary to understand the zoning requirements in the city. Some cities have strict regulations on the type of buildings that are allowed. Additionally, there may be clauses in the property agreement that restrict construction. These restrictions can be permanent, for environmental preservation, or temporary. Temporary restrictions may be put in place to allow the city or town to review and approve the design, as well as ensure that nearby residents agree with the project.

Some moratoriums aim to preserve the existing state of an area. For example, a city may implement a moratorium on the construction of smaller multifamily housing structures in a downtown area. This measure is intended to maintain the character of the densely populated downtown area.

In certain situations where temporary restrictions are in place, construction can proceed by fulfilling certain conditions such as paying fees, undergoing site inspections, and obtaining building permits from the city. Adequate utility services are also crucial for the construction, including sufficient sewer and water lines to cater to the building's needs. The presence of firefighting services and on-site hydrants is equally important. Moreover, the roads in the vicinity should be able to withstand the anticipated traffic from the construction project.

When assessing potential sites, the construction team must examine the soil to determine if additional reinforcement is necessary for the structure. If the site has a history of industrial use, conducting a soil test becomes essential to identify any potential contaminants that may require remediation. The cost of finding an alternative site may be more economical than addressing existing contamination issues, depending on the extent and location of the contamination.

Lastly, a boundary survey that encompasses easement locations and certifies the site's elevation is necessary. If the land needs to be subdivided into smaller parcels through re-platting, approval from various departments in the city or county may be required.

Budgeting

Creating a budget for construction projects involves first understanding the costs associated with building structures nationwide. The price per square foot for a new commercial building varies depending on its size and location. To avoid any discrepancies in your budget, it is important to consult with construction managers who can provide accurate cost estimates for your project. These managers are familiar with the specific factors that influence costs in the area where you intend to build, allowing for more realistic estimates. By taking a comprehensive approach to construction management, they can assist with planning the various stages of your commercial building project, ultimately helping you stay within your established budget.

The experts can take charge of much of the planning, allowing all parties involved in the project to coordinate and communicate openly, ensuring that the project stays on track according to the proposed timeline for commercial construction.

In the second step, known as the pre-design phase, certain aspects overlap with the development and planning stage. This is because both stages involve establishing expectations and goals for the project. For example, some may choose to schedule a meeting between the architect and general contractor during the pre-design phase, while others may do this during the planning stage. Some even combine the pre-design and planning stages into one, using the design phase as the second step in the sequence of commercial building construction.

Whether the pre-design phase is a separate step or part of the planning stage, its purpose remains the same - to outline the specific needs of the project. Those involved in the project will determine crucial elements that will impact the subsequent phases of commercial building construction, such as:

- The number, size, and purpose of the rooms in the building.

- The overall orientation of the structure in relation to local roads and utilities.

- The materials and equipment required for construction, along with associated costs.

- Estimated costs for the construction phase.

- A general timeline for the commercial construction, which will be used to outline contracts.

In order to meet the requirements, it is important to hire engineers and provide more specific information during the design phase.

Step 3: Designing the Building

The design phase of commercial construction involves creating detailed blueprints and plans for the building. This requires the expertise of various engineers to ensure that the structure is strong and meets all necessary codes. A mechanical engineer will review the plans for the internal systems, such as plumbing and HVAC. Structural engineers will ensure that the plans are structurally sound. Electrical engineers will design the electrical supply for the building. Civil engineers will design the connections to the local infrastructure and parking areas. Once this phase is complete, construction can begin on the major parts of the project.

Step 4: Preparing for Construction

The pre-construction phase of building a commercial building focuses on paperwork. During this stage, you will need to obtain the necessary permits and insurance for the project. You will also gather bids from vendors to ensure that the procurement phase stays within budget. Finally, you will assemble the field team that will be responsible for the site work.

Step 5: Obtaining Materials

The procurement phase is essential for staying within budget. Exceeding the projected cost is a potential outcome when constructing a building. However, it is also crucial to consider the quality of services and materials used. It is important to strike a balance between your budget and selecting durable construction materials. Additionally, when choosing subcontractors, prioritize those with a proven track record of quality work. While a general contractor usually manages the procurement phase, having a skilled construction management team ensures effective communication throughout the process. Open communication is vital in avoiding issues arising from misunderstandings or unmet expectations.

Step 6: The Construction Phase

The preceding steps serve to prepare for the actual construction process. By focusing on thorough preparation during the initial stages of commercial building construction, unexpected delays or project overruns can be minimized. A significant part of the project involves preparing the site for the structure, which is crucial for ensuring the building's structural integrity and safety. Therefore, it is essential not to compromise on quality during this initial phase.

Site Preparation

During the site preparation phase, the plot of land is transformed into a functional job site for the upcoming weeks of construction. After the meeting, the groundwork can commence. Temporary structures and storage facilities must be constructed on the site, serving as workspaces for the management team and providing a secure location for equipment and materials.

In addition to this, the site preparation involves clearing vegetation and excavating the area. Depending on local regulations, proper drainage systems may also be implemented to prevent flooding in the site and its surroundings.

Furthermore, the preparation includes setting up utilities and making necessary connections for water, waste, and power. Each of these components must undergo inspections before construction can proceed.

Once the site is prepared, the commercial building process can begin. The pivotal step in this phase is the construction of the building itself. The first task is to create a solid foundation using poured concrete. Subsequently, the framework of the building is erected, encompassing the internal components that provide structural support. Once the framing is complete, the building requires the installation of its roof and siding.

Installation of the electrical systems, plumbing, and HVAC ductwork within the walls will take place. The internal phase of the project involves the construction of walls, laying down flooring, installing windows and doors, putting up light fixtures, and applying paint as specified in the plans. Depending on the design, contractors may perform additional tasks. Occupants of the building will be most familiar with the internal aspects since they will spend the majority of their time there. Thus, these elements are of utmost importance in the construction process.

On the other hand, the external phase entails the creation of exterior walls, installation of windows if not already done, and placement of exterior doors. This work contributes to the overall impression that visitors and neighbors will have of the structure. Careful attention to detail during this stage can ensure the satisfaction of both occupants and nearby individuals. Additionally, any temporary structures and material storage facilities will be removed.

Finally, landscapers will complete the project by planting grass, flowers, or trees on the site. These natural components serve to mask any signs of recent construction, enhance the aesthetics of the area, and provide color or shade.

The building is not yet fully prepared for occupants to move in. There is one final step that needs to be taken to ensure legal compliance and the safety of the building. Once construction is complete, the general contractor will accompany you on a walkthrough of the building. During this walkthrough, you will assess the quality of the project. If you or any other inspectors discover any issues or evidence of unsatisfactory work, these will be recorded on a punch list. Only after all the items on the punch list have been addressed and corrected will you be able to obtain a certificate of substantial completion from the architect. This certificate grants permission to bring in temporary, portable items such as furniture and equipment. It also allows for an official building inspection to take place, which is necessary for occupancy.

Passing the building inspection signifies the successful completion of the construction project. From this point onwards, the commercial structure can safely accommodate people working inside. The company that will utilize the site can now commence their operations within the building.