What You Need to Know About Commercial Construction
Before commercial construction begins, you must ensure that the site is ready. The site preparation phase involves clearing and grading the land, installing utilities, and ensuring that the entire project passes inspections. Next, you’ll pour the foundation and build the framework for the building. Once the framework is ready, you’ll add siding and roof and then add electrical and HVAC ductwork. You’ll also need to install flooring and paint.
The type of business you’ll be operating in the building will influence how the building is designed and built. A hospital, for example, has specific requirements for accessibility. The layout of an office building must accommodate the needs of both a medical facility and a retail store. Whether the space is a small storefront or a sprawling shopping mall, the interior and exterior of the building should be appealing and inviting to customers.
While residential construction is experiencing a slowdown, industrial and commercial building sectors continue to grow. The housing market is in a recession due to rising interest rates. However, the commercial construction industry continues to grow and continues to attract investment. In fact, the Associated General Contractors of America’s Chief Economist Ken Simonson reports that both commercial and industrial construction are expected to expand over the next year. However, he notes that it’s difficult to gauge the health of the industry because of the rising cost of staff, price inflation, and availability of products and services.
The design and construction phase of a commercial project can be complicated. Many legal requirements and permits need to be arranged. Depending on the size and scope of a project, this phase can present more challenges. Proper communication between all parties involved is crucial. Inadequate planning can result in faulty expectations for the client. If you’re not careful, problems can arise during construction and compromise the final outcome.
Commercial construction projects are much more expensive than residential projects. The main reason is the amount of materials and equipment used in the project. A commercial building must be able to withstand much more weight than a home. While a residential building may be built with stone or brick, a commercial building must be made with steel and concrete. Additionally, commercial buildings must have a large foundation to accommodate elevators and air conditioning systems.
Medium-scale commercial construction projects include additions or remodels to existing buildings. These projects can also include strip malls, medical offices, apartment complexes, and light industrial structures. Large-scale commercial construction projects are more complex than medium-scale projects and begin from scratch. They typically require a lot of planning, preparation, and time to complete. There are many different types of commercial construction projects, each with a unique set of requirements.
The planning and permitting process for commercial construction projects is different from that of residential construction. The regulations and permits required for each can be complicated and confusing. Fortunately, there are several resources that can help you with these projects. The process starts with deciding what type of commercial construction you’d like to build. By understanding the zoning codes, you can build a more appropriate structure.