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Day: August 9, 2024

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Here’s how to plan a commercial addition with general contractors:
    • Define Goals and Budget
    • Conduct a Feasibility Study
    • Assemble Your Team
    • Create a Detailed Design
    • Secure Permits and Approvals
    • Develop a Construction Timeline
    • Prepare the Site
    • Begin Construction
    • Conduct Inspections
    • Complete the Final Walkthrough
    • Move In and Celebrate

 

Thinking about expanding your commercial space? How exciting! Commercial additions are a great way to make room for new success and new opportunities. But planning a commercial addition can be a stressful process, especially if you’ve never worked with general contractors before. What needs to get done? What does the process look like? Where do you even begin? Don’t worry. We’re here to walk you through the entire process, step by step.

 

A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Commercial Addition (as Told by General Contractors)

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Budget

General Contractors - Hammers Construction
General Contractors – Hammers Construction

Before breaking ground, it’s important to clearly define your goals for the addition. Are you looking to add office space, a conference room, a warehouse, or a retail area? Understanding your needs will help you plan effectively.

After you’ve done so, it’s time to set the budget. You’ll need to consider all potential costs, including construction, permits, materials, labor, and unexpected expenses.

 

Step 2: Conduct a Feasibility Study

A feasibility study assesses the viability of your project. This involves evaluating the existing structure, understanding zoning laws, and determining if the proposed addition is structurally possible. But don’t do this on your own. Hiring a professional to conduct this study can save you time and prevent costly mistakes.

 

Step 3: Assemble Your Team

Choosing the right team is an important part of any successful project. This includes hiring reliable general contractors, architects, engineers, and possibly a project manager. A competent team will ensure that your project runs smoothly from design to completion.

 

Step 4: Create a Detailed Design

Work closely with your architect to develop a detailed design that meets your functional and aesthetic requirements. This stage involves creating blueprints, selecting materials, and planning the layout. Make sure the design aligns with your business goals and your overall vision.

 

Step 5: Secure Permits and Approvals

Your project will likely require various permits and approvals from local government bodies. These may include building permits, zoning permits, and environmental approvals. Your contractor or project manager can help streamline this process.

 

Step 6: Develop a Construction Timeline

A well-planned construction timeline makes all the difference. Break down the project into phases, establish deadlines, and allocate resources effectively. Consider factors such as weather conditions, availability of materials, and potential disruptions to your business operations.

 

Step 7: Prepare the Site

Before construction begins, the site needs to be prepared. This includes clearing the area, setting up temporary facilities if needed, and ensuring safety measures are in place. Proper site preparation sets the foundation for a smooth construction process.

 

Step 8: Construction Begins

With everything in place, construction can begin. Be sure to communicate regularly with your general contractors during the construction process. Monitor progress, stay informed about any changes or delays, and ensure quality standards are met. Doing so can prevent costly delays.

 

Step 9: Conduct Inspections

Throughout the construction process, various inspections are required to ensure compliance with building codes and standards. These inspections are typically conducted at different stages, such as foundation, framing, electrical, and plumbing.

 

Step 10: Complete the Final Walkthrough

Once construction is complete, perform a final walkthrough with your contractor. Inspect the addition thoroughly to ensure all work is done to your satisfaction and meets the agreed-upon specifications. Address any remaining issues or touch-ups that may be needed.

 

Step 11: Move in and Celebrate

After the final inspection and approval, it’s time to move into your new space! Settle in, arrange your furnishings, and celebrate the successful completion of your commercial addition!

 

Contact Local General Contractors Today

Planning a commercial addition can be a complex but rewarding process. With careful planning and the right team, you can create a space that supports your business growth and enhances functionality. At Hammers Construction, we’re a team of top-rated general contractors in Colorado Springs. We specialize in helping businesses expand their commercial spaces and achieve their growth goals. Contact us today, and tell us about your commercial expansion goals!

Design-build construction is rapidly catching on. According to the Design-Build Institute of America, nearly half (47%) of America’s construction dollars will be invested in design-build projects by 2026.

Today, design-build construction can be an ideal way to streamline your commercial projects. But the best results will come from a strong design-build team. Here are just some of the benefits that a strong design-build firm can bring to the table — and to the job site.

Design-Build Firms Bring Seamless Collaboration

The primary aim of design-build construction is to unite the design and build processes under a single, unified contract. As a result, the entire process is streamlined from design to delivery. That’s because the design-build model uniquely fosters communication and collaboration across all phases of the construction process.

Such close collaboration empowers team members to share their respective expertise and resolve problems quickly. Any barrier that might stand between designers and builders is eliminated, giving way to a seamless workflow and smoother delivery process.

Design-Build Firms are Champions of Innovation

It’s true that a collaborative approach improves the speed of communication, but that’s just the start. Close working relationships allow diverse teams to share their expertise, leading to innovative approaches to commercial construction design.

These innovations can align with rising demands for sustainable construction practices, as well as delivering a commercial structure that’s aesthetically pleasing. And by collaborating closely with one another, design-build projects can be made more cost-effective, too.

Design-Build Firms Unite Accountability and Leadership

In traditional construction, the design and build processes are overseen by at least two different sets of professionals and governed by two different contracts. This can get confusing, especially when a client needs to make adjustments to the project during either phase of the process.

In contrast, design-build firms provide a single source of leadership and accountability for every project. Clients will have one point of contact for their commercial project, who is in turn responsible for overseeing its completion. This leads to more clarity, less conflict, and a smoother overall process than with traditional construction methods.

Design-Build Teams Adapt to Evolving Demands

Plans for commercial projects are often fluid. Clients may need to make last-minute adjustments or changes that affect its completion. But by partnering with a design-build team, clients can achieve a superior level of flexibility to accommodate evolving demands.

Design-build construction allows for seamless communication between designers and building crews. By promoting collaboration throughout the construction process, the commercial project can be adjusted to align with client requirements.

Let Hammers Construction Deliver a Superior Product

Design-build teams deliver a superior product. Clients can benefit from a flexible, collaborative, innovative process — one that meets the demands of the industry as well as the needs of the commercial structure.

When you’re ready to start your next commercial project, contact Hammers Construction in Colorado Springs. Our team can help you clarify your needs and explore options that align with your business. Give us a call today, and let’s break ground together.