When is it Time for Commercial Renovation? Here are the 7 Questions to Ask.

Interior of building undergoing commercial renovation.

If your commercial space is no longer meeting your needs, or you prefer meeting customers away from your job site, it may be time to consider a commercial renovation. 

Commercial remodeling can make your building look and feel up-to-date, which, in turn, improves the impression you give your customers, increases the productivity of your employees, enhances the efficiency of your operation, and (surprisingly) can decrease your operating costs. But, how do you know when it’s time for commercial building renovation? Ask yourself the following 7 questions, if you notice any of these warning signs, your building is likely due for an update.

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Construction Apprenticeships Build the Workforce of Tomorrow

Several cement mason apprentices receiving on-the-job training while pouring and finishing concrete.

It’s no secret that the nature of employment opportunities is constantly evolving. Although no one knows precisely what the American job landscape will look like ten years from now, one thing is certain–skilled construction trades will continue to offer high quality careers.

The demand and search for skilled labor is a constant concern for construction contractors. Many young adults graduate high school believing their only respectable option is to enroll in college and pursue a 4-year degree. This has led to a relative shortage of qualified individuals to fill the needs of contractors.

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The Crucial Benefits of Hiring Local Commercial Contractors

Framework of commercial facility under construction by local commercial contractors.

If you’re just starting to price your next commercial construction project, you may notice that national contractors sometimes appear to be cheaper than local construction companies. That’s typically because national companies can leverage their size to get better rates on materials, equipment and (sometimes) labor. 

However, there’s a lot more to completing a construction project than just economies of scale. Local general contractors bring expertise that can help your next project run smoothly, avoiding problems and delays that lead to major cost overruns. 

Let’s take a look at the top 8 advantages of working with a local business when completing your next commercial project.  Read more

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Benefits of The Design-Build Delivery Method in Commercial Construction

Construction workers on new roof in progress for design-build project.

Are you taking the optimal approach to your commercial construction project? If you’re not familiar with the various delivery methods contractors utilize for construction services, you may think it’s all handled the same way—hire an architectural firm to design the project, then have contractors bid on the design. This traditional process is known as “Design-Bid-Build,” and it can be a source of frustration from overruns and delays.

But, some of that risk can be avoided with Construction Management at Risk (CMAR), which adds overrun protection and brings in the lead contractor during the design process. 

However, more and more companies are turning to the design-build method for their projects. The design-build process, which combines design and construction across the entire project, is now used in over 40% of commercial construction projects in the U.S. So, what advantages does this delivery method have, and why should you consider it for your next project? Let’s take a look!

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Common Types of Commercial Construction Projects

Common Types of Construction Projects

It’s obvious that a commercial building’s construction process is different from residential construction for a homeowner. However, the requirements for commercial and industrial construction projects vary widely depending on the type of building being built and the intended purpose of the facility.

Commercial building projects can be broken down into several categories, each with its own unique requirements. Identifying where your project fits into these groups will ultimately help you locate a commercial construction company that specializes in the type of work you need. Keep reading to learn more about the features and requirements found in some of the most common commercial properties. Read more

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Trade Release January 4, 2021

Trade Release

U.S. Department of Labor Reminds Specific Employers to Submit Required 2020 Injury and Illness Data by March 2, 2021
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Importance of Choosing the Right Contractor For Your Commercial Construction Project

Commercial contractors handling materials for commercial project on roof.

Whether you’re starting a new business, need to move to a larger warehouse, or just need to remodel your current office building, you’ll be in need of a commercial general contractor. This contractor manages your construction project: buying materials, hiring professionals, and covering liability issues. Pick the wrong contractor, and you can end up with shoddy work, completion delays, and even lawsuits. 

So, how do you find the right general contractor for your project? Read more

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The High Cost of Cutting Corners on Commercial Construction Projects

Construction worker looking over commercial project plans.

When business owners get bids for commercial renovation projects or new construction, budget is almost always a major concern. And, while most responsible business people will look to save money when it’s practical, there is a right way and wrong way to approach potential cost savings. The decisions you make upfront will have a huge impact on the quality and value of the finished product, and cutting corners can come with many hidden, additional costs that you may not have considered.

Here are some of the common ways that people cut corners on commercial construction projects and the potential problems that can result.

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Annual Report 2020

Front of the Builders building

Our annual meeting is a time for The Builders Association to present yearly reports and welcome incoming officers and Executive Committee members.

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Lowest Bid vs. Best Bid: Comparing Commercial Contractor Bids

Two workers installing steel conduit for electrical wiring on commercial job site.

Like most things in life, when it comes to your commercial construction project, you generally get what you pay for. While you may be tempted to jump at the lowest bid for your project, doing so can result in hidden costs, such as delays and mistakes that can drastically affect the final pricing. However, you also want to ensure that the price you’re being quoted is a fair one and not arbitrarily high due to unreasonable markups on material and labor.

So, when comparing general contractor bids, how do you make a decision on construction services that keep your job costs to a minimum while delivering the results you want? It’s critical to understand that the cheapest bid price isn’t necessarily the best bid.

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