public project constructed by members of the builders association- youngstown public library

Every Builders Association member takes great pride in their knowledge and experience, and completes every project within their clients’ timeframe and budget. Our members have handled numerous public construction projects, making them the go-to source for any major city construction that needs completed. Below are some public construction areas that our members are familiar with and can assist in.

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Medical facility property under construction.

Commercial construction is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Each client is unique, with individual requirements that have to be factored into their construction project. The construction of healthcare facilities is even more complex, with strict requirements to their design. Let’s look at some of the particular challenges that healthcare construction projects come up against.

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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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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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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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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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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

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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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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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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