As the Lehigh Valley’s leading partner for commercial construction projects, we’ve participated in hundreds of local new builds and renovations. And as your trusted ally in commercial construction, we’re no stranger to answering questions about the process. Today, we’re sharing some of the most common questions we get along with the answers you need before launching your organization’s commercial construction project.
1. What are examples of commercial construction projects?
The term commercial construction encompasses any construction project that involves the building, renovating, or remodeling of a structure intended for business, commercial, or general public use. These projects are prominent throughout the growing Lehigh Valley community and include:
- Industrial facilities
- Office spaces
- Retail stores and centers
- Churches and faith-based centers
- Schools and universities
- Healthcare offices and facilities
- Restaurants
- Specialty construction
Commercial construction projects generally begin with the business owner, entity board, or property owner looking to build or expand a commercial property.
2. What are the various aspects of a commercial construction project?
When embarking on a new or first-time commercial construction project, there are several aspects of the process to note. Unlike residential construction, commercial construction typically involves medium to large-scale efforts. A general contractor coordinates the various phases and hires/manages the subcontractors needed to facilitate the build. The aspects and project scope will vary depending on the building; it generally includes:
- Defining the project scope
- Building plan designs
- Risk management
- Phase scheduling
- Organizing contractors
3. What’s the difference between a construction manager and a general contractor?
There are different roles needed to facilitate your commercial construction project. In a large or complex project, the construction manager’s role is to primarily represent your interests through the construction process, overseeing the aspects of the project and managing contractors. The general contractor may be subordinate to the construction manager and is responsible for overseeing the build aspects of the project, at times performing some of the work themselves. Depending on the size, nature, and scope of the project, a general contractor can perform the same duties instead of hiring a Construction Manager while collaborating with the project owner or owner’s representative.
4. How can you choose the right commercial construction partner?
If you’re exploring your options with an upcoming commercial construction project, you’re going to need to be selective about choosing a general contracting partner. These are just a few of the questions you should be asking of any contractor contender before officially partnering with anyone.
- Can you share your past project references and contact information?
- How many similar commercial construction projects have you completed?
- How big is your team, and can we meet key representatives?
- How long has your company been in business?
- Can you provide licensing, insurance, and building certifications?
- What is unique about your commercial construction process?
- Do you have site supervisors and subcontractors you work with regularly?
- What is your approach to overall project management and communication?
Start a successful partnership by calling us today! Jerdon Construction continues to be the most trusted commercial construction company in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. You can spot many of our successful projects throughout the Lehigh Valley and review our client references and testimonials. We’re happy to answer all of your questions and walk you through every step in the building process.
5. What are the differences between conceptual estimates and cost estimates?
When procuring and reviewing estimates for your commercial construction project, you’ll likely see cost estimates and conceptual estimates. These are different in a few key ways. Cost estimates typically represent fixed expenses associated with materials, time, and labor, essentially demonstrating what costs are associated with precise tasks. Conceptual estimates tend to be more generalized, representing future projected costs that are subject to finalizing the project design as well as market conditions.
6. Are there commercial construction challenges to expect?
Yes. Despite your best efforts, there will almost always be certain challenges that arise during your commercial construction project. The key is to have a great partner who can anticipate these challenges and navigate around them and within your budget. Here are some of the most common challenges that can arise with a commercial construction build.
Environmental Challenges
Some concerns might arise related to environmental issues, like soil conditions that create foundational challenges. These situations can lead to building delays or additional actions before moving forward with safe and reliable foundation conditions.
Materials and Supply Lead Times
It is important to acknowledge current market conditions for securing and procuring supplies and commercial construction materials are beyond control. Prepare for potential delays related to long lead times as your project continues. Proper planning can avoid costly delays.
Code or Permit Delays
In a perfect project, everyone involved in code enforcement, permit securing, and approvals will be working on an ideal schedule and timeline. However, delays can occur with these processes based on the workloads or busy seasons of those involved. And because codes and requirements often change, it’s important to be patient with changing processes and guidelines that can occasionally cause project delays.
Weather
No one can predict the weather, which is a major factor in adhering to your commercial construction timeline. Talk with your construction partner about beginning your project during those months that have the most predictable weather conditions conducive to building. But be prepared for acts of nature to bring some delays.
Avoidable Challenges
It’s important to also note that there are common challenges you can avoid altogether just by having the right commercial construction team and management in place. These issues can be avoided when you have an experienced and knowledgeable team like Jerdon Construction in your corner.
Inadequate planning: Construction nightmares sometimes occur due to poor planning, which leads to challenging execution. When you can first plan appropriately for accurate budgeting, realistic timelines, assessing risks, contingency plans, site logistics, and safety, you can eliminate project challenges later.
Poor communication: The second most avoidable mistake in any commercial project is poor communication. Work with a team that’s experienced in making sound budget and project decisions through a lens of clarity and transparency. Expectations should be discussed regularly with constant communication and an established flow of real-time information with all stakeholders and involved parties.
7. What are the different phases of a commercial construction project?
We previously mentioned the various aspects or concepts of a commercial construction project to discuss with your contractor. One of those aspects involves developing the various phases of facilitating your project. These are the different phases of most projects, each representing unique budgets, timelines, and subcontractors to execute.
- Phase 1: Conceptual Design
- Phase 2: Design Development
- Phase 3: Develop Construction Drawings
- Phase 4: Finalize Cost Estimates
- Phase 5: Construction
- Phase 6: Final Inspection
- Phase 7: Project Close Out
8. What is a turnkey commercial construction project?
Turnkey commercial construction projects will vary based on the unique build and preferences involved. However, in most instances, the general contractor maintains responsibility and control for starting and completing the project. The contractor will also take the lead in managing the procurement process, including final decision-making. And the contractor will usually oversee the entire design process in a turnkey project. It’s a more simplified partnership where you relinquish most of the project oversight, trusting the general contractor to make decisions with your interests in mind.
Have more questions about what goes into designing and facilitating a commercial construction project? Let the professionals at Jerdon Construction be your ultimate guide and resource for every step of your process! We’re the Lehigh Valley’s premier partner for all kinds and types of commercial construction endeavors. Contact us today, and let’s discuss your project.
