April 19, 2024

9 Considerations for Construction Phasing & Sequencing

As you and your team make plans for a new Lehigh Valley commercial construction project, you’ll be busy with all kinds of critical decisions. You’ll be selecting a property, facilitating designs, and sharpening your pencil with various project budget allocations. But another key aspect not to be overlooked involves construction phasing and sequencing. If you’re unsure how to segment your commercial construction project, keep reading. Today, we’ll share the insights for seamless phasing and sequencing. These considerations will help you stay on budget and on schedule with minimal disruptions during renovations.

Consider Logistics

The timeline of your commercial construction project, regardless of the build, will depend on the proper planning and sequencing of these core logistics considerations.

Commercial construction teams can develop a comprehensive understanding of the site’s constraints and opportunities by evaluating factors, including access points, existing structures, and environmental considerations. This evaluation allows you to determine the most efficient sequencing for the project, smoother operations, and optimal resource use. 

Whether navigating through tight spaces or mitigating environmental impacts, careful assessment of site conditions ensures that construction logistics proceed safely, effectively, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

1. Operational Flow

Scheduling renovation phases is crucial when working on projects in occupied spaces. Dividing the renovation project into manageable phases can minimize disruptions to occupants. This approach allows for focused work in specific areas while other parts of the building remain accessible and operational. Moreover, scheduling phases strategically enables tenants to anticipate changes and plan accordingly, reducing inconvenience and ensuring a smoother transition throughout the renovation process. Effective scheduling also helps contractors allocate resources efficiently and maintain progress momentum, ultimately leading to timely project completion with minimal impact on occupants.

2. Maintaining Production

Maintaining production during a commercial construction project renovation or build-out requires careful planning, coordination, and communication among all stakeholders involved. Firstly, construction teams need to develop a detailed schedule that outlines the sequence of work and identifies critical milestones to keep the project on track.

This involves effective communication and collaboration with subcontractors, suppliers, and local authorities to streamline the sequencing process. Project teams can enhance efficiency, minimize delays, and ensure that milestones are met on time. 

3. Restroom Access

Restroom access for contractors and existing tenants is crucial for several reasons. For starters, it ensures the health and well-being of everyone on the premises by providing essential facilities for personal hygiene. Adequate restroom access also minimizes disruptions to daily operations, allowing employees and visitors to maintain their usual routines without inconvenience.

For contractors, having accessible restrooms onsite is essential for maintaining productivity and efficiency throughout the project. It promotes worker comfort and helps prevent unnecessary delays or interruptions due to the need to leave the site in search of facilities. 

Also, ensuring restroom access demonstrates respect and consideration for the needs of both contractors and tenants, fostering positive relationships and cooperation during the renovation process. Overall, prioritizing restroom access is vital for promoting safety, convenience, and productivity for all parties involved in the commercial construction project.

Safety Considerations

Prioritizing safety protocols involves implementing comprehensive safety plans, conducting regular safety inspections, and providing ongoing safety training for personnel. It’s essential to adhere to regulatory requirements and industry standards to mitigate potential hazards and prevent accidents. Maintain a safety culture and emphasize the importance of safety at every stage of the commercial construction process. Teams can create a secure environment and minimize the risk of incidents.

4. Fire Protection

Risk management is paramount in commercial construction phasing and sequencing to anticipate and address potential challenges. And prioritizing fire protection during commercial construction project renovations, whether with or without existing tenants, is paramount for ensuring the safety of occupants and safeguarding the property.

Construction teams must adhere to strict fire safety codes and regulations throughout the renovation process, including installing and maintaining real-time fire detection and suppression systems. This may involve temporarily shutting down or rerouting existing fire protection systems to accommodate construction activities while maintaining adequate fire protection coverage.

Additionally, teams should establish clear protocols for fire prevention, emergency response, and evacuation procedures to mitigate the risk of fire incidents. Regular inspections and testing throughout the renovation process are essential to promptly identify and remedy any potential fire-related hazards or deficiencies. By prioritizing fire protection measures, construction teams can minimize the risk of fire-related accidents and ensure a safe working environment for all involved.

5. Maintaining Walkways and Corridors

Maintaining unobstructed walkways and corridors is paramount for ensuring safety, accessibility, and minimal disruption to daily operations. Clear and unobstructed pathways allow tenants, employees, and visitors to navigate the building safely and efficiently. It also ensures compliance with accessibility regulations and prevents accidents or injuries related to onsite equipment and renovation conditions. Well-maintained walkways and corridors also contribute to a positive tenant experience by preserving ease of movement and minimizing inconvenience. By prioritizing the upkeep of these essential areas throughout the renovation process, construction teams can promote safety, facilitate smooth operations, and uphold tenant satisfaction.

6. Emergency Exits

In the context of phasing and sequencing in construction projects, it’s crucial to establish comprehensive emergency procedures and evacuation routes. These protocols ensure the safety of all personnel and occupants in the event of unforeseen incidents. By integrating emergency preparedness into the project plan, stakeholders can effectively respond to any potential risks or threats that may arise during construction activities.

Infrastructure Impacts to Consider

As part of the phasing and sequencing of your Lehigh Valley commercial renovation and project, there are infrastructure impacts to consider. As your contractors facilitate the renovation, there are additional efforts to add to the prioritization list.

7. Mechanical Systems

During the phasing and sequencing of a project, it’s crucial to coordinate with building management to ensure uninterrupted access to HVAC, utilities, and mechanical systems. This coordination involves careful planning to schedule construction activities that may impact these systems at times and be least disruptive to building occupants. By ensuring continuous access to essential services, the renovation process can proceed smoothly without causing undue inconvenience to existing tenants.

8. Noise and Dust Protection

Consider implementing other noise and dust mitigation measures. This involves scheduling noisy construction activities during off-peak hours to minimize disturbances to occupants’ daily routines. Additionally, using dust containment systems, like barriers and HEPA filters, helps prevent dust particles from spreading throughout the building, maintaining air quality and cleanliness. By proactively addressing noise and dust concerns, contractors can create a more conducive environment for occupants and ensure that renovation work proceeds smoothly with minimal impact on their activities.

9. Plumbing and Electrical Disruption Mitigation

During a commercial construction renovation with existing tenants, mitigating plumbing and electrical disruptions is crucial to minimize inconvenience and maintain productivity. Careful planning and project coordination are essential to ensure that plumbing and electrical systems are upgraded or modified efficiently without interrupting the daily operations of tenants. This may involve scheduling work during off-peak hours, providing temporary utilities if necessary, and communicating regularly with tenants to inform them of any disruptions and alternative arrangements. 

Additionally, implementing safety measures to protect occupants and workers, like installing temporary barriers and conducting thorough inspections, can help prevent accidents and ensure a smooth renovation process. By prioritizing disruption mitigation strategies, construction teams can successfully complete renovations while minimizing inconvenience and maintaining tenant satisfaction.

Choose a Commercial Construction Partner with Phasing Expertise

Choosing a commercial construction partner with expertise in phasing is crucial for the success of your project. Look for a company that has a proven track record of effectively managing phased construction projects. In the Lehigh Valley, trust Jerdon Construction! Contact our team anytime about your upcoming project, and bring any questions you have about phasing and sequencing.