Whether you’re starting a new business and need to build a site for it, or want to shift your existing one to a newly constructed premises, commercial construction projects can easily slip out of your control if you don’t have the right general contractor.
However, while finding a reliable general contractor bodes well for the success of your project, there are other factors that can impact it, too.
Below are 5 ways to give your commercial construction project the very best chance of success:
- Hire a reliable contractor
As mentioned previously, a reliable and trustworthy general contractor is essential for any construction project, and for your commercial project to hit the ground running, you’ll definitely need one. Remember that a general contractor will also have a team of sub-contractors at their disposal, ready to handle specific aspects of the project, such as electrical or plumbing work. They may even be able to recommend a designer or architect who can work with the entire team of contractors, in unison.
Provided you vet your final selection of general contractors carefully by checking reviews given by former or existing clients along with previous examples of their work, determining whether they have the appropriate licenses and insurance, and feel you can establish a good working relationship with them, you should be able to make the right choice.
2. Locate the right spot
Ideally, you should have a general idea of where you want your commercial premises to be located before talking to your general contractor about it, but keep in mind that they may also have some suggestions and be able to help you procure the perfect spot.
There are many factors to take into account when deciding upon the right location, and depending on the nature of your business, you’ll need to think about your proximity to other buildings, businesses, homes or roads, and how accessible the site is, among others.
3. Get all the right permits and contracts
An experienced general contractor should be able to guide you as to what permits you will need for your construction project, and in some instances, they will manage every aspect of this on your behalf, should you request them to.
4. Construct a timeline
Constructing the building for your business is the point of the project, of course, but constructing a timeline for the project is of equal importance.
Notorious for delays and setbacks, commercial construction projects can take a lot longer to complete than estimated, but while some of these delays are unavoidable and may be entirely unexpected, having a basic timeline to adhere to, can help push things along at a more defined pace. Make sure you talk to your contractor so that you can set some realistic targets, and avoid constructing a timeline that’s simply impossible to stick to, as ultimately, this will only ever result in disappointment and frustration.
5. Get yourself prepared financially
Naturally, without adequate financial backing a commercial construction project will never even get off the ground, let alone finish on schedule. Whether you need help in the form of a bank loan or another type of financing, it’s important to be realistic about what you can and can’t afford when it comes to any kid of construction project, and to ensure that you’ve got at least 10% of the entire project’s cost available as and when needed, to cover any unexpected expenses that all too often crop up.
With carefully considered planning, a budget that stretches far enough to cover unforeseen expenses, and an experienced general contractor with whom you can establish a sound working relationship, there’s every chance your construction project will be a resounding success. Skip any of the steps above, however, and you could be putting the entire project at risk.