Constructing a commercial building is not like constructing a home. There are many more regulations, permits, and inspections required. Not to mention, the construction process itself is much more complex. And if you are not familiar with the process, it can be pretty overwhelming. If you’re planning on constructing a commercial building, here are 6 tips to help you through the process:
Hire a qualified architect or engineering firm
Perhaps the most important tip is to hire a qualified architect or engineering firm. This is not the time to try to save money by hiring someone who is not fully qualified. Your commercial building will be subject to many more regulations than a residential building, so it’s essential to have someone on your team who knows the ins and outs of commercial construction.
Your architect and engineer should be able to help you with the permitting process. They will be familiar with all of the code requirements for your project. They should have the skills and knowledge required to get your project approved by the city or county in which you are building.
Get familiar with the building code
The next thing to do is get familiar with your area’s building code. The International Building Code (IBC) is the most commonly used code for commercial construction, but there may be other codes that apply to your project. Your architect or engineer should be able to help you determine which regulations apply to your project.
The building code will dictate many aspects of your construction project, including the minimum standards for your building’s structural, fire protection, and plumbing systems. It’s essential to be familiar with the code to ensure your project meets all of the requirements.
Hire the right people
The people you will hire for your construction project are just as important as those you will hire for your design team. You will need to find a qualified general contractor with commercial construction experience. It’s also essential to ensure that all of the subcontractors who work on your project are qualified and have experience with the type of work they will be doing.
For instance, if you need to excavate a certain area before starting construction, you will need to find a qualified commercial excavation service provider with experience doing that type of work. The same goes for any other kind of work that needs to be done on your project. Make sure you hire the right people for the job so your project can progress smoothly.
Follow the permitting process
The permitting process for commercial construction projects can be complex and time-consuming. But it’s essential to make sure you follow all of the steps and requirements to get your project approved.
Your architect or engineer should be able to help you with the permitting process, but it’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the process to know what to expect.
The permitting process typically includes submitting plans to the city or county for review, approvals from various boards and commissions, and paying fees. Once your project is approved, you will need to get a building permit before starting construction.
Be prepared for inspections
Throughout the construction process, you will need to have your project inspected by the city or county to make sure it meets all of the code requirements. Your architect or engineer should be able to help you schedule the inspections and will usually be present for the inspections.
But it’s also a good idea to be familiar with the inspection process so that you know what to expect. The inspector will typically come at various stages of construction, such as after the foundation is poured after the framing is completed, and after the final inspection. Make sure you are prepared for the assessments so that they can go smoothly.
Keep an eye on the budget
It’s essential to keep an eye on the budget for your construction project so that you don’t go over budget. Many factors can affect the cost of your projects, such as the cost of materials, the cost of labor, and the fees for permits and inspections.
You will need to work closely with your architect or engineer to develop a realistic budget for your project. Once you have a budget, you will need to track the costs throughout the construction process to make sure you are staying on track.
The bottom line
These are the vital things you need to do when constructing a commercial building. Make sure that you keep these tips in mind to ensure a smooth and successful construction project. The more prepared you are, the better off you’ll be.