Pleasing clients should be a top priority for commercial construction companies. However, it shouldn’t be to the point of limiting the scope of a project.
Commercial construction projects are complex and require meticulous planning. To avoid any issues, here are some essential tips for successful commercial construction projects:
- Defining the scope
- Getting your finances in order
- Covering all the legalities and working with the right people
Define the Scope of Work
A well-crafted scope of work is one of the most important aspects of a construction project. It ensures that everyone involved in the project understands what is expected of them and provides a road map for completing it. A poorly written scope of work can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, and disputes.
Construction companies like Bomar Construction will provide a comprehensive scope of work that will include essential information like the project goals, deliverables, timeline, and budget constraints. It will also describe any specific services required and clearly explain all necessary tasks.
Avoid using industry jargon in the document. It may be commonplace for your contractors to use this language, but it is only sometimes familiar to those referencing it. Including a glossary or terms and conditions section will help to eliminate ambiguity.
Get Your Finances in Order
When planning a commercial construction project, it’s essential to have the funds for the entire process. This is especially true for the start-up phase, where spending money on insurance, permits, and workers’ compensation is common.
A reputable lender should understand the construction process and help you find the best business loan for your unique needs. They should also be able to guide avoiding common commercial construction pitfalls.
Setting a realistic timeline from the beginning of the process is important, as delays can strain a company’s resources. This will ensure everyone involved has expectations that can be met and will keep clients happy throughout the build. A plan can help you budget for unexpected expenses like weather-related construction delays.
Cover All the Legalities
The pre-construction phase is weighed down with paperwork for permits, insurance, and more.
Keeping documents organized and accessible helps keep things running smoothly. It also helps in the unlikely event of a contractual dispute or lawsuit.
Commercial projects are much larger than residential builds, requiring extensive planning for plumbing and electrical configurations. Many of these projects also involve specialized equipment.
Larger construction jobs often include hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, rehabilitation or physical therapy facilities, and veterinary offices. These projects require a thorough planning process that may take years to complete. Many of these projects also require a significant amount of risk shifting. However, it is important to be fair when allocating risks. Taking too many risks can lead to cost overruns and project delays.
Work with the Right People
The best way to ensure a successful commercial construction project is to work with the right people. That means choosing a contractor with experience and a good reputation in the industry. It also means finding a team of professionals who can work well together.
It’s also important to set a realistic timeline and stick to it as much as possible. That can help prevent unforeseen delays from derailing the entire build.
It’s also essential to keep all the necessary documentation for a project organized. This includes things like permit records, design plans, and email correspondence. In the event of a dispute, being able to present all the paperwork will make it easier to resolve issues. This also helps reduce the risk of delays caused by missing materials.
Prepare for the Unknown
While commercial construction is highly skilled and complex, it is also often unpredictable. It is important to prepare for any surprises and make contingency plans accordingly.
This will ensure the project is completed on time and within budget, even if unexpected events occur. For example, unforeseen problems with material shipments can easily throw off the timeline for a project.
To be prepared for these situations, contractors should have an emergency materials supply. They should also be familiar with the lead times for various suppliers and have a plan for placing rushed orders. They should also train their employees on how to handle these situations. These steps can help reduce stress for all parties involved and prevent costly mistakes.