Commercial construction is a long, meticulous process. It involves more than simply making a blueprint and building. There are 8 steps to complete, and construction is merely one of them. In addition, the many roles within a project ensure that the final product is safely and legally built. So continue reading to learn the steps of the commercial building construction process, from planning to the final walkthrough.
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Planning and Development
The first stage of the construction process determines the location, contractors, and subcontractors based on your budget. When choosing a site, you have to consider several factors:
- Cost of land
- Ease of access
- Zoning requirements
- Access to utilities
- Usability and stability of the land
Your spending abilities will significantly determine the location and building size. So when you’re getting an estimate, make sure you’re working with a construction manager who is familiar with the Santa Clara region. They will be able to give you the most accurate estimate.
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Pre-Design
During the pre-design stage, your project manager will begin meeting with the contractors involved to set a timeline with goals. They’ll also discuss your requirements, such as the type of business, rooms, budget, and necessary utilities.
This stage is critical because they’ll determine all the required materials and give you a better estimate of how much it’ll cost. However, many often combine pre-design with the planning and development stage to keep things moving at a faster rate.
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Design
During the design phase, you’ll start to see your vision come to life. First, the engineers, architects, and contractors will begin to draw the blueprints. Next, they’ll design the structure. Then, they’ll start drawing in the electrical components, water, sewage, and HVAC. Finally, one of the engineers will ensure the building, wiring, and utilities will be up to code and can connect to infrastructure lines. This is important because they must make sure the design is structurally sound and up to your standards.
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Pre-Construction
Once the building design is complete, the construction manager will apply for the necessary permits and licenses to begin working. This stage involves a lot of paperwork to ensure everyone is on the same page with the plans before proceeding.
During this stage, your team will also begin taking bids from vendors. This means they’re looking for sub-contractors who can complete specialized parts of the project. For example, they’ll have to look for the best commercial paving company in Santa Clara, CA, to provide quality work for a fair rate.
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Procurement
During the procurement step, your team will begin purchasing the materials and sub-contractors for the job. They’ll work closely with everyone involved to ensure they stay within your budget without compromising quality. However, if you like to take a hands-on approach rather than letting your team handle this part, make sure you look for previous client testimonials so you know they have a respectable reputation.
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Construction
The first five steps of the construction project are essential for preventing mishaps that could cause delays. The construction phase can begin after the plans are laid out and all materials are ready. First, your crew will start clearing the area by removing debris, trees, and anything else in the way. Then, they’ll work on preparing the land for a stable foundation, prepare utility lines, lay the concrete, and begin building the “bones” of the house.
Once the basic foundation is set, they’ll continue building the house’s exterior. Next, they can install the electrical components, water lines, and HVAC system. Finally, they’ll finish the interior, add fixtures, and work on landscaping.
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Clean-up and Inspection
Before construction is complete, a cleaning crew will come in and do a basic clean-up of debris. Then, once the building is finished, they’ll clean the house a couple more times to prepare it for the inspection and final walkthrough.
Before the final walkthrough, a state inspector will come to make sure everything is safe and up to code. If anything is found, the construction crew must fix it and schedule another inspection.
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Final Walkthrough
Everything is built, cleaned, and inspected. If everything looks good to the inspector, it’s time for you to take a final walkthrough. During this stage, you’ll look out for cracks, test the appliances, and request changes if you’re unhappy with anything. Then, if you’re satisfied with the finished product, you can get ready to set up shop!
Conclusion
The construction process is much more complicated than you may think. There are five stages that your team must complete before they can even touch the work site. However, your construction manager will be able to handle the majority of the project, including selecting vendors.
Therefore, when hiring a construction manager, you’ll want to ensure they have a good reputation for getting the job done promptly, within their clients’ budgets, and without compromising quality.
