You may be thinking about starting your business from the ground up. Would you like to start your business from scratch? continue reading?
Then you are talking about construction of a commercial building. It’s not just about hiring a builder and meeting with an architect. To ensure the building is safe and functional, you need to take every precaution to make sure it meets local laws & codes.
Although this article is not a comprehensive guide to commercial building construction, it can give you a good idea about the various stages. Let’s get started.
1. The Planning and Design Stage
The planning and design stage is probably the most important, but it can also be the longest (and costliest).
This is the stage when you plan your business, and your new building. It is important to find the right location and do some research. You’ll then need to test and evaluate the locations to make sure they are safe and code compliant. Included in this are:
Commercial energy efficiency test
Adjusting and adhering to a budget when renting/buying/calculating the cost of a project
Environmental hazard testing
Soil Testing
Etc.
Once you have completed the tests, you will need to buy or rent the property that you intend to use. You’ll need to check that everything is in compliance with the code, and you have all the required permits, licenses, and insurance.
It’s a lot of work, so it might be worth hiring a design-build company.
You’ll need to hire an architect and interview contractors during this phase. Hiring local workers is the best option because they are familiar with state, county or city regulations. For a MA construction project, you should hire Massachusetts Electrical Contractor or a Boston Architect, etc.
The designers should include all the information they can, including materials, costs and textures. This will streamline the construction phase, allow you to stick to your budget, and help you get approval faster. This includes not only the true “design”, but also electrical wiring, beams alarm systems water power and other aspects.
2. The Procurement Stage
You will need all the materials you require to begin building once the plans and design have been finalized. To get the best prices and materials, you’ll need to compare quotes from several sources.
Request the help of your contractor or architect to find vendors and subcontractors. Yes, you’ll have to buy all the materials and equipment needed, but also workers, laborers, and any other items.
Be sure to keep all paperwork, including invoices and purchase orders, in order.
3. Building Stage
Finally: It’s time for construction! All projects must complete the following stages.
Foundation
Electrical
Water/Plumbing
Before moving on to the next phase of construction, these items must be approved and inspected. You will often have to go through multiple inspections during the course of a project to ensure that you are up to codes and safety regulations. There will be issues and problems that you must resolve before you can continue.
As construction proceeds, be sure to follow the correct general timeline and budget. Check in with the contractor and architect on a regular basis to ensure you’re on budget/timeline.
4. Post-Construction
After everything has been built, installed and completed, a final inspection is required before you can start your business. It could include obtaining a business licence after commercial building construction.
You will need to follow different post-construction procedures depending on where you live and what state you are in. Most states will require their contractors to submit a Certificate of Occupancy, as well as final releases of liens.
It is important to make sure that all payments have been made for the equipment, materials, and labor.