Even a sky-high dream requires a down-to-earth plan of action. This is very much a reality even in the case of a construction project. You would agree that all those awe-inspiring commercial structures never emerged out of the blue. They are the results of meticulous planning and execution. Each of these commercial buildings is a masterpiece created by professionals with diverse skill sets. A typical commercial project team consists of project owners, designers, engineers, construction managers, contractors, and more.
Everything starts with the right planning, but code compliance, smooth construction, quick turnaround, and accurate cost estimation are the vital aspects of every commercial development project. Whether it’s a hotel, hospital, mall, or any other business, getting the right people for the right job is just as important for achieving the above objectives. Also, the need to focus on the quality of commercial structures is also on the rise. This is because of the number of people using it. Though the size and nature of each project are different, the process involved could also vary slightly. Featured below are a few common steps involved in the construction of a ground-up commercial.
Planning & Development
The first stage in the construction of a commercial building from the ground up is the task of choosing the location, architect, and contractor/construction company.
The stakeholders collate the maximum amount of relevant information, so they can take well-informed decisions. There are also scores of other professionals involved in the planning & development stage of larger projects. This depends on multiple factors like the nature of business, proximity to other businesses and facilities, convenience of customers, and more. Meticulous planning of resources and processes is imperative. Budgeting is also done at this phase since it outlines the overall scope and challenges of the project.
Designing
This is the phase where the brainstorming happens with the architect and design team members. When the right engineering design firm is chosen, the design will be aligned to the needs, wants, and budget of the project owner. The time required for design depends on the scale and complexity of the project. Comfort and convenience of the completed structure are discussed in this stage, since changes made later can be expensive and time-consuming. The engineering experts can assess the project feasibility at this stage. Detailed construction documents are created and kept ready for approval. Even the minute details like the choice of materials, colors, and sizes are discussed to avert ambiguities in the future.
Pre-construction
Here’s where full-fledged project management processes are put in place. All the associated vendors also submit their quotes for review. The necessary inspection reports, permits, and insurance covers are also in place. No commercial construction work can commence on a site without the complete approval of the city. A constructability review is carried out and issues are addressed here. The site is also inspected for health hazards. Any delay or complexity in procurement can result in construction delays which, in turn, can impact the overall cost of building the structure.
Procurement
The contractors go ahead and purchase all the essential materials and equipment at this juncture. They tap into all their known sources to procure materials that meet the quality and cost expectations of the business owners. Furthermore, some materials have to meet legal requirements. Hiring of equipment is also done where it makes more commercial and practical sense. Contractors need to see that sourced materials arrive on time. All provisions have to be made for the vendor vehicles to move in and move out smoothly. Also, the hiring of laborers is the most important aspect since they are the ones who do the construction work. Job allocation and salaries are planned in detail to minimize unforeseen expenses.
Construction
As soon as the construction starts, updates, for stakeholders, on schedule, costs and issues also begin. After the site clearance has been done, the foundation is laid as per the specifications of the drawings provided by the engineer. There’s no room for error since the entire building rests on it. Then the superstructure is built. This is followed by the addition of walls, roof, and flooring. Plumbing, mechanical, and electrical installation work is done parallelly. Safety measures are given utmost importance as soon as the construction work commences.
Post-Construction
Once the construction team is over and done with their job, rigorous testing begins. The designer, contractor, and project owner have to be totally satisfied at this stage, since the facility goes live to the public. Both the facilities and the materials have to conform to the functionality and quality expectations defined in the project plan. The members of the crew responsible for the functioning and maintenance are trained, so the structure meets the expectations of business owners, occupants, and visitors. A certificate of completion is usually issued, so the official team can perform an inspection to gauge whether it is fully ready for use by everybody.
Wrapping Up
Quality, cost, and timelines are the three most important aspects of commercial construction. All the stakeholders need to put their heads together, at different stages, to ensure that everything happens as planned. The use of the latest design methodologies, technology tools, and sustainability practices will pave the way for the success of the project with minimal challenges.
Got questions on engineering and design for ground-up commercial buildings? Our team of experienced California-licensed engineers can help you with the right advice and services.
Call us at (877) 704-5727 or email your requirements to info@designeverest.com for a no-obligation quote followed by a consultation.
