Common Commercial Construction Projects

Common Commercial Construction Projects - Headwaters Building

Common Types of Commercial Construction Projects

Common Commercial Construction ProjectsCommercial construction is aimed to create buildings for business. Currently, there are thousands of different commercial buildings being constructed every year. Each building is built to serve a different purpose. Given the difference in commercial buildings, it helps to understand the different types and their basic methods of construction. This way, you will have a better idea of what you are looking for when talking to your Sacramento commercial builder. Here are the different types of common commercial construction projects

Restaurants 

Restaurants are built with the comfort of the customer in mind. Therefore, a lot of thought is put on creating unique and aesthetically pleasing setups.  Different restaurants come with different designs. For example, a restaurant belonging to a chain of restaurants will conform to corporate guidelines to maintain the brand. 

On the other hand, standalone restaurants can choose their own design to attract and retain customers. Restaurants are expected to follow a set of safety regulations before they can operate, whether the restaurant belongs to a chain or is an individual establishment.

Groceries and Retail Stores 

These are designed with moving masses in mind. Groceries and retail shops receive a lot of human traffic at any one time. Therefore, there is an emphasis on easy movement on both the inside and the outside. This includes making sure that the establishments are accessible to everyone. Commercial builders also make the point of making these project aesthetically pleasing through innovative designs. 

Industrial Buildings 

Industrial buildings hold heavy-duty machinery and equipment, storage facilities, and different amenities that would make it easier to perform actions such as manufacturing, assembly, production, and so much more. Therefore, the projects are built with space in mind. 

The interiors vary with each building. You might find high ceilings in some rooms and lower ceilings in others. Others will require additional modifications for the walls and doors to provide storage and preservation facilities. When building an Industrial establishment, the emphasis is put on safety to ensure everyone accessing the building is safe. 

Lodging Facilities 

These are built to host people at varying times. They are usually found in the hotel and motel industry. Lodging facilities are built to offer comfort to their users. Therefore, accessibility and safety is an important feature. Our tilt-up contractors explain that the design and overall quality of these buildings usually depend on the owners. Large hotels might require highly advanced facilities for their guests while small motels might choose to go with basic facilities.

Medical Facilities

Medical facilities include hospitals as well as human and pet clinics. Construction for these projects focuses more on the ease of movement for medical personnel and patients. They also make them highly accessible for life saving-saving equipment. Safety and accessibility are paramount for medical facilities projects. 

Office Buildings

Office buildings can range from small yet functional facilities for small businesses to skyscrapers for big companies. Turek’s Plumbing, Appleton WI Plumbing company explains that the construction is usually basic for small businesses with safety and access as the most common features. 

Things are usually a little different for skyscrapers. These might be designed to hold different companies within the establishment. Either way access and safety are important regardless of the type of design each company or business chose to employ in their respective spaces. 

Athletic Structures

These include fitness centers, high school gyms, and different playing areas. Usually, the construction involves leaving plenty of open spaces for free and rapid movement. The facilities are built to handle a large group of people. Therefore, safety and easy access are highly considered when planning. 

Picking the Perfect Construction Project 

It makes sense that you would want to set up a commercial building. However, it helps to have the right professional help to help with the planning and overall setup of a functional and safe building in your city. Call Headwaters Construction Inc. today for the best commercial construction services. 

Tilt-up Construction Project Considerations

tilt-up construction project considerations

tilt-up construction project considerationsConsiderations When Building a Tilt-up Project

Tilt-up construction projects come with many important considerations to keep in mind. This form of construction involves using already casted walls and joining them to come up with a complete building. These buildings are considerably easier to build and are a great attraction for many people looking to set up commercial buildings. However, as much as tilt-up projects are great for construction, your commercial builder will have to make a number of considerations before and during the construction process. This way they can provide the kind of results you want. Our Sacramento tilt-up contractors share the many different tilt-up construction project considerations.

Type of Project 

Tilt-up construction is cheap, easy to build, and great for the environment. However, this type of construction will not fit all kinds of buildings. Some will require other forms of constructions for structural reasons.

Sometimes, your Sacramento commercial builders will also look at the facilities you want to include in the project. Some facilities will dramatically increase the cost of construction such that a tilt-up project won’t make sense.  Understanding the type of project allows commercial construction companies the information they need to decide whether a tilt-up construction is ideal. 

The Client’s Needs 

The last thing a contractor wants is to build something the client does not want or need. Such a mistake can bring a lot of costly repercussions that the client might not have planned to cover. Therefore, it is important for construction companies to fully understand the client’s needs. 

During the consultation with the client, the contractor will keep in mind the client’s expectations in terms of aesthetics, applicable finishes, and budget. In the event the client’s needs cannot be accommodated by a tilt-up construction, the construction company will have the time to let them know. 

Structural Considerations 

The structural well-being of a building is one of the most important aspect in construction. McQuillan Bros, HVAC company in St. Paul, Mn advises that you will need a structural engineer on board. He or she is supposed to offer crucial advice after evaluating different aspects of the construction such as soils, to determine the floor and foundation design, carry out wall engineering, and other load-related analysis. 

It helps to have a structural engineer on site before construction starts because they can easily tell whether the project requires a tilt-up construction or not. They are also able to point out what aspects of the construction might end up taking more time and resources. 

Schedule/Key Design Considerations 

While Tilt-up projects are is known for its fast construction time, it is important to consider that a lot of time will be spent away from the construction site. For example, one tilt-up construction project consideration one should make is that once construction commences, your contractor will take more time reinforcing steel and making detailed panel shop drawings, getting them approved and fabricated before they can be delivered to the site. The length of this period will depend on the size and specifications of the building you want. 

This will lead to a lot of time wastage if scheduling is not done properly. Therefore, it helps to work with a contractor from the beginning. Have them work with a structural engineer from the start so he or she can work on the front end of the tilt-up project. 

Site Layout and Topography 

Tilt-up projects involve placing already made wall panels on a floor slab or casting beds. Each of these will require a different topography for the success of the project. For example, casting beds require plenty of flat space directly around the building. Your contractors will also need enough space for their cranes. When using a floor slab, cranes will be needed. Understanding the site layout and topography helps you decide what to use for the structural integrity of the building. 

There are many things to consider when coming up with a tilt-up project. Employing the help of a trained professional is a great place to start. Headwaters Construction is dedicated to making your tilt-up project stand out through professional service all year round.

Commercial Building Permits Guide

commercial building permit guide - Headwaters Building

commercial building permit guideCustomer Guide to Commercial Building Permits

Building permits are an important part of the construction business. They are meant to ensure that buildings in question have met all the code regulations set by the authorities and that it is safe to start construction. If you are planning on starting a commercial building project, it helps to understand the permit acquisition process. This is because the city will not allow you to build without the relevant documents. Here is a complete customer guide on commercial building permits. 

Preliminary Review

The preliminary review takes place before you apply for the building permits. It is important because it saves you time to process all the required documents. The staff you encounter in every department will give you valuable ideas that will save you both time and money. 

During this phase, the relevant departments in your city answer any and all questions. They will be responsible for letting you know whether your proposed building meets the city’s development guidelines and whether you will require planning approvals from the planning commission or the Architectural Review Commission. 

In the event your project does require planning approval, the Planning Department will ask you to file a separate planning application from the building permit and pay the required fees. Gilmore Heating Air & Plumbing, Sacramento HVAC company explains that the fees you pay will also be separate from the building permit fees. 

Additionally, you will have to discuss the project with the different departments such as Public Works, Health, or Fire Department to see whether they have any requirements. 

Applying for a Building Permit 

Once the preliminary review is done, you will be required to apply for a building permit. Headwaters Building explains that this gives you permission to erect your building if your plans have been approved by the planning commission. 

To apply, turn in your application package to the Building & Safety Division of the City’s Community Development Department. This package contains:

  • A completed application, checklist, and related forms
  • The plan review deposit
  • Copies of required plans
  • Supporting documentation (energy, soils, structural analysis)

You can turn in your application in person at the Building and Safety Division or online. Our Sacramento commercial builders advise you to make sure to pay the review deposit of ‘plan check fee’ before the final review of the application documents. 

The Review Process 

Your application is reviewed after submission. There are different departments involved during this process depending on the nature of the project. These departments include: 

  • Building & Service Division
  • Fire Department 
  • Public Works Department 
  • Planning Division 
  • Utilities Department 

Each will approve or deny your application depending on whether or not you meet their requirements. 

Permit for Your Commercial Property

Applications are reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis. Your application is likely to take anywhere between 4-8 weeks depending on the category of project you are applying for. You will be provided with a permit if all the requirements are met. In the event you do not get the permit, the Building and Safety Division will highlight all the areas that need work. 

You can only make minor corrections on the application forms you provided. If the corrections become numerous or if you have to make major corrections, the Building & Safety Division expects you to correct the base drawing before submitting copies of the revised plans. Once you resubmit your corrections, they will be sent to the relevant departments. Most NorCal commercial construction companies say that it takes anywhere between 2-4 weeks to check the corrections and approve. 

The city will only provide you with a building permit if you meet all code requirements. You are expected to pay any fees upon notification before being issued the permit. Once you have the permit, you can comfortably start the construction. 

It is important to note that the city will carry out inspections as you build your commercial building. They will provide you with an Inspection Record card which details the remarks by the inspector after each phase of construction is completed. The inspector must sign the card after every phase before you can start working on the next. 

Talk to Headwater Cnstruction Inc. today and get the best professional advice to make your commercial building project a success.

Building from the Ground Up

building from the ground up

building from the ground upBuilding From the Ground Up with Headwaters Construction

Constructing a commercial building from the ground up is not an easy undertaking. Commercial buildings take longer and use up more resources than residential buildings. You probably know this if your plans involve owning a commercial building. 

There are a number of steps involved in commercial construction that involves building from the ground up. These steps make it necessary to come up with durable and safe construction for the public. Below are the steps involved in building a commercial building from our Sacramento construction general contractors.

Planning and Development 

This is the first and most important step in building from the ground up. Without a proper plan, the project is likely to encounter problems along the way which could have a lot of negative consequences. Planning involves picking the location, finding an architect to draw up the plans, and finding the right contractor or Commercial Construction Company to handle the construction. 

Unlike residential buildings that are less likely to directly affect many people, commercial buildings require a lot of planning before they can even get approval. During this stage, every member involved in the building will ensure they meet every code and regulation before breaking ground. 

Designing Your Commercial Building

An architect will play an important role during this phase. Turek’s Plumbing, Appleton, WI Kitchen remodel company explains that the work of the architect is to work with the stakeholders and come up with an appropriate design of the building depending on different factors. An architect will put into consideration the budget, wants, and needs of the project owner while coming up with the appropriate design. During this phase, engineers create detailed documents for the constructions which are then sent to the relevant departments within the city for approval. 

Pre-construction 

The preconstruction period is meant to get everything in order. During this period, associate vendors forward their quotes for review while all the necessary permits and documentation are put into place. Construction cannot commence without approval from the relevant authorities. 

Additionally, there is a constructability review that allows issues to be raised and addressed before construction can start. This also includes inspecting the site of health hazards to ensure that the contractors work in a safe environment. 

Procurement 

Essential materials and equipment for the construction are purchased. The procurement process should meet the budget and quality expectations of the business owners. They should also meet all legal requirements. 

Equipment that cannot be bought is hired at this stage and contractors ensure that everything arrives in time for the construction. Finally, the contractors hire laborers, allocate jobs, and plan salaries. 

Commercial Construction

This can happen anytime from months to years after the planning and development stage. Commercial construction does not start unless everything is ready. The foundation is then laid according to the specifications provided. 

The foundation is one of the most important parts of the building. It plays a huge role in determining the overall strength of the building. 

Post-Construction

The Post-Construction period involves making sure that the building is up to the required standards. Therefore, expect rigorous testing on every level before the public can be allowed in. Every piece of material and facilities provided by the building is tested to ensure that they meet the required standards provided for in the project plan. 

Minor repairs are carried out before the architect can provide a certificate of substantial completion. Once this is done, a building official will perform a final inspection. 

Finding a Commercial Construction Contractor 

It is important to ensure that every aspect of your commercial building ideas is well taken care of before construction starts. A well-constructed commercial building is likely to last for a long time without having to undergo major reconstruction. Call Headwaters Construction Inc. today and enjoy the best professional services for your commercial building project.