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Warehouse & Industrial Construction

CONCORD, CA

Commercial Construction

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Entryway Landscape Design Tips

entryway landscaping tips for your commercial building - Sacramento commercial builders

Entryway Landscape Design Tips for Your Commercial Building

why-your-commercial-landscaping-mattersThe entrance to your commercial property is the first point of contact with your tenants, staff, clients, and guests. That is why it is important to ensure that the ecosystem around attractive and inviting. As the owner or manager of a commercial property responsible for the environment, you should always begin with the arrival experience and the key point of entry. Below, our commercial builders share entryway landscape design tips for your commercial building.

First Impressions Matter

First experiences are important. This applies to the landscape just as much as it does to people. In reality, your landscape is often the first item a visitor notices before interacting with employees. Worn fields, dead or decaying trees, a lack of color, and a drab isn’t a great look. Our tilt-up construction company recommends spending a little extra money on your front door to give a much better first impression.

High Traffic Areas = Most Important

A high volume of traffic indicates a high level of priority. The focal point of public engagement is your entryway. To stop draining your money on landscape upkeep, Headwaters Construction recommends filling your entryway with plants and materials that can survive environmental elements. It is essential to build and install a landscape that can survive wear and tear while being both beautiful and practical.

Opportunities to Impress

Your entryway serves as a poster for your business. The scenery at your building’s entrance serves as an advertisement for your commercial property. Will you show a massive image of an overflowing front-entrance cigarette canister or brown, flattened, and dead plants for us to see on the highway? Obviously not. Our Sacramento general contractors recommend refraining from marketing your commercial property with a landscape that is unflattering. Our friends over at Maid For Muddy Paws, a commercial cleaning service, agree with us on this one. With all the businesses they clean, the most impressive ones have had beautiful landscaping in their entryways.

Make It Adaptable For Every Season

A versatile entryway for a dynamic company. If your facility is open all year, you want your entryway to be as appealing and interesting in the winter months as it is at the peak of the growing season in the summer. A static landscape is equivalent to a static sector. Instead, at least four times a year, establish a complex seasonal link with something unique and exciting. If your property is in a geographical area where blooms are not likely in the winter, no worries. Instead, select plants and seasonal planters with interesting or decorative bare branches and forms to provide visual appeal during the off-season.

Mood Enhancing

A well-designed and well-maintained landscape is a thing of beauty that can lift the spirits of anybody who comes into touch with it. A cheerful landscape will assist in the development of cheerful people. Employees become more content and profitable, and consumers become more optimistic and able to invest more money.

A lively entryway generates positive energy

Healthy plants and a well-balanced, integrated landscape design generate subtle energy and vibrancy that spreads positive energy across the room. Although it may not be your cup of tea, bear in mind that humans have been co-evolving with Nature for more years than we can count. Step into this experience and accept that you have the potential to transform the world with something as basic as good, colorful plants!

Contact Headwaters Construction Today

Ready to get going on your commercial construction project? Contact Headwaters Construction Inc. today.

The Pros and Cons of Tilt-Up Construction

the pros and cons of tilt construction

the pros and cons of tilt construction

Pros and Cons of Tilt-Up Construction 2021

Tilt-up construction has become more popular since the 1920s when it was invented as a building method. This article, written by our Sacramento commercial contractors, discusses the pros and cons of tilt-up construction method. Headwaters Construction Inc. hopes this helps you decide whether or not tilt-up construction is something you’d like to use in your next commercial construction project.

THE PROS OF TILT-UP CONSTRUCTION

Tilt-Up Construction – Speed 

It takes just a few days for the poured concrete panels to cure and be ready for tilting or lifting into place. The speed of this construction method also switches into higher gear when you consider how quickly other skilled contractors, such as plumbers and electricians, can get to work at the site. The swift build-up of the walls means that those other professionals can begin their work sooner. So, the entire project will be completed after a shorter time than other construction methods.

Tilt-Up Construction – Cost Savings

The Sacramento tilt-up construction experts explain that it isn’t surprising that tilt-up construction is the method of choice for people who want to build big-box stores, industrial complexes, or even low-cost housing.

The method is cost-effective in many ways. For example, less labor is required since just a few people can pour the concrete panels and a crane or any other piece of lifting equipment, then tilts those cured panels into place. As any Sacramento Headwaters building and contracting expert will tell you, any reduction in labor results in significant cost savings for a builder.

Energy Efficiency

Reinforced concrete is a good insulator, and tilt-up construction allows buildings to enjoy higher levels of this energy efficiency since there are few joints or seams in the entire building.

You can also ask the Sacramento tilt-up construction company in charge of your project to add more insulation layers to the tilt-up panels. While this may raise your project cost, you will enjoy better energy-efficiency during the lifetime of the building. Our friends at Specialized AV, a distributed audio service in Sacramento adds that the additional savings can eventually cover the cost of adding that insulation.

Design Flexibility

In the past, tilt-up construction wasn’t a popular method for constructing smaller structures and buildings where esthetics were a major requirement. However, the maturation of design technology, such as 5-D Macro BIM, has increased the design possibilities for Sacramento tilt-up construction companies to the extent that round surfaces and curved walls are all possible using this building method.

The fact that each tilt-up building is customized to a particular client’s needs means that the fluidity of concrete can be taken advantage of in nearly countless ways.

Sound and Fire Resistance

Tilt-up construction also produces buildings with a high level of sound attenuation and fire resistance. People working in a tilt-up structure would not be affected by the noise from the building’s environs, just as a noisy manufacturing plant will not cause as much of a disturbance as would be possible if other methods of construction had been used.

Additionally, the tilt-up construction experts at Head Waters Construction, Inc. in Sacramento explain that the concrete used during tilt-up construction is formulated to meet the most stringent fire resistance standards. Building occupants can therefore work while safe knowing that they will be safeguarded until they can escape during a fire emergency.

Easy Access to Contracting Materials

It is also easy for Headwaters building and contracting professionals to access any required building materials, such as rebar and cement, from the local suppliers near the construction site. This is unlike what would happen if the contractor needed to order more complex materials from a far-away supplier.

THE CONS OF TILT-UP CONSTRUCTION

Upfront Coordination is Crucial

Tilt-up construction requires a high degree of upfront coordination between different professionals, such as electricians, HVAC technicians, and structural engineers. Any change that has to be made once the tilt-up walls are cured and lifted into position will be very costly and disruptive.

Cost Efficiencies Kick in Subject to Project Size

Tilt-up construction produces increasing cost savings as the size of a building becomes bigger. However, the reverse is also true as the square footage reduces, so you might be well advised to discuss with an expert from Head Waters Construction, Inc., about the cost implications of using this method if you intend to construct a building on the smaller side.

Hire a Professional Construction Company

As you can see, there are many pros to tilt-up construction. If you think that you could enjoy the numerous benefits of this commercial building method, contact Head Waters Construction, Inc. in Sacramento and let the experts chart a way forward to your dream building using tilt-up construction!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

How to Decide if it’s Time for a Retail Renovation

how to decide retail renovation - Headwaters Construction Inc Sacramento

how to decide retail renovation - Headwaters Construction Inc

How to Decide if It’s Time for Retail Renovation: 2021

Retail spaces tend to get a lot of foot traffic. As a retail store owner, you understand that your income comes from the number of customers who buy from you. Therefore, it is important to maintain your retail store in a way that allows anyone and everyone to feel comfortable enough to spend their time and money. A retail renovation project may be necessary for you if your store is a couple of years old. Renovation can increase the revenue of retail shops by a considerable margin. A general contractor will be in a position to spruce up your store and enhance the user experience. 

Starting a commercial renovation project is a lot of work to do. Here’s what our commercial builders think you need to consider before you commit to this big project.

YOUR BUDGET AND TIMELINE

Renovations cost both time and money. 

With this in mind, ask yourself whether you have enough money to carry out a full-scale renovation or the time to do it. At times, you may be forced to do a cosmetic touch-up or a facelift to make your store look even better than before. When it comes to your budget allocation, prioritize the things you need instead of the things you want. This will help you save money. 

Cosmetic touch-ups include repainting, replacing damaged displays such as wall paintings and shelves, professional cleaning, and replacing fixtures. 

A full-scale renovation might involve re-carpeting, adding or removing whole structures from the store, and working on electric fixtures, heating, plumbing, and anything that will require that you talk to a commercial renovation contractor. 

Decide whether you will be closing your doors until the renovations are done or whether you will carry it out in parts. Both require that you work fast to avoid inconveniencing your customers. 

FOOT TRAFFIC

Study how your customers move. By doing so, you will be able to renovate your store in a way that allows them to fully experience what you have to offer in your store. Remember, customers do not have all day to linger in your store, so the sooner they see the things they need, the better. 

Place your merchandise in counter-clockwise order. Most of your shoppers will be right-handed. They will automatically look to their right as soon as they walk into your store. Placing your products on the right side of your store so that customers can see them first will influence their buying choices. 

LIGHTING

Lighting influences the atmosphere of a place. It is why you will find a difference between the kind of lighting used in a spa and that used in a library. 

Decide whether you want to create a warm ambiance or a cool one depending on what you are selling. Putting extra lighting around your merchandise will also help attract shoppers to them. Our friends at Specialized AV, a commercial automation company in Sacramento, highly recommend installing smart lights. This will help you save energy costs and is extremely convenient when you’re away from the store. 

DECOMPRESSION AREA 

This consists of the first five to fifteen feet inside your store. It allows the customers to transition from the chaos outside and focus on your merchandise. Decide whether you want to make it more interesting by improving the lighting, fixtures, and color schemes. 

HOW TO DECIDE RETAIL RENOVATION

Retail renovation is an important decision that could boost your business. If you are looking for a commercial renovator for your space, look no further than Headwaters Construction Inc. We strive to make your retail space unique and inviting by delivering outstanding quality, communication, and service. For more information about our commercial building services, take a look at our projects gallery.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

 

Tips on Hiring a Commercial Contractor 

tips for hiring commercial contractors - Headwaters Construction Inc.

tips for hiring commercial contractors - Headwaters Construction Inc

Tips on Hiring a Commercial Contractor 2021

There has been an increasing amount of business owners in recent years. Ask anyone who owns a business, and they’ll tell you it’s much harder than it looks. There is one side that takes into account aspects of its wings that include competitive analysis of sales, marketing plans, manufacturing and inventory, profits, and losses. Many business owners avoid all of these things and are most likely to hire a general contractor to complete their commercial projects. Who could blame them, right? In this article, we share some helpful tips on hiring a commercial contractor for your latest project.

Review the General Contractors’ History + Credentials 

It is important to start with basic steps. By going to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at Headwaters Construction Inc. and pulling out the company allows one to verify its existence and its activity. For instance, it may be of need to see if all the documentation is up to date and what their project history looks like. Getting a clearer view of professional construction companies in your area can be done by checking their attributed websites and testimonials. 

Take References Into Consideration 

There is no need to hesitate in asking for references from your general contractor. This, at times, is crucial as if you sense any sort of hesitance or inability on their end to provide what you want, you must take it as a signal to consider changing paths. Given the fact that you will be in contact and an alliance with these people for months or maybe even years, it is vital to form an association with reliable contractors and make a sensible enough decision in selecting the best option in order for you to watch them deliver as promised. Moreover, be sure to compare the quality of the projects that have been done by the prospective commercial contractors and inspect the work that is done. Our friends at LMS Garage Doors, who installs garage doors Sacramento, knows this first hand. Ask for their portfolio before handing over your deposit.

Must Ensure to Delve Into and Get to The Bottom Line of Costs 

Although the cost may not be the only factor, it, however, is one of the most important factors. There should be an illustration of costs in a divisional itemization that includes as much detail as possible.

Make You Review Other Bids

You must beware of offering the lowest bid compared to your competitors Our friends at Tureks Plumbing, a company that offers bathroom remodeling services in Fox Valley, recommends doing a competitor analysis to see what you should be charging for services. As they would say back in the day, “You get what you pay for” and “Cheap is expensive.” 

Ask For Financials If You’re Falling Short 

Avoid going through the nightmare of incomplete projects and getting stuck with contractors that cannot cover the costs. Take into consideration payment and performance bonds and do your due diligence as this is a rather critical aspect in terms of hiring a contractor. 

Headwaters Construction Inc. is an excellent team to work with to achieve desired results. 

Hiring the right contractor can be a daunting task where the decision is absolutely crucial. This requires diligence and cannot afford to be ignored. 

  1. One must hire the most qualified instead of the lowest bidder. 
  2. One must make sure to use the tools online and check the contractors licensing information and history
  3. Comprehend the ways of charging the costs that are not included in the given proposals. 
  4. Confirming the credibility of the references that are given and evaluating the quality of the work that has been done 
  5. Obtaining the financials of the contractor 

Are you taking a commercial construction project in Sacramento? Do you feel the need that there is a grey area that requires to be filled by a professional builder? Feel free to contact Head Waters Construction Inc for experienced commercial building services in Northern California

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

Marquis Who’s Who: Norman Marshall

Norman Marshall Marquis Who's Who - Sacramento

Norman Marshall Marquis Who's Who - SacramentoMarquis Who’s Who: Norman Marshall

Our very own Norman Marshall, the President of Headwaters Construction Inc, was recently celebrated in Marquis Who’s Who for dedication to the field of construction. If you’re not familiar with Marquis Who’s Who, they select individuals based on their position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in the field. Headwaters Construction Inc. is exceptionally proud of the impact Mr. Marshall has had in the construction industry. Read the article below to learn more about his journey.

The Start of a Commercial Construction Company

While his father was employed as an art director at a Los Angeles studio, Mr. Marshall was forbidden to be interested in the film industry. Instead, he wanted to seek a career in advertising before finally buying the business he had worked. Drawing on his vast technical experience, Mr. Marshall is currently the President of Headwaters Construction Inc., which specializes in industrial construction, general procurement, planning, and consultancy services in California, Washington, and Oregon.

Headwaters Construction Inc.

As the President of Headwaters Construction Inc. in Sacramento, Mr. Marshall oversees that venture’s commercial and operating facets. While his career has been packed with highlights, he is immensely proud that Headwaters Construction has constructed millions of square feet of buildings in which companies are still working today. Recently, they finished the TI warehouse for Walmart Inc. and developed more than 50 restaurants for Little Caesars. In the light of his excellent service, Mr. Marshall was given a 2010 Fairfield Historical Society Award for Project Office Park.

Supporting Our Community

Headwaters Construction Inc. is dedicated to supporting the Sacramento communities and other charities throughout Northern California. Furthermore, Mr. Marshall is donating to the less fortunate as a member of the board of directors for the chapter on Habitat for Humanity in Sacramento. Additionally, Headwaters is also affiliated with Sol Aureus College Preparatory Charter School, the Sacramento Rotary Club, the Sutter Club, and the North Ridge Country Club. Mr. Marshall plans to retire in the coming years while remaining involved in the industry in a consultative capacity.

Thank you, Marquis Who’s Who, for an incredible feature! Stay up to date with all of our commercial construction projects by following us on Facebook. Interested in our commercial building services? Contact us today! 

What’s the Difference Between Ground-Up Construction and Renovation?

ground up construction and renovation

What's the difference between ground-up construction and renovation?

Ground-up Construction vs. Renovation: 2021

In most cases, when you compare construction and renovation, you are motivated by two main factors. One is that your company has outgrown its current premises, or you would like to have an additional location for your business. In this article, you will learn how ground-up construction differs from commercial renovation and understand the factors you need to consider to choose the most appropriate option for your business needs. 

Ground-up Construction & Renovation Defined 

Ground-up construction refers to the process of putting up a new structure on a lot where no building exists. You are building from scratch. New foundations, new walls, new footings. On the other hand, a renovation refers to the modification of an existing structure. The primary structural elements, such as the foundation, will remain. Still, your local renovation company in Sacramento may tear down an interior wall to change the building’s floor plan.

However, the professionals at Head Waters Construction, Inc. warn you that the definition of what constitutes renovation or new construction may vary from one municipality or city to another. So, it is best to check the local laws and establish which categorization applies to the project you wish to undertake.

A COMPARISON BETWEEN GROUND-UP CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

– Design Flexibility 

Headwaters building and contracting professionals recommend that you consider the degree of design flexibility that you desire during your project before you opt for either ground-up construction or renovation.

In most cases, ground-up construction offers you nearly unlimited design flexibility. A blank slate or canvas allows you to make the site into anything you want. However, keep in mind that renovation puts some constraints upon your design possibilities since you must work within the existing building’s structural elements. If these constraints will be a concern, then opting for ground-up construction would be the ideal choice.

– Location

Another crucial factor that you need to think about has to do with your business’s ideal location. It may be hard for you to find a vacant lot in a desirable area where you can build the ideal premises for your business. In such a case, finding an existing building and renovating it would be a more feasible option.

– Regulatory Compliance 

Building codes keep evolving, and all new structures or renovated ones have to be compliant with the latest regulations. Herein lies another consideration that Sacramento construction companies advise business owners to think about. For example, deciding to renovate a section of your current building may trigger a regulatory requirement for you to make the entire building ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-compliant. These regulatory issues can make an otherwise straight-forward renovation process complex and costly. Building premises from the ground up becomes a more attractive proposition since you may predict all the project factors.

– Getting Construction Building Permits

The process of securing building permits for a renovation project is generally less complicated and shorter when compared to navigating the permitting process in a new structure from the ground-up. Some renovation projects may not even require a permit. However, likely, constructing a building from scratch will never have the permit requirements waived.

–  Building

How soon do you want to use the new or renovated building? The duration needed to complete a renovation project is usually a small fraction of the time required to construct a building from scratch. Head Waters Construction, Inc., aconstruction company in Sacramento, recommends that people who are pressed for time opt for renovation. Similarly, those who don’t have much time should build the desired structure from the ground up.

–  Concerns Over Hazardous Materials

You may have hazardous materials to contend with if you would like to renovate an older building. For example, asbestos may be found within the walls as you kick-start a project to add an extension to your business premises. According to Headwaters development experts, dealing with those hazardous materials can inflate renovation budgets and throw project timelines out of whack.

However, even vacant lots can have hazardous materials. For example, a lot located on land that was reclaimed from agricultural land, chemical industry, or even a retired garbage dumping site may have toxic waste. Therefore, it is advisable for you to commission a site or building analysis to identify any potential issues of hazardous materials before you decide whether to renovate that existing building or build on a vacant site.

– Construction Cost

Your budget is a significant determinant of whether renovation or ground-up construction is a viable option. Our friends at Tureks Plumbing Services, a home remodeling contractor in Appleton, WI, add that most renovation projects require smaller budgets than ground-up construction does. Furthermore, renovation projects can be phased so that the cost implication is spread out over a longer time. If your budget is limited, your best bet is to renovate an existing building. However, if no resource limitation exists, ground-up construction may be a better option.

As you can see, there is no clear cut answer as to whether renovation or ground-up construction is the best option for you. What can only determine the correct answer once you discuss your building needs in Sacramento with an expert from Head Waters Construction, Inc. Our professionals will recommend the most cost-effective option for your company, so give us a call today!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

Hiring a Contractor Checklist

Hiring a contractor checklist - Headwaters Construction

Hiring a contractor checklist - Headwaters ConstructionHiring a Sacramento Contractor Checklist

One of the biggest decisions that you will have to make when you want to renovate your commercial premises or construct new ones has to do with hiring a commercial renovation contractor for the project. The decision to hire a contractor should come after you’ve narrowed down the scope of work. The task of selecting the most suitable contractor is a lot easier when you know what to look for. Headwaters Construction Inc. suggests following our Hiring a Contractor Checklist below.

Get Multiple Estimates

Contact multiple commercial contractors and ask at least three to give you written estimates. As you evaluate those estimates, be sure to compare apples to apples. For example, you may not get a clear picture of the competitiveness of different contractors if one is proposing to use tilt-up construction while the others are proposing different construction methods. Similarly, the materials used and the proposed timelines should be scrutinized before you make a decision.

Opt for Local Contractors If Possible

Commercial construction experts recommend that wherever possible, select a contractor from your locality. Local contractors come with several advantages. For example, such professionals have an intimate knowledge of the local building codes. Secondly, they are also easier to reach in case a problem arises during or after the project has been completed. However, ensure that those local contractors you shortlist are licensed in the expertise you need.

Review Their Previous Work

You are better off picking a contractor who has experience in executing the kind of project that you have in mind. For example, Headwaters Construction Inc. has decades of experience in undertaking tilt-up construction and other general contracting in Sacramento.

If you can, visit some of the completed and ongoing projects of the commercial builder you want to hire so that you get a firsthand experience of what the contractor can deliver. If this isn’t possible, ask people in your social circles for recommendations of contractors that delivered satisfactory work. Our friends at LMS Garage Doors, who offer garage door services near me, point out that a contactor’s portfolio says a lot about their quality of work. It should be easy to see what kind of work they’ve done in the past. 

Don’t Rush

Headwaters Construction Inc. recommends that you take your time when selecting your general contractor in Sacramento.

Tureks Plumbing, a home-remodeling company in Appleton, recommends that you read the bid documents carefully and be sure to understand the fine print before you make any decisions. Don’t succumb to pressure from a contractor to sign any documents at short notice. Otherwise, you may end up regretting when you unknowingly agree to contract terms that aren’t in line with your wishes or interests.

Scrutinize Their Insurance and Bonding

You should never hire a commercial builder if you haven’t examined their insurance and bonding documents. This scrutiny is important because those documents protect you from liability should anything go wrong during the execution of the commercial renovation or construction project. If you can, contact their insurer and confirm that the policy is still valid and that its coverage is what you have been told.

Put Everything in Writing

Experienced commercial and residential property owners know that it is a big risk to award a contract to construct or renovate a property when detailed project documents haven’t been drafted and signed. Don’t make the mistake of relying on verbal agreements. The contract documents should stipulate the following;

  • The scope of work and the agreed cost of each item on the scope of work.
  • The agreed project start and end dates, together with any applicable penalties.
  • The payment schedule. For example, you may have agreed to pay one-quarter of the project fee upfront and then stagger the remaining payment until the work has been completed.
  • Any guarantees agreed upon.
  • Signatures of both parties to the contract.

If you make any changes to the contract, put those changes in writing, and let the commercial builder sign those change orders.

Maintain a Project File

The project documents, such as the contract, invoices, specifications and receipts, can quickly pile up. Get a folder and keep all these documents in that folder so that you can access them easily. Your notes and observations should also go into this file.

Plan for Delays

Circumstances beyond your control may throw the project timelines out of whack. For example, unexpected inclement weather may prevent general contractors from progressing according to schedule. Anticipate delays and see how to adjust in order to accommodate them.

Don’t Pay in Advance

Avoid paying the entire contract cost in advance. Instead, spread out the payments with about one-third being deposited just before the project starts. It is also better to pay by check to a company rather than an individual.

The time and effort that you invest in identifying the best commercial builder for the job will pay off massively since you will not have any avoidable issues during the project and the outcome will meet or even surpass your expectations. If you are looking for a commercial general contractor that delivers what they promise, contact Headwaters Construction Inc. today!

The Post-Commercial Construction Process

the post commercial construction process - Headwaters Construction

the post commercial construction process - Headwaters ConstructionWhat to Expect Post-Commercial Construction Process

Just as there is a pre-construction phase for any construction project, there is a post-construction phase that all building owners need to be aware of. Headwaters Construction Inc., the best commercial builder in Sacramento, highlights this post-commercial construction process.

Future Expansion Plans

You’ll likely make some changes to your commercial building, whether that be now or in the future.

The post-construction phase, therefore, includes a component that caters for any future expansions that may be needed. This aspect is catered for as the building is being designed. For example, Headwaters Construction Inc. may recommend that sewer lines and other utilities be run on a different side of the building so that space for an extension can be left on another side of the planned building. In this way, you will have avoided the cost of moving established utility lines when the time to expand the building comes.

Final Building Manuals and Drawings

You will be given the final schematics and drawings showing where different mechanical systems are located. Sacramento construction contractors will also give you the manuals of the different systems used. That way you will be able to use them if needed. You can always contact the commercial construction company for specific details on the project.

Training and Follow-Up

The post-construction phase involves taking you through some training to ensure that you will be in a position to use the different features. This may include smart appliances, installed in the commercial building. Our friends at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, a residential ac company in Placerville, recommends hiring a contractor or company that guarantees a follow-up. You wouldn’t want to pay someone to complete a project and then never see them again.

Furthermore, the commercial construction company is expected to conduct some form of follow-up to confirm that you haven’t run into any issues as you use the different systems in the newly constructed building.

Post-Occupancy Review

There may come a time when your business outgrows the space, and you need to move out. The commercial builder needs to develop a plan detailing how the building can be repurposed or re-commissioned to serve other users. For example, can that building be repurposed from its planned use as a restaurant to a retail store? 

Your building is likely to be used for different purposes. So, having a post-occupancy plan makes it easier for this transition.

Final Satisfaction Review

As you may know, the warranty on the different components of your building will run their course. So, you will have to look for other ways to address any issues that arise.

The purpose of this visit is to conduct tests on different systems in the building in order to assess how they are working. Commercial construction companies also typically ask building owners lots of questions during this visit to get their views about what impressions they have about the entire building. This feedback helps the contractor to execute future projects better. You also get a chance to share your concerns and have them addressed before the project is closed.

The builder will still be available to help you if you need them. However, you may have to hire them for any additional construction services.

Don’t be put off by all the requirements for careful planning before, during, and after the commercial construction project. All those phases are intended to protect you as a building owner. If you would like help in putting together a plan for an upcoming commercial construction project, contact Headwaters Construction Inc. Our experienced professionals will work with you from start to finish, and long after that.

The Basics of Tilt-Up Construction

basics of tilt-up construction - Headwaters Construction

basics of tilt-up construction - Headwaters ConstructionThe Basics of Tilt-Up Construction with Headwaters Construction

When you combine the strength of reinforced concrete with the efficiency and precision of design-build methods, you get cutting-edge tilt-up construction. This method is fast and economical. That may be why upwards of 650 million square feet of buildings are constructed using the tilt-up method. In this article, you’ll learn the basics that will help you to understand tilt-up construction.

How the Method Works

Tilt-up construction is characterized by a series of concrete panels that are tilted into position, forming the exterior walls of a building. The panels are made onsite using wooden or other forms, concrete, and rebar.

Headwaters Construction Inc., the best tilt construction company in Sacramento, explains that the final designs of the building help the contractor to shape the wooden forms and cut rebar into the appropriate sizes and shapes before concrete is poured into the forms. 

In a few days, the cured concrete forms are hoisted into place on foundation footings. The panels now form the exterior walls of the building. The tilt-up contractor temporarily braces each of these panels. The bracing is removed once the roof holds the entire structure together.

The two sides of the panels (the side facing inside the building and the side facing outside) can be modified or finished in any way you’d like.

For example, veneer can be placed on the exterior face of the tilt-up panels to give the building a unique character.

A History of Tilt-Up Construction

Contrary to what some people may think, tilt-up construction has been around for a long time. For example, commercial construction companies point out that the old-style barns were raised using the tilt-up method.

The tilt-up construction professionals point out that the big break for this method came at the end of World War 2 when there was such a huge labor shortage. So, construction methods, such as tilt-up, became very popular. From that time, tilt-up construction has grown immensely across the U.S.

How Tilt-Up Construction Compares to Other Options

Wood frame construction is labor-intensive, and this attribute makes tilt-up construction a viable alternative due to its limited labor requirement.

Steel beam construction techniques can be quite pricey. This makes them better suited to high rise projects where this cost can be justified. Tilt-up construction is a better alternative if the project isn’t a high rise construction project.

Constructing using prefabricated steel frames can also be economical. However, the design limitations of this technique make tilt-up construction the better option in some situations, according to leading general contracting companies in Sacramento.

Tilt-up construction may also be a viable method in situations where masonry construction is an option.

All in all, there is no single sector for which tilt-up construction is best suited. The method can be used for a diverse range of projects from large scale distribution centers to even churches! 

Key Assumptions Regarding Tilt-Up Construction

You may be interested in knowing how the cost of a square foot of a tilt-up building compares to the other options. However, our friends at Tureks Plumbing, a home-remodeling company in Appleton,  say that these comparisons wouldn’t be very helpful since every construction project has its own peculiarities that often affect the cost of that project. Instead, the commercial builders recommend that you keep the following assumptions in mind when considering tilt-up construction for your project:

First, you are likely to enjoy higher levels of cost-effectiveness the larger your project is. This is because economies of scale kick in for tilt-up construction as a building gets larger.

Secondly, tilt-up construction expedites projects because once the exterior walls are up, other trades, such as plumbing and electrical work.

Thirdly, tilt-up contractors also have a higher degree of control over a project. It is easy for them to access locally available materials and supplies. Compare this to other techniques that involve lengthy lead times and higher costs.

Headwaters Tilt-Up Construction

In short, tilt-up construction brings speed, cost savings, energy efficiency, and other benefits to construction projects. If you would like to know whether tilt-up construction can be an option for your upcoming project, contact Headwaters Construction Inc. and we will work with you to select the most appropriate method to use when constructing your new commercial building.