Commercial Construction Site Evaluation

Commercial Construction Site Evaluation

Sacramento Commerical Construction Site Evaluation

Commercial Construction Site EvaluationIt is easy to get carried away with the flair that comes with looking at your commercial building’s model and forget that your site is an important part of the building’s success too. Your site is what your building will stand on. If you get the site wrong, you are bound to suffer a lot of problems during and after the commercial construction site. This is why it is important to do a proper commercial construction site evaluation.

Problems could lead to the delaying, stalling, or even safety issues fr you and everyone involved. Therefore, it is important to consider the site you plan to build upon. Our Sacramento commercial contractors share the important factors to look at when evaluating your site for a commercial construction project. 

Size of the Building 

The size of your building can determine whether your site is suitable for construction or not. Find out whether the site is suited to handle the size of your building. Your building is likely to accommodate a lot of people. 

We asked our friends at Turek’s Plumbing, Appleton bathroom remodel company if they had any advice when it comes to evaluating the size of the building. They suggested that you are likely to need enough parking space for your tenants, employees, customers, and visitors. You are also likely to need retention ponds for runoff water when it rains. If your building requires large storage facilities, your site should be able to support a docking and loading area to make it easy for freight and courier vehicles to access the building. 

Additionally, find out whether your site will support landscaping when necessary and expansion if you ever need it. Do not underestimate the amount of land you will need for your building. Even seemingly small buildings tend to require a lot of space. 

Environmental Elements

Find out if the environment on which you plan to set up your building is appropriate. The kind of environment you build on will determine how much work and money you will put into your building. 

For example, the type of soil varies in different parts of the country. Some soil types do not require a lot of prepping to lay the foundation while others require explosive experts and excavation.

Our retail renovation contractors recommend to find out whether the area is prone to flooding. This will save you from any surprises during the rainy seasons. Also, it is important to find out whether your building is encroaching on protected areas or wildlife. By staying on top of your environmental evaluation will save you a lot of money and also ensure that you do not contravene the EPA standards and other set regulations. 

Access to Utilities 

Utilities are an important part of any commercial building. Our Sacramento construction general contractors recommend that at the very least, you will need clean water and electricity. 

If you are the first to break ground for your commercial building, chances are that you will have to pay for many of the utility lines installations in your area. Even in situations where there are other commercial buildings, it is important to understand what utilities you will require and what is required in order for you to get them. 

Zoning & Regulations 

Your state and local authorities will play a part in the construction of your commercial building. They determine the zoning requirements of the land you intend to use and can determine whether the land is suitable for commercial, residential, or industrial use. Find out what these regulations are and whether or not you meet all of them. 

Make the Best Site Evaluation 

Commercial construction companies like Headwaters Construction Inc. can help you perform the best site evaluation for your site. Contact Headwaters Construction Inc. today and enjoy quality services for all your construction needs.

Commercial Construction Projects During COVID19

Commercial Construction Projects During COVID19

Keeping Your Sacramento Construction Projects Going During COVID

Commercial Construction Projects During COVID19The COVID pandemic has caused one of the most unprecedented global havocs in modern times. This incurable disease has killed hundreds of thousands of people and effectively stalled the world. Currently, governments and systems are trying to figure out the best ways to fight the disease and carry on with life. The construction industry has not been spared by the disease, and you may be looking for help. Our Sacramento commercial construction company shares how to manage any type of commercial construction projects during COVID19.

You must have had to cut down on staff, install new safety measures, or even come close to holding off on the construction altogether. But that should not be the case. It is possible to ensure that your construction still progresses even with this disease. Read on to see what our professionals recommend to keep your commercial construction project going during COVID19.

Invest in Proper Communication 

Communication is key in any industry. In a situation where the world has been put on a virtual pause. Keep everyone from lenders, contractors, owners, and crew informed of any move or decision you want to make is important. It is not advisable to meet in person to reduce the chances of catching or transmitting the virus. 

However, remember to maintain social distancing and make use of your phone or emails. You can also use video conferencing, which is a better alternative to phone and emails. It allows you to read more than words coming from respective parties. 

Stay Appraised of any Changes in Materials Delivery 

Your construction will not progress as you want if you have a problem acquiring the necessary materials. With COVID on the loose, materials are hard to come by. Therefore, it helps to understand the situation of materials in your industry. 

Don’t just sit back and stall your project because of a lack of materials, though. Try to understand where the real impact lies. Find out whether the problem is in shipping, vendors, or delivery. 

This gives you more options to handle the problems. It also provides you with the right information which you can then communicate to the rest of the involved parties. 

Do Proper Inspections 

In instances where construction is still ongoing, inspections are a necessary part of the business. It does not matter whether you have a reduced number of workers on site. Our Sacramento tilt-up contractors recommend that you make sure that they do their job by performing virtual inspections through video calls. A proper inspection will ensure that work does not stall. 

Check your Construction Schedule

How has the pandemic affected the timeline of your construction? Scheduling affects your finances. The longer your construction takes, the longer you are likely to spend more money. Checking the schedule and accounting for the disruptions that are being caused by this pandemic will help you adjust accordingly. 

Take into account your crew’s thoughts when coming up with a schedule. Given that there is disruption everywhere, your crew will be affected too. Insisting on a strict schedule will likely cause problems. Your crew may decide to ask for more money to complete the work. 

Review your Legal Documents 

Contracts and legal documents are usually binding and carry hefty consequences when breached. Take the time to review your documents and check any risk areas. These could involve your lenders or owners. 

Find out whether there are any serious repercussions if the construction stalls. Also, check whether COVID falls under the Force majeure, which will free you, or any liability should include the construction stall. 

Review Your Safety Protocols

Our friends at Gilmore, Heating, Air and Plumbing, the best HVAC company in Sacramento, urges businesses to review safety protocols. After you do this, see whether you can add others that will help you and your crew members from coming into contact with COVID-19. 

These protocols can be voluntary or may be required by the relevant authorities. They may involve your crew members, the equipment and facilities put in place to prevent the transmission of the disease, and measures to be taken when one of your crew members contracts the virus. 

Keep your Construction Project Going 

Are you looking for a commercial builder to keep your construction going? At Headwaters Construction Inc., we believe in offering the best services to our clients. Contact Headwaters today and enjoy professional services for all your construction needs. 

 

Reducing Commercial Project Costs

Reducing Commercial Construction Costs

Reducing Commercial Project Costs

Reducing Commercial Construction CostsCommercial construction projects are costly and time-consuming. There is little you can do about the standard time taken to come up with a commercial construction project from the ground up. However, there is a lot you can do regarding reducing commercial project costs.

The problem with overspending in a construction problem is that it puts you at the risk of running out of money before the project is complete. This could lead to more financial problems or the stalling of the project altogether. Also, spending more money on your construction project does not necessarily guarantee great results. 

Most commercial building owners and contractors try as much as possible to reduce the amount of money they send during construction. 

Our Sacramento commercial contractors sat down and made a list of the easiest ways to reduce commercial project costs. Read on to find out more!

Use Strategic Cost Estimation for your Project 

Cost estimation involves looking at all construction costs you are likely to incur from the start to the end of the project. Cost estimation allows you to determine how much money will be spent at every level of the project. This practice allows you to increase and reduce the costs accordingly. 

It also allows better decisions making from the architects, managers, and contractors. Everyone involved will know the allocated amounts for every stage of the project. This helps because they can advise on what needs to be changed in terms of finances early enough. Turek’s Plumbing, Appleton bathroom remodel company, adds that proper cost estimation helps boost communication and keeps the whole project organized. 

Perform a Technology Audit 

The type of technology you are using for your project makes an impact. Every construction project requires a wide range of technological devices to increase efficiency, accuracy, cut down on human labor, and perform heavy tasks. The kind of technology you use will determine how much money you spend during a construction project. 

Our Folsom general contractors advise that one should check to see if they are using outdated technology. Outdated tech comes with the added disadvantage of energy wastage. This can increase the amount of money you spend on managing waste and or paying energy bills. 

Find technologies that make work easier without leading to a lot of wastage. This could be user-friendly software that streamlines tasks or tools that allow you to recycle and reuse equipment and materials, and many more. 

Use Better Crew Management 

Crew management means ensuring that every member involved in the construction project is accountable. One of the best crew management practices includes incorporating reporting within the construction project. This means creating professional data-driven reports that will be used on every stage. 

Proper organization of data by everyone involved helps in better decision making, which, in turn, helps reduce construction costs. 

Additionally, you can manage your crew better by increasing their flexibility. Where possible, consider hiring people who can perform different tasks. This helps in increasing productivity with every crew member and eliminates downtime. By doing this, you will be able to reduce construction costs and save time. 

Making the Best Decision for your Commercial Construction Project 

The best way to ensure that your construction budget stays low is by finding a commercial builder who cares about providing value. Therefore, the commercial construction company should be able to help you find the best way to reduce unnecessary spending. This will keep you on track to get the project done on time. 

At Headwaters Construction, you can expect our undivided attention in making sure your dream construction project comes true. Contact us today for services. 

Commercial Floor Plan Creation

Commercial Building Floor Plan Creation - Headwaters Construction Inc.

How to Create a Floor Plan for Your Commercial Building

Commercial Building Floor Plan CreationOne of the most important factors in constructing a commercial building is coming up with a suitable floor plan. Given the many uses a commercial building can be subjected to, a floor plan guarantees proper usage of space. Proper floor usage ensures that people can move more efficiently and safely. 

Creating the perfect floor plan for your building is not hard. Our commercial contractors share a number of things to consider before you can come up with a floor plan for your building. 

Remove Redundant Spaces 

Redundant spaces are spaces that serve the same purpose as other allocated sections. Consider reducing the number of sections such that only the most important ones are created. The problem with having unnecessary sections in your building is that it affects the ease of access and reduces the available space that could be used for more important things. 

Reduce Storage Areas 

Most commercial buildings allocate a lot of unnecessary space for storage. While storage is important for commercial buildings, too many storage areas in the same buildings serve little purpose other than to make the building look disorganized. Instead of having many storage areas, make sure to allocate one or two areas where everything that needs storage will be kept. 

Consider Multi-Purpose Spaces 

Multi-purpose spaces ensure that you use the allocated floor to the maximum. This is a great idea if you are looking to set up a business that deals with multiple products. Instead of creating different sections to accommodate your products why not place them in the same space where possible? You could easily do this by splitting them into isles for easier access. 

By doing that, you will reduce the amount of space wasted on partitions while at the same time provide enough room for future expansion. 

Consolidate Your Space 

Space consolidation means grouping similar facilities together for easier access in terms of human traffic, repairs, and maintenance. 

For example, grouping bathrooms closer to the main plumbing areas makes it easier for everyone to access these facilities. McQuillan Bros, Minnesota’s Original AC Professionals, share that this makes maintenance easier since your technicians will not have to move too much to do their jobs. 

Check the Flow of Your Office Plan 

Imagine you are walking down your commercial space, trace how easy it is to access every section of your commercial building. Our general contractors in Folsom CA advise you to ask yourself the following questions.

Are there obstacles along the way? Are the offices, for example, grouped together in a way that creates convenience for everyone? Is the storage area placed in a safe and secure area? Is the floor plan designed in a way that guarantees safety exit in terms of an emergency? 

Asking yourself these questions will help you identify any mistakes you might have made during the planning stages. 

Create the Perfect Floor Plan with Headwaters Construction Inc.

Given that you are most likely build a commercial establishment for other people to use, it helps to create a plan that makes it easy for them to like the place. Talk to our tilt-up construction contractors today! They will provide you with the best advice on the most ideal floor plan for your commercial building.

Top Flooring Materials Commercial Building

Top Flooring Materials Commercial Building - Headwaters Construction Inc

Top Flooring Materials for Your Commercial Building

Top Flooring Materials Commercial BuildingYour commercial construction will require the best available finishes before you can open it for the public. This includes the floor, an often overlooked aspect of your building. The flooring materials will vary depending on the kind of building you have. 

As a business person looking to open your building for commercial purposes, it helps to find the right flooring materials. This will help increase the aesthetic value of your building and the odds of a durable floor. 

Here are some of the most common flooring materials you can use for your commercial building shared directly from our Sacramento commercial contractors.

Carpet Flooring

Carpets are not just designed for home use. Apart from giving your building that warm fuzzy feeling, a good caret will play an essential role in the final finishing of a commercial building. A good carpet comes with a number of benefits: They are easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner, and they are more durable. Because of this, a good carpet can retain their good look for years. 

Additionally, carpets come in different varieties. Some carpets come with different patterns that help hide the wear and tear that comes from consistent use. This is especially important in high traffic commercial buildings. Darker carpets help hide spills better than a wooden floor would. 

Hardwood Flooring

Wood has been one of the oldest forms of flooring in the world. Hardwood floors give a building a sophisticated look while increasing the overall value of the establishment. They come in different styles depending on the building. 

Our tilt-up construction contractors explain that hardwood floors are ideal for buildings with a lot of foot traffic because they help preserve the air quality of any interior. This is possible because they do not trap dust and dirt. Therefore, the air within your building will remain cleaner. 

Finally, hardwood is easy to clean. You can simply wash or sweep them.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl is the best option for you as a commercial building owner if you are planning to give your building an elegant look without having to spend a lot of money. Turek’s Plumbing, Appleton, WI Kitchen remodel company explains that vinyl floors are designed to give you any look you want. This can range from hardwood floors to stone floors that are popular with many commercial buildings. 

The floors come with different patterns depending on your design needs and can last for a long time. Additionally, this flooring type has the ability to withstand wear and tear thanks to its scratch and moisture resistance abilities. Vinyl floors are also easy to install. 

Picking the Best Flooring for Your Building 

Finding the perfect floor type will, indeed, affect the overall value of your building. Different buildings come with different uses, and some buildings’ usefulness could be improved by the type of floor you use. For example, a building that requires less noise in the interior will do well with carpet flooring. 

The trick to finding the best floor for your building it to talk to your commercial contractor. You can trust Headwaters Costruction Inc, the best commercial construction company in Sacramento, to provide you with valuable advice on the best finishes for your building whether you are installing the floors for the first time or doing a commercial renovation. 

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.

How To Avoid Contractor Scams

how to avoid contractor scams

how to avoid contractor scams5 Contractor Scams and How to Avoid Them

In our work at Headwaters Construction Inc. as commercial construction contractors, we have been able to learn how to avoid contractor scams. We have spoken with tons of property owners who were taken for a ride by scammy contractors. While most commercial builders are standup honest people, some have soiled the reputation of committed and hardworking professionals. In this blog post, we share a compilation of the most common contractor scams we’ve heard at Headwaters Construction Inc. Use this information to be a smart commercial property owner who can immediately detect a contractor scam from miles away! 

The Upfront Payment Scam

This one is very common because it is premised on a reason that seems logical. For example, the contractor may explain to the building owner that they need, say 30% payment upfront, in order to buy needed materials and rent equipment.

Sacramento construction general contractors explain that once you pay that money, the contractor may stop talking to you entirely. In other cases, they will do some work or even fail to work in accordance with the timelines agreed upon. They know you will find it hard to fire them since you will forfeit what you’ve already paid.

To protect yourself from this scam, only pay the minimum mandated by law. For example, some states stipulate that a client is only obliged to pay 10% upfront as a sign of seriousness.

But what about materials and equipment? Serious commercial builders have networks of suppliers. It shouldn’t be hard to get materials and equipment on credit first. You can then pay for these using the agreed milestone payments as work progresses.

The Verbal Agreement Scam

Some contractors promise to include so many extras in the work they are going to do. This can happen during a retail renovation or any other kind of commercial construction project. They will assure you that you should take their word on this, but once the contract is signed and work begins, it may be a different story. You may be shocked to find that the items agreed upon verbally aren’t addressed.

If you insist that the contractor does what he or she promised verbally, they will ask you for money to cover those costs! Understanding this upfront will help you learn how to avoid contractor scams.

Avoid this scam by putting everything in writing. At Headwaters Construction Inc., we take this so seriously that we tell clients that if something isn’t in writing, then it doesn’t exist. Write everything down, including change orders.  Both parties should sign before the work begins or payments are made.

The “A Permit Isn’t Necessary” Scam

Nearly all commercial construction projects require a building permit from the local authorities. However, some unscrupulous contractors may tell you that they don’t need one for the work specified.

Other contractors may even tell you to get one intended for DIY projects, but don’t fall for this trap. If the contractor doesn’t get a permit, he or she will not be answerable to the local building authorities. Yet, building inspectors need to sign off on the work to confirm that it was done in accordance with the applicable code.

If anything goes wrong and the work was done without a permit, you, and not the contractor, will be answerable!

Avoid this scam by insisting that the contractor obtains a permit from the relevant authorities so that there will be supervision from the municipal building department. Appleton, WI bathroom remodel company, Tureks Plumbing, explains that you are assured that the work done meets all regulations.

The “Unforeseen Problems” Scam

Some contractors can lure you in with a low quote and then after the work has commenced they say they run into unforeseen problems for which more money is needed to fix or accommodate.

While commercial construction companies will tell you that it is possible for unforeseen problems to arise, some contractors use this window to rip off building owners.

Two options are open to you to avoid this scam. First, the written contract you sign should have provisions on how change orders can be agreed upon. Secondly, you can get an independent commercial builder to ascertain the authenticity of the problem stated by the contractor, as well as give you advice on what it would cost to address that issue.

The Low-Priced Extra Materials Scam

We have come to learn that the people who deploy this scam usually come unannounced with some extra paving materials or other such materials that they are willing to sell to you at a discount if you can give them a contract to pave your yard or fix your driveway.

The scam in this case is that they could ask for a lot of money to fix underlying issues they “hadn’t been aware of,” or they could do shoddy work and vanish in thin air leaving you to foot the bill of having the work redone.

Avoid this scam by checking such a contractor’s references. That way, you can make sure that they are licensed and bonded in the jurisdiction. If you don’t get what you expected, then you can trace for them if they were a legit company.

At Headwaters Construction Inc., the best commercial renovation contractors in Sacramento, we have a rich history of topnotch commercial construction work. We work in several states including California, Washington State, and Oregon. Contact us and discover what it means to work with reputable professionals.

 

Commercial Spaces and Code Compliance

Commercial Spaces and Code Compliance

Commercial Spaces and Code ComplianceAre Your Commercial Spaces Meeting Code Compliance?

Since commercial building laws and regulations are constantly evolving, commercial spaces and code compliance can change often. Headwaters Construction Inc., a commercial construction company in California, conducts onsite code compliance evaluations. These help property owners and users recognize what is needed to bring the space up to code.

Why Should You Even Be Concerned About Commercial Spaces and Code Compliance?

Building inspectors are tasked with ensuring that all buildings comply with the current code requirements. If inspectors find that your building or commercial space doesn’t comply with the code for the area, you could face many problems. These issues could be anything from stiff monetary penalties to even jail time. 

Additionally, Sacramento commercial builders say that businesses that are found to be operating from premises that don’t code compliant can face ethics violations charges. Having your commercial space reviewed for building code compliance by Headwaters Construction Inc. can protect you and your business from the risks above.

Why Do Building Codes Exist?

According to the International Code Council, building codes are important in all communities because they protect people from weather-related adverse events, fires, structural collapse, and other disasters whose magnitude could have been kept minimal, or the disaster avoided altogether.

Building inspectors or code officials work to ensure that all buildings comply with the code requirements in their area. In commercial buildings that are open to lots of people on a daily basis, inspectors are extra cautious to ensure that these businesses comply with the code requirements in force within a given jurisdiction.

When viewed from this angle, it becomes clear that building codes, and the officials who enforce them, are there for the good of everyone, so each commercial space owner or the user should do everything in their power to comply with the existing code requirements.

Why Would One Need Code Compliance Evaluation Help?

Building codes cover a wide range of aspects of a building. For example, some chapters or provisions will cover the electrical system. Other sections talk about the plumbing system and the fire prevention or suppression system.

These are technical documents that would send the head of a layperson spinning. However, the language in the codes is the daily language that commercial construction companies like Headwaters Construction Inc. use.

McQuillan Bros, HVAC company in St. Paul, MN explains that it is easy for a commercial builder to read the code and immediately know what has to be done in order to comply with those provisions.

Commercial construction companies are always in the loop. They immediately know when a change has been made to existing code, and how it affects the current buildings in the jurisdiction.

Sacramento construction general contractors like Headwaters Construction Inc. are best placed to conduct a code compliance evaluation. After, they will provide advice on what you need to do to bring your commercial space up to code.

What Else Can I Get from Code Compliance Evaluation?

When you enlist our help at Headwaters Construction Inc. to perform a code compliance evaluation, you will gain a lot. We give more than just a report that details what is out of code and how to bring it back.

In addition to the above, we will also point out what cosmetic improvements you can make to your commercial space. For example, we will point out areas of worn floors, peeling paint, needed ceiling repairs, and more!

Get in touch with us at Headwaters Construction Inc. if you’re interested in compliance evaluations. We will offer a solution that will bring your commercial space into code compliance. We can also repair the existing defects in a cost-effective way. This will make the commercial premises an enviable home for your business.

What to Consider Before Renovating Your Retail Business

What to Consider Before Renovating Your Retail Business - Headwaters Construction Inc

What to Consider Before Renovating Your Retail Business - Headwaters Construction IncThings to Consider Before Renovating Your Retail Business

As a property owner, it is your responsibility to keep your commercial buildings looking new for customers and potential renters. Whether that’s adding a new coat of paint or taking out a wall, simple modifications can make a big difference. Before you start any commercial renovation project, there are some things to consider. Headwaters Construction Inc., the best Sacramento commercial construction company, points out the key factors to keep in mind before renovating your retail business.

Your Reasons for the Renovation

Different retailers have different reasons for renovating, so first ask yourself why you want to renovate. Perhaps you want to expand the available space? Or you wish to rebrand the business? Do you want to modernize the property? Whatever your reasons, retail renovation contractors recommend that you develop a written plan that includes ideal timelines and details.

What Would You Like the Renovated Store to Look Like?

How do you envision your property to look? When consulting with a local commercial construction company, don’t be afraid to ask questions or share ideas. Our friends at Tureks Plumbing, a plumbing, and home-remodeling company in Appleton, recommend narrowing down the must-haves if you’re on a time-crunch. Establishing a complete design plan can take some time, so the sooner you have a general idea of what you want, the better. Regardless, Headwaters Construction Inc. can help. Our experienced construction team will give you their professional opinion and walk you through the construction process.

If you’re unsure about how you want to transform the space, our team can make recommendations. We also recommend that you ask employees, friends, family, or customers their opinion about potential design plans. These people, especially your employees, will give you practical suggestions since they are consistently in the space. This is also the time to work out any kinks so that we can finalize the renovation plan. 

How Do You Intend to Finance the Retail Renovation Project?

Once you decide on a scope of work, and receive several bids from potential renovation contractors, add up the likely costs that you expect to incur during the project. The experienced retail renovation experts at Headwaters Construction Inc. suggest that you add a cushion of approximately 15% to your budget in order to cover any contingencies that could arise during the project.

Don’t worry if you don’t have the additional cash available to do so. There are plenty of financial options out there.

For example, you could talk to your bank about a loan whose repayment is spread out over several years instead of using your credit card to finance the renovation (which would attract high-interest rates).

How Will Your Renovation Project Affect Your Business?

As you plan the renovation project, think about the different ways your business will be affected. For example, what benefits do you plan to reap once the renovation is completed? Ensure that your expectations are realistic so that the cost of the renovation can be justified.

Adding a dressing room to a new clothing section can be a good way to generate more sales, for example. However, doubling the space allocated to an existing section in the retail outlet may not necessarily double the sales that you have been making.

Now is also the time to consider any temporary drawbacks that could result during the renovation. For instance, will you need to close the entire place or some sections can remain operational during the renovation? If you plan to close during the renovation, think of ways to create a buzz around your newly renovated premises so that you attract lots of customer traffic as soon as you reopen.

Have You Considered Your Competition?

Aim to offer a fresh shopping experience to your customers so that you are steps ahead of your competition. When your commercial renovation contractor does an exceptional job during the renovation, clients and competitors get an unspoken message that you are confident about the future of your business, and that inspires trust in your customers.

If properly planned and executed, commercial retail renovation projects can boost your business and position you as a leader in your industry. We at Headwaters Construction Inc. are available to help you during every stage of the renovation, so contact Headwaters Construction today!

Renovating a Historic Building

Best Practices for Renovating a Historic Building

Best Practices for Renovating a Historic Building4 Best Practices for Renovating Your Historic Building

As you plan and execute the renovation of your historic building, there are several guiding principles that you need to keep in mind during every step of that renovation process. The experts at Headwaters Construction, Inc., the best commercial builder in California, explain those key preservation principles.

Retain the Original Architectural Style

One of the overriding goals that you should have in mind is that your historic house or building needs to retain its original architectural style.

Many times, historic buildings will exhibit a mixture of architectural styles, especially if those buildings were constructed at a time when the community was transitioning from one style to another. 

Commercial construction companies recommend that you do some research about your particular building before starting your commercial renovation project. Knowing the background of your historical building can help you determine which aspects you want to keep.

Remain Faithful to the Original Design of the Building

It is one thing to retain the architectural style of a building, and it is a totally different thing to retain the original design of that particular building as you renovate it. It is important to recognize that there are variations within architectural styles that dominated different periods in history. So, you may want to consider keeping some of its original charm. We asked home-remodeling experts in Appleton WI, Tureks Plumbing Services, for their professional design opinion. They said that most people who buy historic buildings to renovate go into the project wanting to preserve a lot of the character and charm. As a result, the building looks timeless. 

Headwaters Construction, Inc. recommends that you look for an original picture of that building and then use that picture as your guide while you make different decisions during the historic building renovation project.

Keep Preservation in Mind While Repairing or Maintaining the Building

Regular maintenance is usually the first and easiest way to preserve a historic building since the chance that it will deteriorate is minimized. Some of the basic maintenance that commercial builders recommend include the following:

  • Caulking
  • Removing rust
  • Regular cleaning of the gutter system
  • Repainting the building

At some point, it will become inevitable for you to have to repair or replace some features of the historic building. As much as possible, find ways to repair the original features and only replace them if necessary. 

Some repair options may include patching, reinforcing, consolidating, splicing, and upgrading the original material so that it remains on the building. 

If you are unsure about expanding the historic building to create more usable space, Headwaters Construction, Inc. is happy to help. Contact us today, and we’ll help you with your commercial renovation project.

Opt for Matching Materials When Replacement is Unavoidable

If you get to that point where replacement is your only option, commercial construction companies recommend that you select material that is similar to the original building. Try to choose material that is longlasting. That way, you won’t have to replace it a few years down the road. Remember, the building should remain true to its original design and architectural style. 

Many commercial construction companies shy away from renovating a historic building because of the amount of time and effort that takes to achieve the overall goal. Headwaters Construction, Inc. isn’t one of those commercial builders. In fact, we have taken on a number of historical building restoration or preservation projects. Contact us, and we will gladly share our portfolio of projects similar to yours. We share your passion for preserving historic buildings, so let us partner and make your dream of preserving your historic building a reality!