Category: General Contractor

What Does a General Contractor Do?

A general contractor plays a crucial role in renovation projects, be they commercial, residential, or retail. They are the key figures responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations on the construction site, managing vendors and trades, and serving as the primary point of communication for all involved parties. In the realm of commercial and retail construction, the role of a general contractor is particularly vital. These projects are often larger in scale and complexity, requiring a keen eye for detail, rigorous coordination skills, and deep knowledge of various trades. This article provides an in-depth look at the role of general contractors, particularly in the context of commercial and retail construction, and how they help bring architectural visions to life.

Roles and Responsibilities of a General Contractor

General contractors wear multiple hats throughout the course of any construction project. To understand their role better, we can divide their responsibilities into several key areas. These include project planning, coordinating, and supervision, among others. Each of these areas requires a unique set of skills and knowledge. Let’s delve into understanding these roles and responsibilities of a general contractor in detail.

Planning

Planning is essentially the backbone of any successful construction project. The general contractor starts by reviewing and interpreting the architects’ blueprints, identifying potential challenges, and formulating a comprehensive project strategy. This involves meticulous scheduling, from setting deadlines for each phase of the construction to coordinating deliveries of materials. Additionally, they must plan for safety measures and contingencies to ensure a smooth and risk-free execution. This stage of planning requires the contractor to possess a thorough understanding of construction processes, along with exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills.

Coordinating

Coordination is another critical responsibility of a general contractor. They are the nexus connecting numerous elements of a project. This involves scheduling tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, and ensuring their work aligns with the project timeline. They also liaise with suppliers to arrange timely delivery of building materials. Furthermore, they coordinate with inspectors and obtain necessary permits, ensuring the construction complies with local building codes and regulations. This role demands strong leadership skills and effective communication to maintain harmony among all parties and keep the project on track.

Supervision

Supervision is a critical aspect of a general contractor’s role. They are constantly on-site, monitoring the progress of the work, ensuring the quality of workmanship, and verifying adherence to plans and safety regulations. They also have to manage unforeseen issues that may arise during the construction process, swiftly making decisions to maintain the project timeline. In the event of any changes or alterations to the original plan, the general contractor is responsible for implementing these while minimizing disruptions. This requires them to be proactive, adaptable, and skilled in conflict resolution. Ultimately, the general contractor’s vigilant supervision is a safeguard that ensures the project’s successful completion.

The Importance of a General Contractor

The role of a general contractor extends beyond mere project execution; their expertise and leadership are significant drivers of the project’s success. Employing a professional general contractor brings several benefits: cost and time efficiency, quality assurance, and stress reduction for the client. Their established relationships with suppliers and tradespeople often translate into cost savings and streamlined timelines. They ensure that quality standards are met, and their constant presence on-site allows for immediate issue resolution. In essence, the general contractor serves as the project’s linchpin, bringing together different elements and ensuring everything moves forward in sync toward the common goal of a successful construction project. This underscores the importance of selecting a reputable, experienced general contractor who can effectively navigate the complexities of construction and deliver results that meet or exceed expectations.

Headwaters Building Group is The Team For You

At Headwaters Building Group, we embody the vital qualities that make exceptional general contractors. Our team of professionals brings years of experience, technical expertise, and a keen eye for detail to every project, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our clients. We understand the intricate intricacies of commercial and retail construction and are committed to delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. From planning and coordination to on-site supervision, we navigate the complexities of construction so you don’t have to. If you’re embarking on a construction project and need a reliable, experienced general contractor, look no further. Get in touch with Headwaters Building Group today and let’s construct your vision together.

When To Hire A Commercial General Contractor

Hiring a commercial general contractor can mean the difference between a successful construction project and a logistical nightmare. These seasoned professionals take the reins of commercial construction projects, managing all stages from the initial planning to the final touches. They navigate the complexities of building codes, orchestrate the various tradespeople involved, and ensure the project stays within budget and timeline. When considering a construction project, timing is crucial. Knowing when to bring a commercial general contractor on board is paramount for the smooth execution of your project. This blog will delve into the optimal times to hire a commercial general contractor and offer useful advice to help you make informed decisions.

What Does A Commercial General Contractor Do?

A commercial general contractor is an organization or individual who oversees and coordinates the successful execution of a commercial construction project. These professionals collaborate closely with their clients from start to finish, assuming responsibility for all project aspects, including project management, material procurement, permit acquisition, and subcontractor hiring. Many general contractors maintain an in-house team to handle various construction requirements while enlisting specialized subcontractors to address any supplementary needs that may arise.

Why Hire A Commercial General Contractor?

There are numerous compelling reasons why businesses should strongly consider hiring an experienced and reliable general contractor to efficiently handle their commercial construction projects. General contractors play a crucial role in overseeing the entire construction process, ensuring that all aspects of the work are completed within a reasonable timeframe. One of the primary advantages of enlisting the services of a general contractor is that it significantly reduces the amount of stress and pressure associated with managing a construction project. By entrusting the general contractor with the responsibility of ensuring that the work is executed efficiently and accurately, your company can enjoy peace of mind and focus on other important business matters.

Another benefit of hiring a general contractor is the transfer of liability from your company to the contractor. General contractors typically possess worker’s compensation and insurance coverage, meaning that they are held accountable for any potential injuries or property damage that may occur during the construction process. This relieves your company from the burden of potential lawsuits and ensures that any unexpected issues or accidents are handled appropriately by the general contractor. They are also responsible for rectifying any mistakes and bearing the associated costs, which can ultimately save your company money in the long run.

Additionally, general contractors have established professional relationships with reliable subcontractors and suppliers, which greatly benefits their clients. With their expertise and knowledge of the industry, general contractors can select the most suitable and trustworthy subcontractors for the job at hand. This offers reassurance to your company since you can be confident that only the best and most competent subcontractors will be involved in the project. Furthermore, due to their longstanding collaborations, subcontractors often offer general contractors favorable rates, which can translate into cost savings for your company. The same applies to suppliers, as general contractors, who regularly procure large quantities of materials, can negotiate discounted prices and pass on these savings to their clients. By utilizing the services of a general contractor, your company can benefit from cost-effective solutions for both labor and materials, leading to overall savings in the construction process.

When Should You Hire A Commercial General Contractor?

In terms of timing, it’s ideal to involve a commercial general contractor at the earliest stages of project planning. Doing so provides the opportunity for these experts to share valuable input on feasibility, design, budgeting, permits, and zoning laws, resulting in a more robust plan. Their early involvement can also help prevent costly changes or delays later in the project lifecycle. By working hand-in-hand with a general contractor from the outset, you can leverage their industry expertise to ensure a smoother, more efficient construction process.

Headwaters Building Group is Here To Help

Headwaters Building Group is committed to delivering superior construction solutions that align with your business needs. With a proven track record of excellence, we provide comprehensive services, from initial planning to final execution, ensuring your project’s success every step of the way. If you’re considering a construction project and need the expertise of a reliable commercial general contractor, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Let Headwaters Building Group be your partner in transforming your vision into reality. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your construction goals.

Commercial Construction Roofing Options

Four Styles of Roofing Systems

Building owners now have more options than ever before when choosing a roof. However, with so many commercial construction roofing options available, there are tons of factors to consider.

At Headwaters Construction Inc., our commercial builders know one or two things about commercial roofing. We’re here to let you know what particular roofing materials are best for your project. Learn more about some different forms of commercial roofing materials below:

1. Single-Ply Membranes

PVC

PVC roofing is well known for its toughness. Thus, it consists of two layers of PVC material with a polyester reinforcement layer inserted in the center. The seams are heat welded, forming a permanent bond between each board, contributing to the strength and durability of this form of material.

This particular material is extremely resistant to environmental conditions. They react well to possible hazards such as standing water, plant growth, or dampness.

EPDM

EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (you can see why it is abbreviated!) which is more generally known as rubber roofing.

This form of synthetic roofing material is also one of the most cost-effective roofing choices, if suitable for roofing design. (It is suitable for roofs with no slope or a very low slope.)

The downside of this style is its longevity. Temperatures can impact the adhesives used to connect the seams, whereas debris or major storms can puncture the material. Although damage is reasonably easy to restore, there may be no damage to the water resulting from tears, cracks, and holes.

TPO

TPO, or thermoplastic polyolefin, is similar to the EPDM roof in a variety of respects. Like the EPDM roof, ethylene-propylene rubber goes into TPO, but it is often mixed with polypropylene rubber to improve its longevity.

Usually, the product is mounted in a fully bonded or mechanically bonded system and, since the seams are heat-welded. TPO is less vulnerable to leakage of the seam, which is a big advantage.

TPO reflects UV radiation and is a significant benefit for lowering utility costs in colder climates. It is the fastest-growing commercial roofing membrane on the market today and has increased its share of the commercial roofing market by 18% in just seven years.

The downside of the TPO? Some manufacturers make a better product than others (meaning that you can rely on the experience of your Sacramento general contractor to understand the quality (or lack) of each brand).

2. Metals

Metal is popular in low-profile roof designs. Additionally, the panels are clearly an excellent water barrier. Individual panels themselves can support a person’s weight and, when properly mounted, metal roofing systems can last 50+ years.

Metal roofing solutions will improve energy efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and are available in a variety of colors. In reality, some manufacturers are so confident in their product that they boast up to 90% savings in roof maintenance costs.

A sealant is used in overlapping joints to avoid water penetration, and neoprene washers are attached to the bolts that connect the panels to the rafts. Depending on the design of the roof, a number of looks are available, including standing seam, batten seam, tile, and curved options.

3. Asphalt

Composed of the same material used to make asphalt shingles, asphalt roofing is usually seen on low-slope roofs. This type of roofing system is also one of the most cost-effective and provides multi-layer security.

It may also be easier to find skilled commercial roofing contractors to install this specific material. This is because it is readily available and has been used for decades.

Downsides to asphalt roofing? Our friends at Tureks Plumbing, a bathroom remodeling company in Fox Valley, say that asphalt does not last as long as some of the other products in the industry. Furthermore, problems can occur with the seams, and asphalt is not energy efficient.

4. Bitumen

Modified bitumen is a perfect choice for your roofing because it is durable and contains a combination of asphalt, rubber-like material, and other compounds.

Although this kind of roofing material looks like asphalt, don’t let it fool you. It is much more resilient than asphalt, thanks to the rubber technology that gives elastic properties on both sides.

Some types of modified bitumen are completely torched to the fiber base while others use cold or hot mopping tar or asphalt adhesives. The surface may be smooth, mineral, or foil laminate and coated with a ceramic material to protect against sun damage.

Since TPO, PVC, and EPDM have become more common, contractors are now using less of this form of material, but bitumen could be a cheaper choice to consider compared to the available single-ply membranes.

Roofing Styles & Commercial Buildings

Now that you know what types of roofing system materials are out there, you should be more able to take the next step towards replacing them. Soon, you’ll be sure that you have the best roofing option for your budget and needs!

Interested in a commercial construction project or tilt-up construction? Contact our experienced Sacramento commercial builders today. We’d love to help you with your next project!

Tips to Manage a New Construction Build

As your business grows, your office space needs to grow along with it. This also involves renovating an existing house, adding to the infrastructure, or building a whole new structure. Today on the blog, our Sacramento commercial builders share the following tips to manage a new construction build.

By sticking to these tips, you could save thousands on your finished house, making the whole process easier and less stressful for your entire staff.

1. Consider your options.

When you decide whether to add or renovate your current building or build a brand new facility, it’s time to find a Sacramento general contractor who can direct you through the rest of the process. If you have extensive experience in the commercial construction industry, it is often best to find a general contractor with proven connections. They will be responsible for recruiting and overseeing teams who will manage the different sections of the construction process. This is including brick masons, electricians, plumbers, Sacramento HVAC companies, drywall hangers, or any other professional you may need. This method is time-consuming and tedious if you try to do it on your own. In addition, you’re unlikely to get the rates that the contractor would secure for you.

2. Take a peek at the sales & expenditure forecasts.

At this point, you need to estimate what your business profits and expenditures should be during the construction period so that you can plan what you should spend on the project. From there, you’ll know what money you can have on your own and what you need in terms of funding. Through accurate estimates, you can also decide what kind of payment terms you can handle. This is so that you do not have more debt than you can actually afford to pay.

3. Take control of the legal rights.

Apart from federal legislation and legislation unique to each jurisdiction, each municipality has its own licensing, zoning, etc. requirements. Again, selecting a good general contractor who is familiar with the particular area where you are building or renovating will help direct you by choosing a property in the right zone. They will then secure all necessary permits to start the construction process. Surveys are likely to take place along the way, and construction is often stopped so the inspector can visit the property. Be sure to prepare for these types of delays in your construction plans, as well as any possible snags, such as an inspector requesting extra materials or safety measures. Our friends at Specialized AV, an AV company in Sacramento, recommend installing security cameras to ensure that your assets are covered.

4. Consider how the build will affect your ordinary business operations.

It is very normal for companies to underestimate the time it takes to connect with their general contractor and make numerous decisions along the way. Will you be able to take time away from operations and your own customers to answer questions, make important decisions and negotiate with your contractor during the construction process? Note, their time is your money, too. Thus, delaying answers to their important questions will take the project longer in both time and money. Many organizations create a link to work with the contractor to ensure minimal interruption of operations and customer support.

5. Seek expert advice.

Costing a commercial building involves monitoring the price per square foot, including contract inclusions and exclusions. You need to know what the “completed contract” means before the construction begins. Does this involve paving your parking lot? Hooking up with utilities? This part is important for securing funding, particularly if funds are tight during construction.

6. Build a breathing space in your plans.

Don’t keep things too tight when designing the building and costing plans. Know, weather systems, market volatility, and other factors outside your control can dramatically alter the time and cost of a Sacramento construction project. A construction project can also reveal some of the issues that could not be noticed before, such as mold and infrastructure problems.

7. Stable funding before anything else is done.

Start with your current financiers. If you’ve built a strong relationship with a bank or other lending entity, you’re likely to be refunded. Don’t forget about other, less traditional ways of funding business projects like construction, venture capitalists, and crowdsourcing. They are more likely to make money available for an existing company like yours than for an untested start-up.

Construction Management in Sacramento, CA

Ready to get started on a commercial construction project? Contact Headwaters Construction Inc. today. Our team of commercial builders would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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Tips on Hiring a Commercial Contractor

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.

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

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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.

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What Services Do General Contractors Offer?

General contractors in the commercial building sector have a wide range of services. These facilities include turnkey projects, new construction, interior fit-outs, site enhancements and renovations. On occasion, a general contractor also takes over a project that is already underway. We often hear from our customers, what services do general contractors offer?

General Commercial Contractor Services

Some Sacramento general contractors specialize in such forms of building, such as repairs or interior fit-outs. Others have the expertise and ability to deliver any of the general contractor services alluded to above.

Projects with Turnkey

Sacramento general contractors will take the project from conception to completion and deliver it from the ground up in its entirety. These turnkey projects are becoming increasingly common in new construction. Contractors also carry out such repairs on a turnkey basis. When the facility is ready to occupy, the general contractor turns the key back to the client.

When assigning a full project to a single firm, the owner must respect the knowledge and honesty. Since the client assigns a certain amount of power to such an agreement, our commercial builders agree that trust is of utmost importance. The right terms of the contract will increase the accountability of the customer and improve the trust base by going forward.

New Commercial Construction

In such cases, the Sacramento commercial contractor is called upon to execute the concept of an independent architect. The plans of the architect and the general contractor are being designed. Often the general contractor offers more detailed design-construction services. The contractor shall oversee all aspects of the project.

Either way, the general contractor uses the services of specialist contractors to make the design a reality. The business shall ensure compliance with municipal codes and zoning standards. The contractor also has a say in the construction materials conforming to the code are used to construct the building.

Commercial Build-Outs

When a commercial tenant rents space, it’s time to develop it. Usually, the occupant gets a room with studded walls and running utilities. Drywall may or may not cover the studded walls and the flooring and the finished ceiling may or may not be finished. In order to complete what is sometimes referred to as a fit-out or a build-out, the occupant shall enlist the services of its own contractor.

Virtually all that is needed before inventory and rental equipment arrives is done by the contractor chosen. Our friends at Turek’s Plumbing, Fox Valley plumber, specializes in commercial plumbing. They utilize general contractors to help them better serve the space. They explain that an ideal general contractor has comprehensive knowledge of suitable construction materials. Such useful attributes provide access to professional craftsmen and insight into effective processes. When it’s a retail space, there’s usually a grand opening as soon as its open.

Site Improvements

Site improvement is another area of specialization for many general contractors. Input from the planner, engineer, and landscape architect is included in the site plan. The contractor would make the design a reality. Sometimes the general contractor performs some design services in-house. Our friends at LMS Garage Doors, the best garage door company in Sacramento, agree that site improvements should be left to the professionals, residential or commercial.

Site upgrades also include parking, shelter and on-site lighting. Additionally, proper site improvement includes adherence to all relevant codes and land-use criteria.

Commercial Retail Renovations

Some contractors offer general contractor services related to construction and remodeling projects. Additionally, they must deliver the business skills required for cost-effective, high-quality projects. Improvements are designed to fit growing companies, refresh company photos, and improve employee morale. They also feature sustainable designs, improved wireless networking, or energy-saving systems.

Sacramento General Contractors

We’d love to hear more about your current or future commercial project and explore how we can help. Please contact Headwaters Construction, Inc. to get the discussion started and get your project one step closer to your target.

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Sacramento Contractor’s Bid

What to Look for in a Contractor’s Bid

Are you looking for a contractor to bring your construction idea to life? Today, our commercial contractors share what to look for in a Sacramento contractor’s bid.

If you have a commercial construction project in mind, finding the best contractor is an important part of the process. As the owner of the building, you might not have the time or opportunity to meet all your potential commercial contractors. Therefore, you will have to evaluate their potential by checking their bids. Because of this, the construction processes must be usually expensive.

Contractor bids are a way of commercial construction companies and contractors positioning themselves as the best option for your project. Consequently, you are likely to receive several bids from potential contractors. How can you decide on who to hire for your construction by just looking at the bids?

Below are some of the things you should look for in your Sacramento commercial contractor.

Outlined Costs for Commercial Construction Projects

Money is an important issue in the construction business. Therefore, it is important to properly scrutinize every cost outlined by your commercial contractor. That is to say that expenses should be itemized to give you a better insight into the projected costs.

It helps to break the bid into different sections. For example, if your project involved renovations, check the costs associated with the demolition, installations, and materials for the project. Most importantly, you should expect fixed costs for sections like materials.

Material Breakdown

Every construction project will require a wide range of materials. Firstly, your contractor should break down every material cost and quantity needed for a successful job. For example, your contractor should list down the amount of paint in gallons they expect to use throughout the project if there is painting involved. These numbers make it easy for planning.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Everyone has a part to play in the construction process, including you. Inclusions are what your contractor will handle and charge throughout the process. To follow, exclusions are what you are expected to handle. Should your contractor handle them, you will have to pay more. Your contractor should outline what they are offering to handle and what is considered your responsibility.

Subcontractors

Is your commercial builder going to bring in a subcontractor onsite? Moreover, it is normal for most contractors to hire subcontractors. In some instances, local regulations require the use of subcontractors.

These are expected to handle specific parts of the project. For example, a subcontractor, like McQuillan Bros, St. Paul HVAC Contractors, may be called in to handle your HVAC or wiring systems.

Your bid should clearly outline whether or not your contractor is going to hire subcontractors and what exactly they will be handling throughout the project.

Permitting Fees

Permits are an important part of any construction project. As a result, it does not matter whether you are building from the ground up or doing basic renovations. Likewise, you need different permits for different projects from relevant authorities.

Usually, you will not see these permits on the bid, though they do need to be handled. Alternatively, you could ask your contractor to handle it for you. Remember, some of these fees come with additional fees, and therefore, this amount should then be included in the bid.

Find the Best Sacramento Contractor

In conclusion, there is a lot you can accomplish by just having the right commercial contractors in Sacramento. At Headwaters Inc., we believe in helping owners realize their dream projects through highly professional commercial construction services. Contact Headwaters Inc. today and enjoy the best in quality, communication, and service.

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Hiring a Contractor Checklist

Hiring 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!

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Innovation Strategy

What Is an Innovation Strategy?

Every company needs to innovate if they want to remain relevant in a quickly changing landscape. While many companies claim to have innovation at their core, their results show that this is not always the case. Despite the massive amounts of resources allocated to innovation, failure is the norm for many of them. For such companies, they need to focus on innovation strategy. Execution of innovation isn’t enough if there is no strategy towards a company’s selected long-term goals.

A good strategy makes every department or unit in the company committed to a clearly defined set of policies. This will include desired behaviors that ultimately lead to the realization of a specified business goal. Our experienced Sacramento Tilt-Up Construction professionals explain that your innovation strategy should address the following questions:

How Will We Create Value for Existing and Potential Customers?

An innovative product or solution can provide value in many ways. These include increased durability, compactness, lower cost, ease of use, better reliability, and so many other ways. For example, Gilmore Heating, Air and Plumbing, a residential ac company in Placerville, is constantly staying ahead of the curve by providing customers with better devices and services. Your innovation strategy will be lacking if it doesn’t specify your plan to offer value to potential customers. For example, different teams may try to find ways of offering value in different ways, and this lack of coherence will ultimately result in the failure of the innovation strategy.

How Will We Corner a Segment of the Value Created?

The reality of the world today is that not many companies or people are willing to invest in coming up with novel innovations, so they just pounce on any new innovation with their imitations.

Trying to keep such pirates at bay with patents and intellectual property rights is useless. You are better off deciding how you plan to capture a segment of the market that is attracted to your innovation. For example, Apple secured a corner of the market it created by bringing the iPad. This is called a proprietary operating system. That system ensures that someone who owns an iPad will more easily buy an iPhone since they use the same platform.

What Type of Innovation Strategy Should We Focus On?

Innovation can take many forms. A company may be kidding themselves if they think that they will pursue all types of innovation with the same degree of commitment. For example, some companies may be built on business model innovation. Uber and Netflix are a good example of such companies. Other companies may focus on routine innovation. This is a version in which you make improvements to an existing product. Microsoft has excelled at this with its different Windows OS versions. Disruptive innovation is yet another form of innovation, where companies seek to upset the status quo. For example, Google came up with the free Android OS as a disruption to the operating systems of Apple and Windows that one has to pay for.

In short, the innovation strategy of your company needs to outline how much attention will be given to the different kinds of innovation so that all efforts gel across the company.

The Power of Prevailing Winds in Innovation Strategy

Implementing an innovation strategy in a company is no walk in the park. This is because the operational needs of the company will keep pulling personnel and other resources towards fixing immediate needs. For example, your company may be interested in pursuing innovation, but the finance department may push the R&D department to come up with less costly components. They could want this to remain profitable, while the marketing team demands better packaging to reach new customers with existing products.

Those pressures are illustrations of how prevailing winds can throw your plans of innovation off track. Without clear leadership to stay on course, the innovation strategy can just remain on paper.

The Role of Management

Top management has many roles to play if the innovation strategy consists of two things: to see the light of day and bear the desired fruit in the long term.

First, top management is responsible for formulating the innovation strategy of the company. Commercial Renovation Contractors explain that this is important because only they can set the priorities of the company. This innovation strategy should then be articulated to all in the company so there is clarity on what matters most.

Secondly, top management is responsible for ensuring that the way resources are allocated supports the innovation strategy. What happens on the ground in terms of resource allocation determines what the strategy of your company is.

Third and most importantly, top management has the duty to keep refining the strategy. This is to ensure that it remains in tune with the changing times. For example, when a truly disruptive innovation is brought to market, it may be wiser to switch to routine innovation. This occurs to get as much value from that one innovation as is possible. Modest resources can then be used to search for the next big innovation.

As you can see, coming up with and eventually implementing an innovation strategy isn’t something you can do overnight. A lot of careful thought has to go into the process. However, the results are worth every bead of sweat! The construction industry did it with tilt-up construction and other innovations. You too can position yourself to be innovative.

For any innovative construction needs, please contact us at Headwater Construction Inc. We’d love to assist you!

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