Post Construction Cleaning Tips

Post construction cleaning tips

3 tips for Post-Construction Cleaning Projects

Post construction cleaning tipsHere you are, the building workers have pulled out, and it’s time to clean up. Dust, dirt, bits of drywall, and filthy window seals are mounting a powerful offensive against your team of cleaners. What will help you do this in a safe, competent, and productive way? Here are three post-construction cleaning tips to help make your project a success!

1. Protecting Everyone Involved

Post-construction cleanings vary in many respects from other forms of cleaning. Our commercial builders explain that one of the main differences is that there might be hazards not everyone is used to. For example, power tools, carts, ladders, and lifts can be found on-site. You may also have active development in the vicinity. It’s not hard to imagine how any of these could become a risk to an unsuspecting cleaner. As a consequence, much like the building project, cleaning work must be done in a secure manner.

It’s important to get to know the site before you bring the whole cleaning crew in. Inform the cleaning staff of items and equipment that might have been left behind. Feel free to speak to any other contractor you can meet on-site. Chances are they will tell you all about the details you need to look for.

And, ensure that you comply with the specifications for personal safety devices on the construction site. Protective eyewear, tough caps, foot protection, and the like may be needed.

Finally, make sure those involved have a written safety manual in place. In addition, teach your staff to do so. The safety manual should provide direct instructions on construction sites, on the cleaning of buildings, and on how to stay secure at all times.

2. Supply and Facilities

Do you have regular vacuums that you use in traditional office cleaning settings? Well, please don’t bring them here! Post-construction cleaning may be a tax on machinery. If you take your office vacuum to a construction cleaning site, it might become hundreds of dollars worth of broken parts and plastic. It is important to invest in industrial equipment. Big and strong shop vacuum cleaners manage bits of drywall and obnoxious quantities of dust far better than regular equipment. In addition, utilizing an auto-scrub system for large floor areas. It will significantly increase productivity.

Our Sacramento commercial construction company advises ensuring that the project has an abundance of well-planned cleaning supplies. Anything from rags to your range of cleaning agents needs to be well-stocked. Don’t underestimate how easily a post-construction site will deplete cleaning supplies. Having to fly back and forth to supply suppliers can be expensive and stressful for the cleaning workers who are ready to produce.

Finally, make sure that you maintain a strict list of your supplies and equipment. Construction sites are infamous for other on-site contractors borrowing materials from neighbors and not returning them. This can easily turn into reduced margins, lost efficiency, and reduced quality of construction cleaning services. Additionally, our General Contractor Sacramento strongly recommends that you have an approved area in the building where your supplies and equipment can be arranged and locked.

3. Using a staggered approach

We asked our friends over at Maid For Muddy Paws, a Commercial cleaning service in Montgomery, TX,  shares their practice: a staggered approach.

When it comes to staggered approach cleaning – what does it really mean? A phased approach is a form of cleaning that takes on larger tasks and breaks them down into smaller, manageable parts. Furthermore, no matter how good you clean at the construction site during the first stages, dust will accumulate and this dust will have to be removed in order for the room to be ready for company. Thus, the only alternative is to allow time to pass to allow the dust to settle and then to be cleaned between phases.

Commercial Construction Projects in Sacramento, CA

Ready to take your project to the next level? At Headwaters Construction Inc., we are specialized in commercial construction, tilt-up construction, project management, and more! Contact our skilled team today to discuss your project.

Efficiency Goals for Your Construction Projects

Efficiency Goals for Your Construction Projects

Efficiency Goals for Your Construction Projects

Efficiency Goals for Your Construction ProjectsIf you work in or own a Sacramento commercial construction company, then you know that working towards operational efficiency ensures that your company can deliver completed projects in a cost-effective way without reducing quality. However, have you ever set specific efficiency goals for your construction projects?

All ground-up projects have one operational efficiency goal: to finish up a project within budget and on time. Because the range of construction projects is wide, there are various ways to realize operational efficiency. Our team of commercial builders recommends driving the operational efficiency objectives of your construction project into smaller categories. Examples of this include customer satisfaction, labor productivity, safety, and communication. We believe that this increases the probability of success on your project. This will motivate your crew to achieve the larger operational efficiency objectives you’ve set.

To do this, you have to first analyze your operations in detail then establish a standard. You should look into:

  1. How long it takes project managers to obtain data from the field. Is there a time lag?
  2. If you had any injuries occurring on your site. If you did, what were the causes?
  3. How long it takes to process time cards to payroll from employee entry.

This will help you determine the areas you need to improve in and what operational efficiency objectives you will set for your commercial construction company. Here are a few operational efficiency objectives you can look into to enable you to achieve overall operational improvements.

  • Eliminating the communication barrier

When establishing efficiency goals for your construction projects, we recommend communication. Establishing an open line of communication between the office team and the field team will improve operational efficiency. Every day, the field team collects reports on the site that may contain important information. Having reliable communication between the two teams bridges the gap and allows easy access to the information. Our neighbors over at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing, Plumbing contractor Sacramento, explain that eliminating the communication barrier works the best for their team, who is partly in office and on the field.

To improve communication for both sides, ensure that a complete report is submitted before workers leave your site. The daily report should at the minimum include 2 photos of the Sacramento Jobsite. One at the start and one at the end of the day. This information should then be uploaded to a cloud-based management system, which allows the project manager to view it and proceed as they see fit.   

Any information collected from the field, be it delays, drawing questions or site issues, allows the project manager to start documentation processes at once. This improves the time it would take to register, communicate, and sort out any issues. Having instant communication of issues or site activities allows the team to work together to resolve any issues and continue with the ground up or Sacramento tilt-up construction project without wasting time.

  • Encourage safe behaviors on site

If you’re in the ground-up construction industry, then you know that it’s a risky profession. Sites are dangerous and having a missing work due to an injury only slows the progress of a project. While it’s unrealistic to strive to have no injuries on-site, setting attainable goals with regard to safety is achievable. The goals you set may be PPE compliance-related or safety hazard-related. 

  • Improvement of labor productivity

Enhancing labor productivity will bring about higher profitability on commercial building remodeling projects. When creating a proposal, the cost is usually based on the estimated labor hours required to complete the project. The lesser hours used to get the job done, the more profit subcontractors can pocket. However, if a project ends up using more hours than had been estimated, factoring in that workers still need to be paid upon project completion, a subcontractor may end up incurring losses.

To ensure this does not happen, one can track employee hours according to tasks and through different project phases. This will help discover what tasks take a longer time to finish and if there are workers who are performing at a higher level than others. Tracking productivity through a labor delivery system and integrated time allows Sacramento construction teams to meet their operational efficiency objectives. 

  • Client satisfaction

For many strip mall construction firms, a big portion of their business encircles repeat business. Subcontracting companies that are successful and provide high-quality work enables them to work again with past customers and grow their business opportunities through referrals. 

It is said that a 5% growth in customer retention can grow a company’s profitability by 75%, as its return customers will buy more over time. If you would like to know your firm’s customer satisfaction, below are 2 questions you may find informative.

  • On a scale of 1-10, how likely is it that you’d recommend our firm to a colleague or friend? (quantitative view)
  • Please tell us why you gave our firm that score (score mentioned above, provides a qualitative view)

In addition, you can employ an NPS (Net Promoter Score) to measure your consumer base’s loyalty. This score is based on comparing a firm’s promoters and detractors with a score between 25-33 being average. Instead of comparing your tilt-up construction company in Sacramento to other firms, tracking your NPS over time has proven to be more beneficial. Additionally, the feedback provided by your consumers helps determine the steps your firm needs to take to improve your NPS score. They will also provide insights on how to better deliver ground-up projects.  

Commercial Construction Sacramento

Now, all that’s left is implementing the objectives. First, we recommend setting efficiency objectives. Then, our builders suggest tracking activities using a ground-up construction project management software. We at Headwaters Construction Inc. pride ourselves on providing high-quality construction services at an efficient and affordable rate. Contact us today for all your commercial construction needs.

 

How to Estimate a Construction Project

How to Estimate a Construction Project

How to Estimate a Construction ProjectHow to Estimate a Construction Project

Cost estimates for a commercial project are one of the things that need to go right for the success of the construction project. After all, among the most common things most commercial builders and owners look for is the financial part of the construction. Without it, your project runs the risk of stalling due to financial constraints. 

Therefore, what is the best way to estimate the cost of your commercial construction project, and what exactly is involved during the process? Our Sacramento commercial builders share all you need to know about estimating for a construction project. 

Why Estimate a Construction Project? 

There are two main reasons why estimation is a valuable part of any construction project. One, it allows contractors and commercial builders to win new projects. Considering that most owners are looking to save money, these estimations help them decide which contractor to pick. 

Also, they allow for easy approximation of costs. This is an important part. During the estimation phase, commercial construction companies Sacramento have to deal with take-offs, construction documents, and other related costs. This creates a useable roadmap on how much everything is going to cost and whether it is a worthy venture. 

What to Consider 

It is important to learn a few things before starting work. Some of the things you need to consider during the estimation process include direct costs and indirect costs. 

Direct costs are those that are related to the activities that are carried out during the construction process. For example, buying materials and paying for equipment is a direct cost. Labor is also another activity that lies within this category. 

Indirect costs are also known as overhead costs. They are important to the construction but are not directly related to the activities that happen during the construction. For example, costs aimed at covering utilities, temporary structures, legal fees and permits, security, quality control, and administrative costs are all indirect costs. 

Levels of Accuracy in Estimation of a Construction Project 

Given that this is an estimation of costs, it is not going to be 100% accurate. Especially in the very first stages of the construction process. However, with time, and as the project matures, you should expect to see these estimates getting more accurate. 

Usually, estimates are placed on different levels (1-5) as subscribed by the American Society of Professional Estimators. These include: 

Level 1: Order of Magnitude

This first stage usually has the roughest estimates. During this phase, the project is still in its idea stage so estimations are usually based on previous projects or expert judgment. Here, you can expect the level of accuracy to be -25% to 75%. 

Level 2: Intermediate Estimate 

The intermediate estimate level is an important level because it will determine the feasibility of the project by looking at the general cost construction. It is at this level that most owners, especially for large scale constructions, decide whether to proceed with the construction or not. 

Level 3: Preliminary Estimate

The preliminary estimate level is where the cost of construction is given more detail. Its accuracy is what informs financing. In some projects, the budget will be determined at this level. At this stage, accuracy is highly important. 

Level 4: Substantive Estimate 

This estimate depends on the estimated unit costs. Construction companies and other relevant stakeholders look at the objectives, deliverables, and reasonably finalized project designs before coming up with a substantive estimate. Turek’s Plumbing, Appleton kitchen remodel company, uses substantive estimates often to get their costs in order. They also recommend using this estimate as a roadmap to keep the project within budget. 

Level 5: Definitive Estimate 

This is the final stage where all costs are known. Therefore, the accuracy here is high. This estimate is used to create bids, tenders, and cost baselines.

Using Estimates to Determine Budget 

Usually, an estimator or project manager will handle the estimation process by calculating the overall costs, funding, and budget allocation needed for the success of the project. Our tilt-up contractors explain that these estimates also include risk management and reserves for contingency. 

Making Successful Estimates 

Finding the best construction company for your commercial construction project is paramount for your success. That is why Headwaters Construction Inc is ready to give you the best services.  Call us today and enjoy the best service for your construction project.

Reduce Injuries on a Construction Site

Reduce Injuries on a Construction Site

How to Reduce Injuries on a Construction Site

Reduce Injuries on a Construction SiteAccording to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 1 among 5 workplace injuries is a construction worker. This shows us how hazardous commercial construction sites are. However, the industry’s ability to adapt has also made it easier for companies to identify the underlying causes of injuries. In turn, this has helped find ways to tackle those issues and reduce the rates of injury on site. Today on our blog, our Sacramento construction general contractors will be covering how to reduce injuries on a construction site.

Hold safety meetings regularly.

These meetings should be held every day, especially if your commercial construction workers are undertaking high-risk work.  Our friends over at McQuillan Brothers, emergency plumber Minneapolis, regularly implement safety meetings into their weekly schedules. These meetings highlight the importance of safety. Additionally, they remind the employees of the dangers identified during risk assessments while reminding them to stay focused. Addressing relevant issues that apply to the job-specific site information ensures that employees know the exposure points.

Conduct a Real Risk Assessment

Before a project begins, a commercial construction site should be inspected for any potential or unusual hazards. These inspections will allow you to develop a proper safety plan that takes into account these potential hazards. Alternatively, you can also have a job hazard analysis carried out on the site. This has proven itself as a savior, both for working capital savings and human lives. 

Additionally, for each potential hazard observed, a corresponding list of preventive measures should be compiled then implemented. A risk assessment document should then be provided for all workers during a safety meeting. The brief will highlight the right education, information, and training required to stop injuries from occurring on site.

Stop Falls Before They Occur

Falls are among the leading cause of injuries in the construction sector. They are also the leading cause of death in the industry. They make up about 33% of all construction injuries. Installing fall protection systems can go a long way in preventing a large number of construction fatalities from occurring. These protection systems include screens, guardrails, canopy structures, toe boards, scaffolding, and nets. For scaffolding, it is important to ensure that it is constructed well and installed properly to hold the intended weight. Scaffolding should also be inspected regularly by a qualified Sacramento commercial builder. Other protection methods include a lanyard or a safety harness.

Maintain Equipment and Conduct Checks Regularly

The machinery used in most construction sites today requires a lot of down-time responsibility, including inspecting the equipment regularly and maintaining it. More than 75% of struck-by injuries result from heavy machinery like cranes or trucks. Thoroughly and regularly conducting maintenance checks on this equipment will increase your ability to stop malfunctions. This is huge, as these malfunctions may cause serious injuries.

Use Protective Gear and Clothing

Workers should, at all times, wear the recommended safety equipment for their jobs. This may include goggles, a hard hat, gloves, high-visibility clothing, a protective suit, or steel-toed shoes. During the summer heat, outdoor commercial renovation Sacramento workers require nape protectors, wide-brim hard hats, and long-sleeve-lightweight shirts. These will help protect them from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Ensure the workspace remains clean

Keeping the worksite clean and free of debris will reduce the chances of a commercial builder sustaining injuries and preventing worksite accidents such as falls, trips, and slips. Employees are encouraged to put away their construction materials and tools when done with the job. Walkways should also remain free from debris at all times. This will help avert any accidents that include falls and slips.

Exercise caution with vehicles

Many commercial construction site accidents usually involve vehicles. Workers should practice parking, backing, and defensive driving. Commercial construction companies in Sacramento can organize periodic refresher courses to sharpen construction equipment and vehicle operators/drivers’ skills.

Use the Equipment in the Right Manner

Using construction equipment or tools for something they are not designed for may interfere with the manufacturer’s inbuilt safety features.  Misusing equipment may also cause damage to the equipment, which may cause injuries to employees. 

Furthermore, any equipment used in construction sites should meet OSHA standards.

Develop a safety culture

Repeating safety information and warnings every day will help your workers but only to some extent. At the end of the day, working as a team to willfully approach safety will prevent construction fatalities. When your workers make an effort to conduct their own safety protocols and risk assessments, they will help prevent injuries by awareness and active discussion.

Headwaters Construction Inc. hopes that you consider all the useful information on injury prevention discussed above and implemented it on your construction site. If you have any inquiries about the services we provide or would like to learn more about our company’s services, please contact us today.

Phases of a Commercial Build-Out

Phases of a Commercial Build-Out

Understanding the Phases of a Commercial Build-Out

Phases of a Commercial Build-OutThere are many different phases of a commercial build-out. This entails a very long and detailed process, which can be frustrating with codes and regulations. Hiring a Sacramento commercial builder like Headwaters Construction Inc. to manage your project from the beginning to the end can help. This will help decrease your frustrations significantly. However, you must have some basic knowledge of each stage of the build-out. In turn, this will help decide who would be the contractor for the position. 

Knowing what each stage entails makes it easier for you to learn whether a contractor is up to the task. Additionally, it may keep you from incurring unexpected costs or delays. 

The following are the commercial build-out phases.

Design Stage

This is the stage where blueprints are designed. Structural engineers and architects are usually the ones who sign off on commercial building plans. Hiring the right Sacramento general contractor allows them to work directly with the engineer to accurately develop and implement the design.

When approaching the design reading stage, it is helpful to have commercial construction companies on hand. They will ensure that the end product built is the vision that the design carried in the long run. 

The main purpose of the design stage is to make sure that the building will be ideal for its intended use. Keeping the design of a commercial build-out functional is a good idea. You can then explore and incorporate various energy-saving elements and methods. This will be beneficial in the long run.  

Plan Approval Stage

Now that you’re done with the designs, we now venture into the plan approval stage. Here, your plans are checked against zoning restrictions and building codes to ensure that they are compliant. Your commercial builder should be capable of handling this with ease. To avoid non-compliance, have your contractor guide you from the beginning of the design process. Hiring an expert Sacramento tilt-up contractor ensures that your plans have covered the basic rules and guidelines.

Our friends over at Turek’s Plumbing, Appleton Kitchen remodel company, provided us with some great advice. Since they are in Wisconsin, they have different codes for the harsh winter. They advise that if you live in an area with additional codes for weather permits, such as Florida, you will need to ensure that your plans take that into account because of hurricane season.

Additionally, your building plans will need to be approved with sewer lines. The plans have to not only suit your needs but those of the location as well. This is why hiring an experienced general contractor in Sacramento from the get-go is important as they will advise you on all of these regulations. 

Work and Special Permits

Ensure that the commercial construction company you hired has craftsmen who are certified. In addition to this, your contractor should also know what permits apply to your commercial building project. Having your general contractor dealing with permits is both an energy and a time saver. This is because some additions to your project design may require special permits.  Your contractor is in charge of the permits, also makes them responsible for all questions raised.

Materials Needed

The matter concerning materials boils down to the trust relationship you have with your general contractor Sacramento. This is unless you are very knowledgeable on all things construction materials. While the temptation to use cost-effective materials may beckon you, you must explore all the risks involved before making your decision. Having your contractor advise you on whether this may be a good idea is highly recommended. Ensure that the grade of materials to be used is of good quality. 

Additionally, your material choice may be dependent on the environment or its intended function. Some materials may also be regulated in some cases due to the weather.

Beginning Construction

There are several stages involved in the construction phase. The construction is carried out in these stages:

  1. Laying the foundation
  2. Mechanical installations
  3. Installing roofing 
  4. Finishes

It should be noted that before construction can move to the next phase, a municipal authority official needs to assess the stage and give the go-ahead for the project to continue. Headwaters Construction Inc. cautions that this is the phase that experiences the most delays. As follows, even if the paperwork is in order and all, there may be a delay. A lot usually happens in this phase, so you should accept from the beginning that things may not go according to your timeline. 

However, your ground-up construction contractor should keep watch for any delays that may occur in the future and find ways to prevent them from happening so that the project can meet its deadline. 

Managing the Building Process

The last stage in this phase is managing the building process. Here, your contractor should also supervise any sub-contractors that may be on-site and relay information on the project’s progress at every stage.  

With the right set of professionals and an expert contractor from a reputable commercial construction company, any project, no matter the size, will run smoothly without any hitches. Headwaters Construction Inc. is just the commercial builder for you if you want a hassle-free project. Contact Headwaters Building today and let us discuss how we can bring your dream to reality.

Ensuring Your Project is Delivered Faster

Ensuring Your Project is Delivered Faster

How to Ensure That A Construction Project is Delivered Faster

Ensuring Your Project is Delivered FasterCommercial construction projects require much planning, leaving many individuals wondering how to ensure that a construction project is delivered faster. Today on the blog, our Sacramento construction general contractors share all they know about ensuring your project is delivered faster.

Lookahead Schedules

Unfortunately, failing to plan efficiently may result in delays, which may push your deadline further and waste resources. This may lead to overspending and the creation of conflicts among stakeholders. To help with planning, many Sacramento construction companies use a lookahead schedule to help them plan and avoid any hitches. A lookahead schedule is a three to six-week plan highlighting the objectives and tasks of a strip mall construction project for the next 3 to 6 weeks.

This planning mode is an important part of the general schedule and is also used in weekly progress meetings. This makes it an essential part of the main plan. 

Without a lookahead schedule, members of a ground-up project team would have no clear outline of what needs to be commissioned, what needs to be ordered, and what deliveries are pending for the Sacramento commercial construction project to succeed. All these are important elements that need a data-driven plan.

A lookahead plan holds a very crucial role in the commercial construction process, from beginning to end. Thus, we will be identifying the main problems that face these schedules and come up with solutions on how to resolve them. 

Below are a few issues that need to be addressed:

Using the Wrong Tools for the Job

The Sacramento ground-up construction industry uses many digital tools that aren’t particularly suited to the industry’s needs. This might lead to frustration and mistakes that may have been avoided easily if a digital solution was tailored to fit the construction industry.

With everyone working in silos, data may sometimes not reach the intended parties, which affects your lookahead schedule and adds confusion to the building process due to the delays experienced. 

However, by enabling project teams to gather and store information in a centralized hub, you make sure that every individual can locate and access the current updated information whenever they need it. 

This will help Sacramento construction project managers plan ahead and make any adjustments in case of any changes.

Lack of Communication

Working individually on a project is quite dangerous. As different teams use their own tools to gather data and report progress, it becomes impossible to make short-term plans.

Having a centralized hub allows the submission of the latest updates from the field and easy access to all project data. Thus, this ensures that the smooth flow of communication is maintained. Our neighbors over at Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing say it best: communication is key in any project type. Their Sacramento HVAC company uses communication at every job site. This offers task managers the ability to plan for the short-term, using updated site information while allowing them leeway to incorporate any last-minute additions or changes made.

A Strong Culture of Blame

Pointing fingers is a common situation in some commercial construction companies’ projects. Mistakes that occur may have teams trying to avoid responsibility. This can interfere with the short-term plans in the lookahead schedule. Unfortunately, if they are not resolved in time, they may also affect the masterplan too. So, a digital platform will again be helpful here by determining the cause of the mistake and the party responsible. 

How to Deliver Your Lookahead Schedule Faster

  • Automate Your Compliance Process

By activating automated task-based follow-ups, you ensure that the site inspector is automatically notified once a target is reached. They will then come and perform a follow-up check at the Sacramento commercial renovation site. With the information updated, you can identify problems that come up, the status, and the party responsible.

  • Resource and Material Management Built-In

Building materials are frequently delivered at the wrong place and the wrong time. Using a digital platform to schedule material deliveries to sync with your work schedule is the answer. This allows you a clear view of what is required on-site while ensuring that no materials get lost.

  • A Centralized Hub for Task-based Communication

In a construction project, all the communication should revolve around the task at hand. Using a centralized communication hub may make it easier for project progress to be updated and documented. Another benefit is that this also follows the main plan. This eliminates wastage of time on email threads, time-consuming phone calls, and more.

  • Link your Master Plan to Lean Planning

Linking your master plan to your planning can be useful to achieve success in a ground-up construction project. Additionally, choosing a commercial construction-specific digital platform that allows you to develop a 3 to 6-week sub-plan of the main plan can help you improve your master plan. Thus, the details required to manage the day to day activities on site efficiently will be provided. Tasks that have been changed or completed should be added to the main project plan. As follows, this will assist in smarter decision making. 

Many strip mall construction projects involve at least 80% of the same processes across the board. Thus, this offers a great opportunity for task managers. This allows them to keep construction site activities under control through past projects’ best practices to their current work.

Contact Headwaters Construction Inc.

Contact Headwaters Construction Inc. today for your commercial construction needs. We would love to assist you with your construction projects.

How Strip Mall Renovation Boosts Profitability

strip mall renovations

strip mall renovationsStrip malls have been a common sight in the US for decades. Their invention allowed the localization of different services in a way that is convenient for customers. However, as years go by, strip malls are starting to face intense competition from other more convenient alternatives. Such alternatives are yet to usher the end of strip malls though. As a strip mall owner, you still have a lot more profit to make depending on how well you run your business. You can decide to make your mall pop through renovations which will, in turn, boost profit. 

Here are a few ways in which your decision to renovate your strip mall can make it more profitable. 

Roofing 

Roof designs have revolved to include different designs that might work for your strip mall. Your roof is one of the first things customers will notice about your strip mall. Therefore, tearing down an old roof and adding a new and modern one can change the face of the entire building. It helps add more character to the strip mall without necessarily taking up more space. Talk to a commercial builder to help you pick the best roofing plan for a new look for your building. 

Wall Improvement 

The good thing about renovating your walls is that you don’t even have to tear them down. In retail renovation, the simple act of cleaning up your walls and getting rid of stains such as graffiti will make the building look new. Apply a fresh coat of paint to get rid of the discoloration and you will have given new life to your strip mall. Additionally, you can decide to add art pieces on the inside to make the walls livelier and attract more customers. Get a commercial renovation contractor to help you find ways to make your walls more appealing. 

Landscaping 

Landscaping used to be a luxury item for most strip malls owners. However, it has now grown into a necessity with more strip malls spotting elaborate landscape patterns across the country. Landscaping serves two purposes, it attracts more people and shows your environmental awareness. 

Lighting 

Most strip malls are currently used by fitness retailers, financial services firms and insurance firms. These are businesses that utilize plenty of lighting to advertise their services. Make sure that your strip mall is adequately lit on both the inside and the outside. This includes any signage that alerts people of the services within the business center. Proper lighting helps improve the aesthetic value of your business. It also makes it easy and safer for business owners to run 24-hour joints. 

Walkways and Canopies 

Consider building walkways and canopies that allow people to access the shopping center regardless of the weather conditions. A canopy extending from the parking lot to the center will help people visit the strip mall when it is raining, for example. This not only ensures that there is an even stream of traffic throughout the year it also gives you more revenue-generating options by increasing the surface area to sell ad spaces. 

As long as strip malls continue to resist the e-commerce market wave, there is a lot more you can do to make them profitable. Contact Headwaters Constructions today for professional advice on how to renovate your strip mall to increase your profit margins. For assistance in consulting and planning, we are always here for you. 

How Project Managers Add Value

how project managers add value - commercial construction company

how project managers add value - commercial construction companyHow Project Managers Add Value to Commercial Construction

If you are planning a commercial construction or renovation project, you may be wondering what abilities to look for in the project manager you will be working with. Here are the key attributes and ways that we at Headwaters Construction Inc. have discovered that the best project managers add value to the projects they oversee.

Laser-Focus on Customer Needs

The ultimate test of any new commercial construction or renovation project is whether it meets the needs of the client. We have learned that the best project managers add value by finding out what a client actually needs as opposed to what they want. These project managers go to great lengths to know their client’s business. They also spend a lot of time talking to the client in order to grasp what they really need. When those needs are clear, the project manager or retail general contractor unwaveringly set out to deliver on them.

They Put Together a Great Team

A project is only as good as the team that has been assembled to execute it. The most successful project managers are well aware of this fact. They go to great lengths to assemble and nurture the best team. These project managers understand each team member’s motivators and strengths, and they coach them to achieve their full potential. Great project managers view themselves as facilitators or enablers, and they do what they can to eliminate obstacles standing in the way of their teams.

They Delegate

The best project managers don’t attempt to micromanage or do everything on their own. Instead, they start off with the best team and trust that team to deliver their best in their different specialties. The project manager, therefore, frees themselves to attend to big-picture aspects while also overseeing the project team. In this way, everything works seamlessly to deliver great outcomes, at a great price, and within the projected timelines.

Questioning the Status Quo

No great project manager is content to do things in the same old way that things have always been done. Their desire to deliver added value to clients constantly drives them to challenge their teams to find new ways to get around project challenges. For example, during a tilt-up construction project, the project manager can push the team to deliver unparalleled energy efficiency that is far beyond what other similar projects have delivered to their clients. By constantly pushing the envelope, great project managers are constantly adding value to every project that they oversee.

They Have an Eye on the Big Picture

Here is where the best project managers stand head and shoulders above all others. Great project managers aren’t simply satisfied with meeting the budgetary, time, and utility aspects of the project. They go farther by making sure that the project will offer value to clients in the immediate and long-term sustainable. The project manager makes it a point to deliver a project that meets the strategic objectives of the client, and they do this consistently. At Headwaters Construction Inc., we are focused on just that because we know that the capital outlay required to pull off a retail renovation or a new tilt-up construction project can only be justified by delivering a project that will be relevant now and in the future for the client.

They Manage Risks, Problems and Scope Changes

Risks, problems, and scope changes can bring a project to a standstill if the project manager isn’t equipped to manage these situations proactively. The best project managers anticipate risks and prepare their teams to mitigate those risks. They also monitor issues that arise and marshal the team to deal with them effectively. Successful project managers also interrogate all scope changes and find the best way to implement those changes, so that project budgets, timelines, and quality aren’t affected adversely.

They Deliver What They Promise

The acid test for any project manager is whether they actually make good on their promises. Credibility is important because a lot is at stake for all project stakeholders. This is especially true for the client and the suppliers or contractors who work with the project manager. It is, therefore, important for the project manager to be reputable and credible. At times, this calls for turning away some projects or assignments if the project manager isn’t sure that they can deliver what is required. At Headwaters Construction Inc., we have set our focus on commercial construction and renovation work. So, we firmly but politely turn down any residential project sent our way. By doing this, we have excelled at delivering excellent service to our commercial clients.

If you are looking for a commercial construction or renovation project manager/contractor, look no farther than Headwaters Construction Inc. Our long list of satisfied clients in Washington State, California, and Oregon is a testament to our commitment to delivering the utmost value on every project that we undertake. So, give us a call today!

Why You Need a Project Manager for Your Construction Project

why you need a project manager for your construction project - head waters construction

why you need a project manager for your construction project - head waters constructionA construction project involves numerous tasks, including multiple stakeholders, and this reality creates the necessity for a project manager. Here are some of the key tasks that a project manager will perform at your construction site:

Planning

The project manager is the glue that holds the entire construction team together. This individual has to be a very good planner so that the work progresses seamlessly. Experts at Headwaters Construction Inc. point out that the key planning tasks that a project manager performs include:

  • Preparing the work that each team member will perform.
  • Estimating the cost of each aspect of the work to be done.
  • Developing a schedule and timelines for the different deliverables of the construction project.
  • Reviewing the project to ensure that everything was executed in accordance with the specifications provided.

Make Hiring Decisions and Supervise Workers

At the construction site, the project manager is the boss. According to an Oregon construction company, the task of hiring different people needed to construct the building falls on the project manager. Along with this, he or she will also fire those who fail to deliver as expected. This implies that the project manager is actively involved in supervising the site workers. Those who aren’t doing the work in an expected way are either reminded about what is expected or ultimately fired.

Keeping the Project on Schedule

The value of a great project manager is portrayed through timely, completed projects. Many times, a lot is riding on the project timelines. For example, you may have given notice that you are terminating your lease at the premises you have been renting. If the construction delays, your business will be left with no premises.

Equally damaging is the risk pointed out by a Sacramento construction company that project delays often inflate the cost of the construction work. This is because the prices of different materials may experience inflationary pressures. So, the longer the project takes, the higher the exposure to these price hikes. Therefore, a project manager is crucial in ensuring that everything is done on schedule to avoid all the problems that come with project delays.

Staying Within Budget

Your project manager will generate project estimates using various software tools and their own experience in this type of work. Once those cost estimates are approved, and you sign the project papers, it is the responsibility of the project manager to ensure that the project stays within the agreed budget.

The best project managers from Headwaters consulting and planning division can deliver cost savings by finding ways to spend less than what was budgeted without compromising quality. If unexpected problems occur, the project manager has to be creative and find ways to resolve those problems without increasing the cost of the project.

Keeping You Updated

Chances are you don’t have the time or the ability to keep an eye on every aspect of the construction project yourself. California construction company experts reveal that a project manager comes in handy because they will keep you informed about the way the project is progressing, the challenges encountered, and the plans made to address those challenges so that the project remains on course and within budget. You may receive daily or weekly reports from the project manager so that you remain informed about the project.

If you ever discover that a project manager is withholding information from you, especially about the problems being encountered in the project, you should fire that person immediately. 

Conflict Resolution

As already mentioned, a construction project has many stakeholders. This may include the project owner, the general contractor, the subcontractors, and other people involved with the project. Where there are many parties, conflicts are likely to arise.

A project manager from Headwaters Construction Inc., a general contracting construction company in Sacramento, will plan ahead and place safeguards to prevent sources of conflict at the site. If conflicts occur, the project manager should involve himself or herself to resolve the dispute as soon as it arises so that the project isn’t affected.

Drafting Contracts

A construction project is a complex undertaking that can quickly run into serious problems if proper documentation of what is expected of each party isn’t done. The project manager performs the task of drafting the different contracts required for the project to proceed. These include contracts with the client, all subcontractors, materials suppliers, and any other third-parties involved.

As mentioned earlier, the roles of a project manager will change depending on the specifics of the project. Therefore, the list above should not be regarded as exhaustive. However, it serves as a pointer to the importance of a project manager to the successful completion of the project. If you need help selecting the best project manager or you aren’t sure which company you should hire for your construction project, contact Headwaters Construction. We have a presence in California, Oregon, Washington, and other locations across the country. We will execute your project efficiently and cost-effectively.

How to Remodel a Commercial Building

how to remodel a commercial building

how to remodel a commercial buildingCommercial building renovations vary, depending on how big of renovation it is. You could have a minor interior redesign or a major exterior and interior redesign of the structure. In this article, we give you an idea of what a commercial building renovation project will look like. If you need a professional construction company, contact Headwaters Construction, Inc. today.

Business Renovation Needs and Logistics

The very first step in a commercial property renovation is noting why the renovation needs to happen in the first place. Are you wanting to modernize the space? Do you want to improve the functionality of the property? Would you like to increase energy efficiency? Usually, the building owner and sometimes the tenant is involved in this step of the renovation.

Before going onto the next step, you’ll need to look at the certificate occupancy, any property violations, zoning laws, and much more. It’s important to look into these because they can completely prohibit certain renovations, which can increase costs in the long run.

Find Contractors and Designers

Once you’ve completed your commercial property renovation wish-list, you’ll have a better idea of what needs to be done and who you’ll need to help you. You may need an electrician, an architect, and a contractor. Make sure you do your research and look for a trusted construction company. It’s important to find someone who is easy to work with, charges an average amount, and can get the job done in a timely manner. 

If you have multiple commercial property renovations going on at once, we suggest that you hire a general contractor or a project manager to oversee everything. Both a project manager or general contractor will make sure the projects are done right and on schedule. Realistically, project managers and general contractors save you money in the long run because they make sure your renovation runs smoothly. 

Make a Budget

Since it’s hard to have an exact estimate of your commercial renovation, it’ll be good to figure out your budget at this stage. You’ll have a general idea of what you want to spend at first, but once you’ve talked to the professionals, you’ll have a better understanding of how much everything you need will cost. It’s best to allow up to 30% for a contingency budget as well as what you were quoted for. This will allow you to have some wiggle room in case you need it.

Design Your Renovation

You’ll likely need an architect, interior designer or another design professional to figure out what you want your commercial renovation to look like when it’s done. We recommend involving a general contractor in the design process for professional input. If you hire a general contractor, they will give you more realistic and affordable input. It’s important to finalize your budget only after getting a final, official estimate from the contractor. During this time, it’s necessary to develop a realistic renovation schedule with the team. 

Obtain Your Permits

Before you start construction, you’ll need to obtain permits. If you have a contractor or architect, they will likely take care of the permits. Every city is different when it comes to permits. You’ll likely need them from the Department of Building Inspection, the Planning Department, or Development Services. There are many factors that that influence which type of permits you need for your renovation. If you’re not sure, contact Headwaters Construction, Inc. today.

Doing the Remodeling

Once you’ve taken care of planning the design, solidifying budget, and obtaining permits, you’re ready to start your commercial property renovation! In general, you won’t be too involved in this stage of the renovation project. 

Performing Necessary Inspections

As the owner of the property, you’ll want to check on the property as it’s being remodeled to make sure your expectations are being met. A government building inspector may also stop by during or after the construction process. Being up to code during construction is usually the responsibility of the contractor, but you will be held responsible if you are not up to code after the completion of the renovation. Once the renovations and inspections are completed, you’re welcome to start using the space! 

Headwaters Construction Inc.

At Headwaters Construction Inc., we value your time and money. If you want to start your commercial property renovation, we can help you. We offer a number of construction services in California, Oregon, and Arizona. Everything from construction consulting and building, to general contracting, retail renovation, and tilt-up construction. Additionally, we’ve been in the business for a long time. Our experience can attest to the quality of work we complete. Know that you can trust Headwaters Construction Inc., with any of your construction needs. Contact Headwaters today to see what we can do for you.