What is the Best Building Material? 

What is the Best Building Material? 

What is the Best Building Material? 

What is the Best Building Material? Let’s face it: it is true that some building materials are better suited to your project than others. The majority of structures nowadays are made of wood, steel, concrete, or masonry. Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that must be evaluated. But, what is the best building material?

How to Choose the Best Building Material

Engineers and architects typically use a variety of these materials in their designs to balance cost, aesthetics, structural integrity, and longevity. Today on the blog, our commercial builders will discuss these strengths and weaknesses in depth. Thus, you can play an active role in analyzing the design of your structure.

Wooden Frames

For thousands of years, humans have used wood to construct shelters and constructions. However, our commercial construction company explains that wood remains a popular building material today.

The popularity of wood stems from its low cost. It is also lightweight and easy to work with. It functions as an insulator, allowing warm air to enter and cold air to exit.

While it may appear that cutting down trees to create a structure is terrible for the environment, wood can be an environmentally friendly option if purchased from a responsible timber source committed to sustainable forestry. Wood has a lower carbon footprint than other materials because it requires less water and energy to create.

However, our Sacramento construction company explains that wood does have a few downsides. Because wood isn’t always perfect for sustaining a lot of weight, it’s not the best choice for multi-story buildings. And, unlike other synthetic materials, wood only lasts a few hundred years before decaying. It is also prone to fire and moisture damage, as well as being a prey item for destructive termites.

Manufacturers have created a number of engineered wood products in an effort to solve some of the drawbacks of ordinary wood. These are manufactured building materials that are formed by fusing wood particles, fibers, strands, or veneers to form a composite material.

Steel

Steel is a popular building material because it is robust without being overly heavy. This makes it an excellent choice for multi-story structures, as well as manufacturing and industrial enterprises.  Our general contractor Sacramento says that steel, unlike wood, can withstand dampness. Additionally, it is resistant to termites and fire. It will also survive far longer than wood.

In contrast to masonry, steel can accommodate wide, open designs while maintaining structural integrity. It’s also bendable, allowing architects to experiment with more unusual building shapes.

Steel is more expensive than wood for framing a building. However, while steel is a more appealing choice to wood due to its enhanced toughness and endurance, it will be more expensive.

Concrete

Concrete is made up of cement, aggregates such as sand or stone, and water. As follows, it is both durable and robust, making it an excellent choice for the foundations of your construction. It can withstand the weight of the top building as well as the damp soil that surrounds it. Additionally, it is a low-maintenance finish that lasts a long time and is resistant to a number of environmental challenges. It’s important to note that concrete necessitates a different set of abilities to install than wood or metal. To ensure that your construction is built appropriately and can withstand the test of time, you should deal with a reputable and professional concrete team. Concrete may be more expensive to utilize for your project than wood or metal. 

Masonry

Unlike concrete constructions, which are placed in place as a single unit, masonry uses several smaller parts mortared together to form a single structure. Clay bricks, concrete blocks, stone, and other common masonry materials are used. 

Masonry provides building options in a wide range of materials, colors, sizes, and shapes, providing you greater creative control over the design of your structure. Additionally, it provides excellent fire resistance and can withstand moist weather and pests. 

However, there are disadvantages. The bricks, stones, or blocks are relatively hefty, and they take some time to install properly. As a result, specialist craftsmen are frequently necessary to complete the project, and a robust project plan is critical to keeping the project on track.

What is the Best Option For Me? 

Every building material has advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these advantages and disadvantages will allow you to weigh them against the objectives you have set for your project. 

Because the material you pick to construct your construction is such an important decision, you should speak with an expert design team. Our team at Headwaters Construction Inc would love to assist you with your commercial construction project. Follow us on Facebook today or contact us on our website. 

Commercial Construction Project Management Tips

Commercial Construction Project Management Tips

Commercial Construction Project Management Tips

Commercial Construction Project Management TipsMany contracting firms concentrate on the commercial building market due to the unique opportunities it provides. Furthermore, the commercial construction industry is thriving. Over the following year, more than half of all commercial construction contractors are expecting an increased revenue. Many individuals are actively seeking Commercial Construction Project Management Tips to advanced their projects.

Managing Your Commercial Construction Project

At Headwaters, we believe in delivering high-quality workmanship that is also quick and long-lasting. Our project objectives are to lower your new construction costs as well as our running expenses without sacrificing quality. We have extensive experience with commercial construction projects such as tilt-up construction, distribution center design and construction, retail strip mall rehabilitation, office parks, and more. Today on the blog, our Sacramento commercial builders share their commercial construction project management tips.

Create a Workable Construction Project Schedule

A realistic timetable must be established at the start of any commercial building project. Creating a realistic timeline assists clients in maintaining expectations and maintains high client satisfaction. All workers and stakeholders should be kept up to date on deadlines and milestones from the start. This will ensure there is no uncertainty about what should happen and when.  Retail renovation contractors bear an obligation to manage their projects. Additionally, they ensure success.

Construction companies have benefited greatly from advancements in digital scheduling technologies. With simple-to-use personal computer software and web-based file-sharing systems, formal scheduling becomes much easier. Contractors should manage their schedules properly, regardless of the software they use, to avoid unnecessary conflicts and delays.

Make A Budget

Contractors must plan for every detail and account for the unexpected when budgeting for a building project. Contractors may ensure they have enough room in their budgets and will not go drastically over the amount they have recommended by planning for complications and extra expenses. Some aspects of commercial construction budgeting are affected by the sort of bid selection at work. A variety of bid selection techniques can be used in construction projects. Knowing what the client values in bid proposals will almost certainly influence how contractors budget for their bids.

Handle and Organize Documents Carefully

Managing the documentation and information linked with a project is an essential element of commercial construction contracts. A strong organization is essential to ensure that records are complete, personnel follows protocols, information is easily accessible for sharing with members of other teams, and everyone can adhere to plans to the letter. Construction project managers are often in charge of a wide range of deliverables. A job breakdown structure, documentation, a risk-management plan, and other items may be included.

Poor documentation has been linked to a higher chance of disputes, design changes, delays, reduced efficiency, and more. In contrast, good documentation can be very beneficial. It will aid in increasing consensus, minimizing design revisions, increasing efficiency, and ensuring that the project is completed on time. Importantly, it will also ensure it remains under budget.

Take the initiative

It’s critical to plan for unexpected events to occur throughout the organization and contracting timeline because they almost always happen. Thus, setting reasonable expectations is critical for overcoming these obstacles.

Material shipment delays occur frequently and can have a substantial impact on timetables, budgets, and customer satisfaction. Planning for such shortages and delays assists contractors in developing backup plans to ensure that such challenges do not derail construction projects.

Commercial Construction in Sacramento

Contact Headwaters Construction Inc. today to discuss your commercial construction project! We’d love to discuss your goals and share our tips. As follows, our passion and expertise are in commercial new construction, shopping center renovation, and tilt-wall building. Importantly, we deliver outstanding quality, communication, and service with every project.

Commercial Construction Costs Per Square Foot

Commercial Construction Costs Per Square Foot

Commercial Construction Costs Per Square Foot

Commercial Construction Costs Per Square FootThe biggest worries before starting the construction of a commercial building are always the construction costs per square foot. Our commercial builders explain that costs vary substantially depending on location, type of building, and more. As follows, the zoning and topography of the area also have an impact on construction prices per square foot. Additionally, as we see in Northern California, costs are more expensive in earthquake-prone areas. Controlling these costs allows owners to complete their projects on time and allows contractors to retain their profit margins. Today on the blog, our commercial construction company discusses commercial construction costs per square foot.

Average Costs of Construction Per Square Foot in California

To start, our retail renovation Sacramento team explains that one of the most major cost drivers for commercial buildings is location. Below, we detail specific costs in California.

The Costs

To determine the average expenses in the Western United States we looked at a few different cities. We, of course, looked at Sacramento, and then San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

The average cost of a single-story commercial structure is anywhere between $300 to $400 per square foot. As follows, for mid-rise commercial buildings, the average price is between $500 and $600 per square foot.  Finally, the average cost of a high-rise building is typically always around $700 per square foot. 

Of course, these costs vary by type of building. Below, our General Contractor Sacramento explains.

Commercial Costs Per Square Foot – Building Type

The cost of construction varies greatly depending on the type of building. We’ve offered average estimates based on location in the United States, but now we’ll look at cost breakdowns based on building types across the country.

Commercial Office Spaces

A single-story office building in the United States costs an average of $300 per square foot. On average, mid-rise office buildings cost $600, whereas high-rise structures cost $700.

Hotels 

Varied places have different requirements and styles of development for hotel and lodging facilities, which affects the pricing. Three-star hotels, for example, are less expensive at $500 per square foot, and five-star hotels are more expensive at roughly $700 per square foot.

Hospitals 

Medical office buildings typically cost about $500 per square foot. Specialty clinics, on the other hand, cost roughly $619 per square foot on average.

Higher Education

Universities and other higher education institutions are more expensive than elementary and secondary schools. Regular classroom buildings, for example, cost roughly $600 per square foot. However, university buildings are the most expensive at $600 per square foot.

Contact Headwaters Today for Commercial Construction in Sacramento

Numerous factors, including location, natural disasters, type of building, and more have a significant impact on commercial construction costs. At Headwaters Construction Inc., our team is here to help you with all of your commercial construction needs. Contact us today to discuss your next commercial construction project in Sacramento. You can follow us on Facebook as well to check out our projects and connect with our top-rated construction team. 

Different Types of Foundations

different types of foundation

The Many Different Types of Foundations

different types of foundationThis article will go through the many different types of foundations used in structures. All foundations are broadly classified into two types: shallow foundations and deep foundations. The terms shallow and deep refer to the depth of dirt used to build the foundation. Shallow foundations are utilized for small, light buildings, and deep foundations are used for massive, heavy structures. Below, our commercial builder shares the different types of foundations.

Shallow Foundations

First, our commercial construction company explains that shallow foundations are sometimes known as spread or open footings. The term “open” refers to the fact that the foundations are built by digging all of the earth to the bottom of the footing and then erecting the footing. Because the whole footing is visible to the naked eye during the early phases of construction, it is referred to as an open foundation. Thus, the concept is that each footing distributes the concentrated load of the column across a broad area. Therefore, this ensures that the actual weight on the soil does not exceed the earth’s safe bearing capability.

Additionally, shallow footings are classified into three types: individual footings, strip footings, and raft Individual Footings.

Strip Footings

Strip footings are a type of load-bearing masonry structure that acts as a long strip that supports the weight of an entire wall. Our Sacramento construction experts explain that these are employed in situations when the building loads are borne by whole walls rather than separate columns, such as in ancient masonry buildings.

Raft Foundations

Raft foundations, also known as Mat foundations, are commonly utilized for building basements. The entire basement floor slab functions as the foundation in a raft; the weight of the structure is distributed uniformly throughout the full footprint of the building. The building is nicknamed a raft because it resembles a vessel that ‘floats’ on a sea of dirt.

Mat foundations are utilized when the soil is soft and building loads must be distributed over a broad area, or when columns are closely spaced, which means that individual footings would touch each other if individual footings were employed.

Pile Foundations

A pile is essentially a long cylinder of strong material, such as concrete, that is driven into the ground to support structures on top of it.

End Bearing Piles: How Do They Work?

The bottom end of an end-bearing pile sits on a layer of, particularly strong soil or rock. The load of the building is transferred to the strong layer through the pile. In some ways, this pile resembles a column. The bottom end sits on the surface, which is the junction between a weak and strong layer. As a result, the weight avoids the weak layer and is securely transmitted to the strong layer.

Friction Piles

Friction piles operate on a separate set of principles. By friction, the pile transmits the load of the building to the earth across the whole height of the pile. In other words, the pile’s whole surface, which is cylindrical in shape, works to transmit forces to the earth.

Contact Headwaters Today

Now that you have an understanding of the different types of foundations, you may have questions about which one is best for your construction plan. Contact Headwaters Construction today! Our commercial builders would love to help you with your commercial construction project. Follow us on Facebook today.

Timing & Scheduling For Remodeling Projects

Timing & Scheduling For Remodeling Projects

Timing & Scheduling For Your Commercial Remodeling Projects

Timing & Scheduling For Remodeling ProjectsOrganized remodeling programs are always completed in stages, regardless of the sort of work being performed. However, many people have a hard time completely nailing the timing & scheduling for remodeling projects.

Today on the blog, our commercial builders share the best timing and scheduling practices to make the most of your remodel project.

Preparation and Pre-Building

Planning, drawing, and material sampling are a large part of the preparation and pre-construction process. Typically, this accounts for only 10% of the entire building process, although the preparation stages can take years.

The property owner works with other developers, partners, planners, and Sacramento general contractors during this period to produce a viable plan. Our team at Headwaters Construction Inc. suggests creating your commercial construction renovation goals to start this phase of your project. As follows, knowing your key objectives and creating a commercial renovation guide will assist you in setting targets.

Your building project will include multiple decisions, and these decisions will be easier to make if you realize what you’re aiming to achieve. We recommend setting a vision for your initiative with your corporate partners or other members of your company.

The bidding process follows the drawing phase. You should consult with multiple vendors and get a good idea about how to hire and how much the job would cost. Pre-construction and planning stages require significant budgeting, and many commercial property owners need loans to pay for their construction project. To see how much you’ll need to borrow, you should have an idea of how much the project will cost. This is why bidding must come first, followed by funding. When you sign a deal, the planning and pre-construction processes can come to an end. If you’ve signed, you’re able to begin the demolition.

Demolition Phase

The demolition process of a remodel is time-consuming and labor-intensive. At this stage, the construction team will remove everything that will obstruct future work. Depending on the scale and complexity of the job, demolition will take days or weeks. Typically, demolition accounts for about 15% of overall remodel time. This process may be very loud and destructive, and it might be necessary to switch off the electricity or water for a portion of the time.

Indoor air quality is impacted by demolition. Asbestos, silica, and other potentially toxic materials can be found in demolition soil. Our Sacramento general contractors agree that cautiousness must be taken during this phase of the building process. Gilmore Heating Air and Plumbing, Sacramento HVAC Company, say that particles from the demolition will get into the HVAC system and disrupt its operation. If the HVAC system is operating whilst demolition is taking place, leaks in the ducts will scatter dust across the facility. If steps are not taken, this will have a long-term effect on the atmosphere in your home.

Identifying and Repairing Damages

During the renovation process, it is normal for commercial remodeling contractors to discover damage inside the walls. This can be caused by plumbing leakage, insect infestations, roof leaks, bad wiring, and other issues. Contractors are also able to discover code breaches and bad workmanship. When this occurs, the project’s reach can expand. Contractors must correct any issues before proceeding with their project. This will boost the project’s cost and lengthen the project’s time.

Permitting

Before the project progresses from framing to other stages of construction, structural inspectors may be called on to ensure that the job is up to standards. This will most likely occur multiple times during the remodeling phase. Thus, Permitting is a critical component of many building programs. Building inspectors are responsible for ensuring the construction work is completed correctly and efficiently.

Your contract should state who will be in charge of securing the permit. If your contractor obtains the permit, the permit fee will be rolled into the cost of your construction project.

Permitting is handled by the municipal offices in Sacramento, California.

Completing Your Sacramento Commercial Construction Project

The finishing process accounts for approximately 20% of the overall project cost. During this time, drywall is installed, outlets are mounted on the walls, baseboards are installed, the walls are painted, stone veneer or tile is added, and the room or rooms are completed. When all is finished and completed, the builder can walk you around the remodeled room to ensure that everything was done right.

Commercial Construction in Sacramento

The final stage of a project is project closeout. This process accounts for around 10% of the overall project cost. During this process, the contractor applies finishing touches to the walls, corrects punch list issues, and cleans up debris. The final walkthrough occurs at the conclusion of the project closeout process. A successful contractor would go above and beyond to fix any problems that arise during the final walkthrough.

If you need any commercial construction project in Sacramento, Headwaters Construction Inc. is here for you! We offer tilt-up construction, general contracting, and more. Contact our team today.

 

Commercial Bathroom Design In 2021

Commercial bathroom design 2021

Commercial Bathroom Design Ideas 2021

Commercial bathroom design 2021Using a public bathroom, which was once a fast and mindless stop, has evolved into an experience that emphasizes the value of architecture and a safe atmosphere. COVID-19 has infiltrated every part of our lives, including our bathroom visits. Our commercial builders explain that, prior to COVID-19, the two most critical factors of commercial bathroom architecture are comfort and longevity. However, things have changed. Today on the blog, we are discussing commercial bathroom design ideas in 2021.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR DESIGN

Our commercial construction company explains that restrooms are still a huge priority when we collaborate with a customer on a new concept or an office redesign.  A bathroom is one of the most costly spaces to build and furnish. It usually wears out earlier than other commercial spaces. A bathroom area that is easy to use, safe, and long-lasting is an advantage to your entire commercial interior.

The placement of facilities inside an office interior is still a concern. However, with coronavirus in mind, how people pass around a commercial interior before accessing the bathroom will now be considered. Commercial spaces with square footage may suggest a doorless entryway, such as those used in airports or stadiums. General contractor Sacramento explains this will reduce the number of touchpoints. The thoughtful architecture will help the washroom facilities elevate the customer experience now more than ever.

What is the appearance of a socially remote restroom? Both bathroom users respect privacy, and with the mandate for personal space now part of our daily lives, the movement toward expanded privacy in the restroom will escalate.

BUILD SPECS

Ensuring that a commercial bathroom is designed to the correct standards is important for both new building and remodeling ventures. Building codes do not change immediately, but modifications after a pandemic are possible. Other factors include ventilation fans, which encourage airflow and transfer contaminated air out of the room while also reducing mold formation. The professional project manager assures that the permitting and inspection processes are fully managed.

OPTIONS FOR FURNISHING IN COMMERCIAL BATHROOMS in 2021

The industry is releasing new fixture options almost every day. Thus, the number of touchless commercial faucet options can only grow. Styles, finishes, various types of sensors, sensor positioning, and sensor wiring must all be addressed. Both touchless fixtures should be hardwired. Although the initial investment is greater, the repair team will be grateful. Nobody enjoys creeping under light fixtures to replace batteries.

In terms of cleanliness, toilets are usually the most important consideration. Maid For Muddy Paws, commercial cleaning company Woodlands TX, explains that soap dispensers, hand towel dispensers or dryers, and waste are also high-touch surfaces. Aside from the faucet, there are a plethora of motion-controlled fixtures on the market. Touchpad door openers, motion recognition lighting, easy-to-clean, anti-rust plastic washroom stalls, and integral hand dryers installed into sinks, which prevent water from being blown onto the floor and eliminate the need for paper towels, are other alternatives for more sanitary bathrooms.

When choosing fixtures for a bathroom, it is necessary to understand handicap accessibility, code standards, and traffic flow. The all-in-one fixture reduces contact points and clutter by allowing bathroom users to wet, soap, and dry their hands without going to different fixtures. Motion-activated flushing for toilets and urinals is not a modern concept, but commercial bathrooms without such fixtures would look old and unsanitary in the post-COVID period.

Durability has always been critical in commercial restrooms, but with the increased emphasis on sanitization and cleaning pace, these chemicals can take their toll on surfaces and fixtures. We are commercial interior design specialists, like fixture placement, and appreciate the importance of installing the right fixtures with your particular design.

Contact Headwaters Construction Today

Questions about your Sacramento commercial building bathroom plan? We are here to help. Our commercial construction experts are here for you every step of the way. Contact our team today.

Benefits of Hiring a Construction Company

Benefits of Hiring a Construction Company

4 Key Benefits of Hiring a Construction Company

Benefits of Hiring a Construction CompanyWith so many commercial construction companies out there, it is vital to do your research. Selecting the best company to undertake your ground-up construction project is extremely important. There are many benefits that come with finding the right company. Today on the blog, we detail the benefits of hiring a construction company.

They Offer a Broad Range of Services

One of the biggest reasons why you should hire a reputable commercial construction company is that they will offer you all the services that you need. This is in connection with your concrete tilt-up construction project or any other method of construction that you choose.

For example, with the commercial builder on your side, you will not have to look to other companies. The building design team, electrical works experts, plumbing professionals, or indeed any other skilled personnel needed to construct your building will come with a construction company. All you have to do is sign the necessary paperwork. The company will do the rest, from the first step of the project to the last step, when the finished building is handed to you.

You Are Assured of Expertise at All Levels

Reputable commercial builders have a name to protect. As follows, they will go out of their way to select the best professionals to join their teams. Additionally, the resources that they command allow them to attract and retain the best talent on their books.

You will have access to the best building designers, the best architects, the best building inspectors, and all the other professionals. Essentially, you will have access to any of the professions that are required during the phases of constructing a commercial building. Your job ends at signing a contract with the Sacramento construction company. They will do the rest while you receive timely status updates on the progress being made.

This is in stark contrast to someone who ends up with contractors who aren’t known for their high professional standards. Such builders will spell trouble from the very beginning. Problems are likely to arise during every step of the process. For example, their limited experience could make them give you inaccurate financial projections. Thus, you could end up having misunderstandings with them over cost creep.

Licensed and Insured Professionals

You don’t want to work with a commercial construction firm that isn’t insured or licensed. Our neighbors over at Gilmore Heating, Air and Plumbing, the best HVAC company in Sacramento, share their recommendations. They shared that it is important to always make sure that whoever your hiring is insured and licensed. This is because such an entity will not give you the assurance that you need regarding adherence to construction guidelines and procedures.

It is in your best interest to select a commercial construction company that is licensed to operate within the jurisdiction of your building. Their staff should be licensed and bonded to safeguard you from being liable should an accident occur during the ground-up project.

Commercial construction is inherently risky, but a reputable tilt-up construction firm will have systems in place to manage those risks. Should an accident occur, their insurance will cover that eventuality, and you will not suffer any unforeseen costs.

Budgetary Discipline

While everyone would like to own a great commercial property, no one wants to spend more than is necessary to get that building. It is, therefore, important to find construction contractors who are professional enough to respect the set budget and deliver a complete structure that meets all the specifications agreed upon during the project design phase.

Different ground-up projects have their own cost requirements. A commercial construction company worth its name will give you accurate projections about the expected costs so that you can make an informed decision on whether to proceed with the project or modify the scope of the work in order to bring down the expected costs.

Once the timeframe and budget have been agreed upon, the commercial builder will act on those terms. This will be detailed in the contract, and you will have nothing to worry about. 

In short, the most helpful decision to ensure that your commercial construction project is successful is simple. Choose an honest and reputable commercial construction company in Sacramento. You will not have any headaches once you identify such a company. At Headwaters Construction Inc., we have a track record of delivering all types of commercial construction projects. This ranges from tilt-up construction, strip mall construction, and everything in between. Contact Headwaters Construction Inc today! Let us discuss how we can be of help in addressing all your commercial construction needs.

Commercial Construction Site Evaluation

Commercial Construction Site Evaluation

Sacramento Commerical Construction Site Evaluation

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

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

Size of the Building 

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

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

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

Environmental Elements

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

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

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

Access to Utilities 

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

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

Zoning & Regulations 

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

Make the Best Site Evaluation 

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

Sacramento Contractor’s Bid

Sacramento Contractor's Bid

What to Look for in a Contractor’s Bid 

Sacramento Contractor's BidAre 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. 

 

Common Commercial Construction Projects

Common Commercial Construction Projects - Headwaters Building

Common Types of Commercial Construction Projects

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

Restaurants 

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

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

Groceries and Retail Stores 

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

Industrial Buildings 

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

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

Lodging Facilities 

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

Medical Facilities

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

Office Buildings

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

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

Athletic Structures

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

Picking the Perfect Construction Project 

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