Tag: general contractor

Why We Use Metal Stud Framing

Interior walls in commercial buildings are often built using metal studs. At Headwaters Construction, our commercial builders are very familiar with metal stud framing. This is because metal studs can be utilized in residential construction. Today on the blog, our Sacramento general contractors discuss why we use metal stud framing.

Why Headwaters Building Recommends Metal Stud Framing

Metal Stud framing offers tons of benefits to business owners. To begin with, they have safety features that cannot be beaten.

They Are Fireproof

To start, one of the main reasons our Sacramento commercial construction company utilizes metal studs for commercial projects. This is because they are fireproof. While metal studs may not provide a completely non-flammable environment, they do minimize the number of flammable substances in the environment. Continue reading to find out more reasons why Headwaters Construction Inc. prefers to employ metal stud framing.

Metal Studs Don’t Sag or Rot

Metal studs are straight and will remain so indefinitely. They do not warp or show signs of wear and tear over time. Additionally, they are also unaffected by moisture or humidity. This makes them a wonderful option for business owners so that their structures last forever.

Weightless

Steel studs are lighter in weight than wood, making them easier to transport and store because they are hollow on the inside.

Fire & Insect Resistant

Metal studs, as previously said, are resistant to fire, termites, and ants.

Reasonably Priced

Metal studs can be as expensive as wood. The price of wood, on the other hand, is prone to fluctuation, but the price of metal is quite consistent.

Steel studs are available in bespoke sizes, therefore there is about 2% waste vs around 20% waste with wood. Furthermore, the metal scrap is recyclable.

Installation Ease

Metal studs are generally easier to work with and handle than wood studs, owing to their lighter weight. Additionally, metal studs are screwed together, allowing them to be disassembled, replaced, or relocated as needed. Thus, metal studs also provide holes for electrical wire, which simplifies the electrical part of a project.

There is No Dust

Metal stud cutting does not produce a dusty mess, making clean-up way easier.

As you can see, there are numerous advantages to using metal stud framing in a commercial building. For each business and residential project, we analyze the aspects and select materials that we believe are most suited for the project.

Contact Headwaters Construction Inc.

Have a question about your upcoming construction project? We’d love to help! Contact us on Facebook or on our site.

How to Improve Punch Lists

Simple Ways to Improve Punch Lists

Every project must come to an end at some point. However, like with other construction processes, it is easier said than done actually getting to the end. When it comes to technology application, the construction industry has often demonstrated that it lags behind the rest of the globe. That could imply that your present punch list isn’t working. Or that you don’t utilize one at all, neither of which is ideal–especially when clients rely on you to deliver on time. Today on the blog, our Commercial Builders share how to improve punch lists.

What is a Punch List?

In today’s construction, a punch list is defined as a listing of items requiring immediate attention and a document typically attached to the certificate of substantial completion. Before getting payment, the Sacramento general contractor must rectify the punch list work.

Additionally, a punch list may also include specifications for other materials or things that were damaged during construction. As follows, these must now be repaired. Additionally, it could also involve improper installations that aren’t working as expected. However, punch lists often only include minor changes. Regardless of how modest the changes are, it is critical to carefully execute a construction punch list. This guarantees your project gets the final touches it needs to be declared complete.

Do Not Procrastinate Until the End

In most cases, the punch list is not prepared until the walkthrough is completed. However, this does not imply that punch lists should be generated at the end of a project. Instead, our general contractors explain it is preferable to begin creating a punch list earlier in the project. They recommend using this as a frequent check on building quality.

Laying out the various parts of the project also reveals whether there are any gaps in the project requirements. Additionally, it reveals if there is a contract that must be filled. Throughout the project, you should meet with the project owner or stakeholders on a regular basis. We recommend this to determine what needs to be done before the handoff. Additionally, it ensures that all of their specifications and project criteria are met.

Implement Regular Inspections

Regular inspections, or “punch walks,” will help you reach your objective of a zero-punch list faster. Inadequate construction quality is a major cause of project delays during the closeout stage. However, it is critical to remember that quality should be built-in. This is opposed to being added as an afterthought at the conclusion of a project. When you have standards and quality checks in place along the route, you avoid the need for costly rework and project delays at the end.

Even adopting a punch list structure for your inspections is an excellent approach. This helps keep your team focused on quality throughout the construction process. A punch list form is well suited to the purpose of quality control. Its checklist format is ideal for providing quick monitoring while also documenting exactly what needs to be fixed and whether or not it has been accomplished.

Create a Punch List Budget

One of the most important goals of every project is to stay within the budget. However, financial overruns are common when attempting to complete a project. Setting a budget for the punch list in advance might be a useful approach for keeping a project on budget. It also speeds up the progress of punch lists because there are fewer doubts about where the money will come from to complete them. Setting up this budget as part of the initial project allocation is, of course, the most effective method.

Contact Headwaters

Ready to get your commercial project going? Contact Headwaters Construction today. We’d love to assist you in tilt-up construction, construction planning, and more. Head to our Facebook today to check out what people are saying about us!

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

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

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

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

YOUR BUDGET AND TIMELINE

Renovations cost both time and money.

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

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

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

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

FOOT TRAFFIC

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

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

LIGHTING

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

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

DECOMPRESSION AREA

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

HOW TO DECIDE RETAIL RENOVATION

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

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

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Hiring a Contractor Checklist

Hiring a Sacramento Contractor Checklist

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

Get Multiple Estimates

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

Opt for Local Contractors If Possible

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

Review Their Previous Work

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

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

Don’t Rush

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

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

Scrutinize Their Insurance and Bonding

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

Put Everything in Writing

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

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

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

Maintain a Project File

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

Plan for Delays

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

Don’t Pay in Advance

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

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

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Tips for Construction Succession Planning

One shortcoming that many smaller construction companies have is that they rarely think about succession planning as a management function. Such companies end up handling issues of succession in an ad hoc way by just hiring or promoting anyone that they think will fit the roles available. This can be a recipe for disaster, especially given how sensitive construction work is. Rather than take a reactive approach to succession, Headwaters Construction, Inc., a commercial construction company, suggests that you systemize succession by considering the following factors.

Keep Your Eye on Job Requirements Rather Than Personalities

Succession isn’t about replacing someone who has died, retired, or quit. It is about finding someone that can perform the job available to the highest standard possible. For this reason, commercial construction companies should devote time and effort to writing down a detailed job description outlining what exactly they’re looking for.

As you write those job descriptions, be reasonable, and avoid expecting too much from a given role or employee. If you demand too much, it will be hard for you to find someone that succeeds in that role. It is, therefore, better for you to stick to just the tasks logically expected from someone holding a given position.

For example, tilt-up contractors may be going overboard if they expect project managers to be able to fill the role of every position, i.e. operating construction equipment. The best HVAC company in Sacramento, Gilmore Heating, Air, and Solar, are another great example of a company that has an outstanding team.

Match Current Staff to Your Future Needs

You can also make succession planning at your retail renovation company or any other commercial construction company, more systematic by assessing your staff and matching each of them to one or more roles that could need filling in the future.

As you perform this matching exercise, keep in mind the skills, aptitudes, and preferences of your existing employees so that you can help them to grow into the positions that will need to be filled in the future. It is helpful to interact with your staff and learn what their career goals and aspirations are so that you can help them to grow in the direction that suits both their preferences and those of the tilt-up construction company.

Train and Avail Opportunities for Hands-On Experience

Once you have matched your current staff to your future needs, the next step is to train those employees and create opportunities for them to get hands-on experience in performing the roles for which you are preparing them.

A good starting point is by outlining the knowledge and skills that each employee needs to possess to excel at the role you wish to prepare them for.

Secondly, Headwaters Construction, Inc., the best commercial builder in Northern California, suggests that you give that person the credentials that they need to access software and information related to the role.

When you give the employee access to the tools required to perform a given role, and you train them, the transition from the employee who is retiring or is no longer available for any other reason will be seamless.

Design a Staffing and Retention Plan

A staffing plan outlines the different positions that you have as a commercial builder, together with a detailed description of each job. This plan lets you know your staffing needs so you can hire accordingly.

The staffing plan needs to paint a picture of when each employee is expected to grow into another position. For example, moving from an entry-level role to a management role.

Once you know what external hires you need to make, get to work filling those positions as and when resources become available.

If there is an urgent need to fill a role, but resources aren’t available to hire someone, make do with the staff you currently have. You simply pick an employee in a similar role and ask them to take on the role available while you wait to hire someone substantive for the position. For example, your project superintendent could act as a project manager until you can fill the role.

As you can see, the measures above will make succession planning a logical and systematic process at your commercial construction company. At Headwaters Construction, Inc., our management systems have nailed succession planning, and we deliver the same high-quality work regardless of which specific employees are handling a given project. If you are planning a commercial construction, retail renovation, or general contracting project in Northern California, get in touch with us today so that we can discuss your needs and plan the most cost-effective way to execute the project.

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How Project Managers Add Value

How 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!

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Ways to Finance Commercial Construction Project

The Mechanism Behind Construction Loans

Taking into consideration the strictness behind credit and income requirements, it becomes increasingly crucial to find a lender for your new build.

In order to secure a construction loan, you may experience a more stringent policy in terms of credit scores and income guidelines, than you would for a home loan. So, it’s rather important to go through an evaluation as a borrower.

Construction-To-Permanent Loans

Apart from other options, a construction-to-permanent loan suits the needs of many as in the case of solid construction deadlines it proves to be reliable and efficient. If you have a contractor who has a history of completing each task on time, taking upon the option of construction-to-permanent loans is preferred. The mechanism runs smoothly where the lender pays the builder once the work is completed.

Finding Land to Build Your Commercial Building

If you plan on building a commercial building from the ground up, it’s best to find lots that are in established areas. In other situations, you may not have to start from scratch. Whether you’re looking to start a completely new commercial building or just need a retail renovation, keep in mind that location is everything.

Design-Build for New Construction

The decision made by you to hire an architect will largely depend on the area where you choose to materialize your commercial property. In commercial communities that are planned, there are contracts that are signed with a number of local builders. Hiring an architect, however, may be helpful if you have a large number of preferences and specifications. A completed drawing by your architect can help you achieve the permit to build as well.

Is There a Need for Title Insurance for a New Construction?

In order to avoid disputes in terms of legal transfers, getting title insurance shall be your safest bet. If a purchase is made in a tract of land in a suburb that is developing, then the property is most likely to have been covered legally. To get more insight on whether or not you need title insurance, you may need a real estate attorney who can guide you along the way.

Get a New Commerical Construction Inspection

After your commercial building has been built, it is still highly recommended to undergo the procedure of professional inspections. It’s always best to be safe than sorry. An inspection will ensure that the entire process goes smoother.

In a nutshell, be sure to find an agent that keeps your financing in check, have your credit in order so you can successfully finance your construction venture. In order to avoid any delays, get documents and plans pre-approved as certain fines may increase your cost. Be sure to research skilled builders that will provide value. Financing your project can be a challenging process, but strategic planning and an organized outline can help you in the long run. At Headwaters Construction Inc., we understand that commercial construction is not an easy process. Don’t worry, our team is here to make the process go smoother. If you’re interested in our commercial construction services, contact our office today.

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What Does a General Contractor Do?

You may be considering hiring a general contractor if you are planning a major renovation of your home or commercial property. If you are in doubt regarding how to go about the process of selecting a general contractor, or you are even doubtful about the necessity of this professional, this article will help you get some answers to your questions.

Who Is a General Contractor?

A general contractor is a professional who takes full control of a construction project. A general contractor could be a company, such as Headwaters Construction Inc., or it can be an individual.

If your project is a major one and you are unable to take on some of the tasks, it may be worthwhile to hire a local contractor. Whether you hire a professional or a company, they will be responsible for hiring labor, ensuring that the necessary approved plans are in place, and every other aspect of the project is in order.

What Are the Roles of a General Contractor?

While the specific roles or tasks of a general contractor could vary from one project to another, Sacramento construction company experts reveal that those tasks normally include many of the following;

Procures all the materials that are required for the execution of the project.
Provides or hires all the labor required to complete the project.
Provides all the tools, vehicles, and equipment needed for the construction project.
Hires all the subcontractors that are deemed necessary for the work of the project.
Makes sure that all the work done is of the required quality and it is done within the timelines set for the project.
Monitors project cash flows, timelines, and payments.
Keeps all the records of the project.
Takes responsibility for ensuring that safety protocols and systems are upheld during the execution of the construction project.

How Does One Become a General Contractor?

There may be no specific education requirements that one must have to become a general contractor, but professionals at a leading Sacramento construction company explain that one needs to have a combination of experience, training, and education for them to execute their duties competently.

Some jurisdiction has requirements that general contractors must meet to be licensed. For example, some states may require these professionals to pass a written exam before they are allowed to work as general contractors. It is therefore advisable for you to cross-check and find out whether your area has any formal requirements that general contractors must meet.

Can I Manage My Own Project?

You can act as a general contractor during the execution of your renovation or construction project. However, you must meet all the requirements expected for one to become a general contractor in your area.

Being a general contractor yourself will allow you to save some money on the project. To benefit, you’ll need to plan the project and hire subcontractors where necessary. Headwaters Construction Inc. suggests that you hire a professional to manage your project because it can save you from paying for your mistakes down the road.

What Are the Advantages of Hiring a General Contractor?

When you hire a general contractor, you don’t have to worry about anything since this professional will be in charge of every aspect of your construction or renovation project.

You also have the liberty to negotiate with the general contractor on the details of the project as well as the costs associated with the project.

Headwaters Construction Inc. experts also say that you are safer if you hire a general contractor because they are insured, licensed and has lots of experience. This works in your favor because you have some recourse if anything goes wrong.

What Are the Cons of Working With a General Contractor?

One of the biggest drawbacks of working with a general contractor is that they could be expensive if your renovation or construction project is small.

The general contractor doesn’t have the expertise to execute all the aspects of the project, so this individual or company will end up hiring subcontractors, and you will foot the tab.

When you hire a general contractor, you have no say regarding the details of how the work is done if you provided specifications and handed over authority to the general contractor.

How Does a General Contractor Differ from a Subcontractor?

While you directly hire the general contractor, the subcontractor is hired by and reports directly to the general contractor. This means that you, the project owner, has no say regarding who is hired as a subcontractor.

Additionally, a subcontractor’s competence is in a narrow field, and this individual or company only execute that aspect of the work. For example, one subcontractor may be hired by a general contractor in Sacramento to do the plumbing while another subcontractor will come in to do all the electrical work on the project. The general contractor will oversee all these subcontractors.

However, since subcontractors are generally more affordable than general contractors, it is less costly for you to hire and work with them directly instead of going through a general contractor.

The options are for you to either hire a local contractor or opt for subcontractors to work directly under you during the execution of your construction or renovation project. Assess your needs and abilities and then make an appropriate decision regarding which of these professionals is most suitable for your needs.

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How to Remodel a Commercial Building

Commercial 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.

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