The Pros and Cons of Tilt-Up Construction

the pros and cons of tilt construction

the pros and cons of tilt construction

Pros and Cons of Tilt-Up Construction 2021

Tilt-up construction has become more popular since the 1920s when it was invented as a building method. This article, written by our Sacramento commercial contractors, discusses the pros and cons of tilt-up construction method. Headwaters Construction Inc. hopes this helps you decide whether or not tilt-up construction is something you’d like to use in your next commercial construction project.

THE PROS OF TILT-UP CONSTRUCTION

Tilt-Up Construction – Speed 

It takes just a few days for the poured concrete panels to cure and be ready for tilting or lifting into place. The speed of this construction method also switches into higher gear when you consider how quickly other skilled contractors, such as plumbers and electricians, can get to work at the site. The swift build-up of the walls means that those other professionals can begin their work sooner. So, the entire project will be completed after a shorter time than other construction methods.

Tilt-Up Construction – Cost Savings

The Sacramento tilt-up construction experts explain that it isn’t surprising that tilt-up construction is the method of choice for people who want to build big-box stores, industrial complexes, or even low-cost housing.

The method is cost-effective in many ways. For example, less labor is required since just a few people can pour the concrete panels and a crane or any other piece of lifting equipment, then tilts those cured panels into place. As any Sacramento Headwaters building and contracting expert will tell you, any reduction in labor results in significant cost savings for a builder.

Energy Efficiency

Reinforced concrete is a good insulator, and tilt-up construction allows buildings to enjoy higher levels of this energy efficiency since there are few joints or seams in the entire building.

You can also ask the Sacramento tilt-up construction company in charge of your project to add more insulation layers to the tilt-up panels. While this may raise your project cost, you will enjoy better energy-efficiency during the lifetime of the building. Our friends at Specialized AV, a distributed audio service in Sacramento adds that the additional savings can eventually cover the cost of adding that insulation.

Design Flexibility

In the past, tilt-up construction wasn’t a popular method for constructing smaller structures and buildings where esthetics were a major requirement. However, the maturation of design technology, such as 5-D Macro BIM, has increased the design possibilities for Sacramento tilt-up construction companies to the extent that round surfaces and curved walls are all possible using this building method.

The fact that each tilt-up building is customized to a particular client’s needs means that the fluidity of concrete can be taken advantage of in nearly countless ways.

Sound and Fire Resistance

Tilt-up construction also produces buildings with a high level of sound attenuation and fire resistance. People working in a tilt-up structure would not be affected by the noise from the building’s environs, just as a noisy manufacturing plant will not cause as much of a disturbance as would be possible if other methods of construction had been used.

Additionally, the tilt-up construction experts at Head Waters Construction, Inc. in Sacramento explain that the concrete used during tilt-up construction is formulated to meet the most stringent fire resistance standards. Building occupants can therefore work while safe knowing that they will be safeguarded until they can escape during a fire emergency.

Easy Access to Contracting Materials

It is also easy for Headwaters building and contracting professionals to access any required building materials, such as rebar and cement, from the local suppliers near the construction site. This is unlike what would happen if the contractor needed to order more complex materials from a far-away supplier.

THE CONS OF TILT-UP CONSTRUCTION

Upfront Coordination is Crucial

Tilt-up construction requires a high degree of upfront coordination between different professionals, such as electricians, HVAC technicians, and structural engineers. Any change that has to be made once the tilt-up walls are cured and lifted into position will be very costly and disruptive.

Cost Efficiencies Kick in Subject to Project Size

Tilt-up construction produces increasing cost savings as the size of a building becomes bigger. However, the reverse is also true as the square footage reduces, so you might be well advised to discuss with an expert from Head Waters Construction, Inc., about the cost implications of using this method if you intend to construct a building on the smaller side.

Hire a Professional Construction Company

As you can see, there are many pros to tilt-up construction. If you think that you could enjoy the numerous benefits of this commercial building method, contact Head Waters Construction, Inc. in Sacramento and let the experts chart a way forward to your dream building using tilt-up construction!

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

Tips on Hiring a Commercial Contractor 

tips for hiring commercial contractors - Headwaters Construction Inc.

tips for hiring commercial contractors - Headwaters Construction Inc

Tips on Hiring a Commercial Contractor 2021

There has been an increasing amount of business owners in recent years. Ask anyone who owns a business, and they’ll tell you it’s much harder than it looks. There is one side that takes into account aspects of its wings that include competitive analysis of sales, marketing plans, manufacturing and inventory, profits, and losses. Many business owners avoid all of these things and are most likely to hire a general contractor to complete their commercial projects. Who could blame them, right? In this article, we share some helpful tips on hiring a commercial contractor for your latest project.

Review the General Contractors’ History + Credentials 

It is important to start with basic steps. By going to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at Headwaters Construction Inc. and pulling out the company allows one to verify its existence and its activity. For instance, it may be of need to see if all the documentation is up to date and what their project history looks like. Getting a clearer view of professional construction companies in your area can be done by checking their attributed websites and testimonials. 

Take References Into Consideration 

There is no need to hesitate in asking for references from your general contractor. This, at times, is crucial as if you sense any sort of hesitance or inability on their end to provide what you want, you must take it as a signal to consider changing paths. Given the fact that you will be in contact and an alliance with these people for months or maybe even years, it is vital to form an association with reliable contractors and make a sensible enough decision in selecting the best option in order for you to watch them deliver as promised. Moreover, be sure to compare the quality of the projects that have been done by the prospective commercial contractors and inspect the work that is done. Our friends at LMS Garage Doors, who installs garage doors Sacramento, knows this first hand. Ask for their portfolio before handing over your deposit.

Must Ensure to Delve Into and Get to The Bottom Line of Costs 

Although the cost may not be the only factor, it, however, is one of the most important factors. There should be an illustration of costs in a divisional itemization that includes as much detail as possible.

Make You Review Other Bids

You must beware of offering the lowest bid compared to your competitors Our friends at Tureks Plumbing, a company that offers bathroom remodeling services in Fox Valley, recommends doing a competitor analysis to see what you should be charging for services. As they would say back in the day, “You get what you pay for” and “Cheap is expensive.” 

Ask For Financials If You’re Falling Short 

Avoid going through the nightmare of incomplete projects and getting stuck with contractors that cannot cover the costs. Take into consideration payment and performance bonds and do your due diligence as this is a rather critical aspect in terms of hiring a contractor. 

Headwaters Construction Inc. is an excellent team to work with to achieve desired results. 

Hiring the right contractor can be a daunting task where the decision is absolutely crucial. This requires diligence and cannot afford to be ignored. 

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

Are you taking a commercial construction project in Sacramento? Do you feel the need that there is a grey area that requires to be filled by a professional builder? Feel free to contact Head Waters Construction Inc for experienced commercial building services in Northern California. 

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

What’s the Difference Between Ground-Up Construction and Renovation?

ground up construction and renovation

What's the difference between ground-up construction and renovation?

Ground-up Construction vs. Renovation: 2021

In most cases, when you compare construction and renovation, you are motivated by two main factors. One is that your company has outgrown its current premises, or you would like to have an additional location for your business. In this article, you will learn how ground-up construction differs from commercial renovation and understand the factors you need to consider to choose the most appropriate option for your business needs. 

Ground-up Construction & Renovation Defined 

Ground-up construction refers to the process of putting up a new structure on a lot where no building exists. You are building from scratch. New foundations, new walls, new footings. On the other hand, a renovation refers to the modification of an existing structure. The primary structural elements, such as the foundation, will remain. Still, your local renovation company in Sacramento may tear down an interior wall to change the building’s floor plan.

However, the professionals at Head Waters Construction, Inc. warn you that the definition of what constitutes renovation or new construction may vary from one municipality or city to another. So, it is best to check the local laws and establish which categorization applies to the project you wish to undertake.

A COMPARISON BETWEEN GROUND-UP CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

– Design Flexibility 

Headwaters building and contracting professionals recommend that you consider the degree of design flexibility that you desire during your project before you opt for either ground-up construction or renovation.

In most cases, ground-up construction offers you nearly unlimited design flexibility. A blank slate or canvas allows you to make the site into anything you want. However, keep in mind that renovation puts some constraints upon your design possibilities since you must work within the existing building’s structural elements. If these constraints will be a concern, then opting for ground-up construction would be the ideal choice.

– Location

Another crucial factor that you need to think about has to do with your business’s ideal location. It may be hard for you to find a vacant lot in a desirable area where you can build the ideal premises for your business. In such a case, finding an existing building and renovating it would be a more feasible option.

– Regulatory Compliance 

Building codes keep evolving, and all new structures or renovated ones have to be compliant with the latest regulations. Herein lies another consideration that Sacramento construction companies advise business owners to think about. For example, deciding to renovate a section of your current building may trigger a regulatory requirement for you to make the entire building ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-compliant. These regulatory issues can make an otherwise straight-forward renovation process complex and costly. Building premises from the ground up becomes a more attractive proposition since you may predict all the project factors.

– Getting Construction Building Permits

The process of securing building permits for a renovation project is generally less complicated and shorter when compared to navigating the permitting process in a new structure from the ground-up. Some renovation projects may not even require a permit. However, likely, constructing a building from scratch will never have the permit requirements waived.

–  Building

How soon do you want to use the new or renovated building? The duration needed to complete a renovation project is usually a small fraction of the time required to construct a building from scratch. Head Waters Construction, Inc., aconstruction company in Sacramento, recommends that people who are pressed for time opt for renovation. Similarly, those who don’t have much time should build the desired structure from the ground up.

–  Concerns Over Hazardous Materials

You may have hazardous materials to contend with if you would like to renovate an older building. For example, asbestos may be found within the walls as you kick-start a project to add an extension to your business premises. According to Headwaters development experts, dealing with those hazardous materials can inflate renovation budgets and throw project timelines out of whack.

However, even vacant lots can have hazardous materials. For example, a lot located on land that was reclaimed from agricultural land, chemical industry, or even a retired garbage dumping site may have toxic waste. Therefore, it is advisable for you to commission a site or building analysis to identify any potential issues of hazardous materials before you decide whether to renovate that existing building or build on a vacant site.

– Construction Cost

Your budget is a significant determinant of whether renovation or ground-up construction is a viable option. Our friends at Tureks Plumbing Services, a home remodeling contractor in Appleton, WI, add that most renovation projects require smaller budgets than ground-up construction does. Furthermore, renovation projects can be phased so that the cost implication is spread out over a longer time. If your budget is limited, your best bet is to renovate an existing building. However, if no resource limitation exists, ground-up construction may be a better option.

As you can see, there is no clear cut answer as to whether renovation or ground-up construction is the best option for you. What can only determine the correct answer once you discuss your building needs in Sacramento with an expert from Head Waters Construction, Inc. Our professionals will recommend the most cost-effective option for your company, so give us a call today!

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

Commercial Construction Loan: Everything You Need to Know

commercial construction loan - everything you need to know headwaters

commercial construction loan - everything you need to know headwatersCommercial construction is an expensive venture. Whether you are in the business of setting up commercial buildings or are merely looking to have a building for your business, you will incur high costs throughout the construction period. 

It is common for people and businesses to result in taking up loans to finance these projects. After all, not many have the kind of money that would facilitate a whole construction lying around. Banks and lending institutions are usually more than ready to lend deserving parties in the form of commercial construction loans.

A commercial construction loan is a loan you receive to finance the construction or renovation of a commercial building. 

Whether you are a business or individual looking to get into commercial construction, it is important to understand the kinks involved in commercial construction loans and how they work. 

Commercial Construction Guide 

Unlike other loans, your lender will not provide the full amount in one lump sum. Instead, money is disbursed in partial amounts according to the draw schedule decided upon by you and your lender. This draw schedule involves a pre-arranged milestone system. For example, you will receive money for land development, laying the foundation, etc. 

Each time you hit a milestone, your lender will involve an inspector to confirm that the work meets the requirements before releasing more money for the next milestone. This goes on until the full amount is released. 

When it comes to paying interest for the loan, you will only pay interest for the amount disbursed. For example, if you are taking a $1 million loan, and the lender has only managed to provide you with $500K, you will only pay interest for the $500K. This way, you will only pay interest until the whole amount if disbursed. 

Borrowers can then pay the principal amount in a lump sum once the construction of the project is complete. 

Construction Loan Payment 

The borrower does not have to make one large payment for commercial construction loans. Instead, they can receive a commercial mortgage from the lender, turning the already completed property into collateral. 

You can then use the amount received from the mortgage to pay off the loan before embarking on making more favorable monthly payments. The payments can also be spread over a long period of time. 

Fees and Interest Rates

You are likely to encounter a number of fees before getting your commercial construction loan. They include: 

  • Guarantee fees 
  • Processing fees 
  • Documentation fees 
  • Project Review Fees 
  • Fund Control Fees 

You will also be required to pay a down payment of about 10% -30% of the total project cost. This alleviates some of the risks the lender is bound to undertake.

Interest rates range between 4-12% depending on your credit score. The better your credit score is, the lower the interest rates you will be charged. The kind of lender you work with will also determine how much interest you pay. Banks tend to charge lower rates than other lenders.

Types of Commercial Construction Loans 

There are different types of commercial construction loans. They include: 

  • SBA CDC/504 Loan Program (Small Business Administration (SBA) CDC/504 loan). These loans are most popular because they come with low down payments, low-interest rates, and favorable credit score requirements. 
  • SBA 7(a) Loan Program- These loans are ideal for buying or constructing real estate. Borrowers can get up to $5 million with a repayment period of up to 25 years. 
  • Bank Loans- Bank loans require that one pays a minimum down payment of 10% and can provide you with a maximum payment period of 25 years. Borrowers can also get fixed and variable rates. 
  • Mezzanine Loans- This loan is a type of loan that is usually secured with stock. 

If you are looking for a commercial construction company, look no further than Headwaters Construction Inc. We offer professional construction consulting and planning, general contracting, building or property maintenance, and tilt-up construction.