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2020 Architectural Trends for Your Commercial Building

5 Architectural Trends That Will Dominate 2020 and Beyond

When you take a close look at the world of interior design and architecture, it is possible to pinpoint the specific “look” that dominates a given decade. Since 2020 marks the dawn of a new decade, Headwaters Construction, Inc., the best commercial builder in Northern California, has decided to share the following trends that are likely to gain prominence this year and the entire decade. As you plan to construct or renovate your commercial building, try to incorporate as many of these architectural trends as you can so that your building fits the times.

Old is Gold

You may have noticed that vintage clothing and other second-hand items are back in style. This return to things of old hasn’t left the world of interior design and architecture behind, and retail renovation contractors predict that upcycling old buildings for new uses will gain more prominence not only this year but the entire decade as well.

The recent economic upturn partly drives this surge of interest in repurposing old buildings after several years of recession that saw many buildings degenerate into disuse or their construction ground to a halt after the developer went belly-up.

The economic upturn of recent years has given older structures a new lease of life. For example, a structure that once housed a flour mill can be repurposed to be a new office block. The uses to which these old buildings can be put are nearly endless, according to experts at Headwaters Construction, Inc.

Art Deco is Back

For almost two decades, slick surfaces, such as slick glass facades, held sway. However, this design approach seems to have run its course, and Headwaters Construction, Inc. is seeing more clients requesting bold patterns, multi-layered features, and other elements of art deco. This design shift is partially being driven by the trend discussed earlier (repurposing old buildings) since those slick, flat surfaces tend to look out of place in an old building that is having new life injected in it.

Green Building Design

Energy costs have been rising dramatically over the years, and more people have become conscious about the impact of every human activity on the planet. These two realities have created an immense demand for sustainably built and used structures, and Headwaters Construction, Inc. sees a sweeping trend of green building for not just new commercial construction projects but also renovations.

Green building design is making itself felt not just in renewable energy but also in the inclusion of more natural lighting, water conservation, as well as the use of reclaimed or recycled materials.

If you think that green building is yet to reach near you, are the words “vertical gardens” and “living walls” familiar to you? I guess they are, so you can bet that this decade will take green building design to a whole new level.

Maximalism

For more than a decade, minimalism was the in-thing as commercial builders and homeowners did everything to minimize how much décor, materials, and other features were included in building designs.

Minimalism was justified at a time when economies were struggling, and prices of things went through the roof. However, the plain colors, minimal decoration, and glass facades appear to have fallen out of favor. This has ushered in the decade of “maximalism.” In this trend, commercial builders explain that ostentation is king.

This boldness manifests itself in terms of intricate designs, strong shapes, and other manifestations of ostentation.

The Rebirth of Patterns and Color

At the time when minimalism was the favored trend, muted or neutral colors like cream, gray, and chrome were very common and preferred. In 2020 and beyond, Headwaters Construction, Inc. reveals that magenta, Living Coral, Neo Mint, and other bold colors will push gray, black, silver, cream, and other such minimalist colors to the wayside.

Commercial builders say that one of the reasons why bold colors and patterns are taking center-stage of late is the advent of social media. Businesses want their clients to share content about their establishments, and interior design, as well as architecture, are adapting to make buildings good for Snapchat, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

If you are looking for a commercial construction company that can bring these cutting-edge architectural trends alive through consulting and planning, contact us at Headwaters Construction, Inc. We pride ourselves in our ability to translate a client’s dream into reality.

How to Control Costs During Construction

Construction project costs can quickly spiral out of control if deliberate measures aren’t set in place. At Headwaters Construction, Inc., we pride ourselves in being able to deliver, on a consistent basis, completed projects that are within budget regardless of the fluidity associated with commercial construction projects. Here are some of the concepts that guide and help us to control costs during construction.

Budget Forecasting

It can be daunting to forecast a construction budget correctly, but this activity is an important one if a commercial construction company is to remain profitable. A budget forecast not only controls the overall costs but also protects the profits of the tilt-up construction company.

At Headwaters Construction Inc., we are always very transparent with our clients.

Project Scope Definition

Another concept that has served us in good stead over the years is a retail renovation or commercial construction scope definition. We never get started on any project before we have clearly mapped out the specific deliverables agreed upon with the client.

That notwithstanding, we are cognizant of the fact that project scopes aren’t static, so we are always ready to adjust as and when the need arises during the execution of a given project. The cost implications of any scope changes are carefully weighed and integrated into the budget forecast, as well as all our other cost management mechanisms.

Being Specific

We have mastered the art of being specific in everything that we do, such as when talking to employees at a job site, when renting equipment, when assigning projects, and any other construction-related activity.

We are well aware that when we are specific, we go a long way in saving money and time because no one will second-guess what is expected or required. For example, when we need to rent a piece of equipment (a heavy-duty crane, for example) during a tilt-up construction project, we first forecast how much time will be required for that equipment to perform the needed work. Thereafter, we rent the equipment for that duration for which we need it and no more. In this way, we keep our costs minimal since no equipment that was rented will sit idle just because we paid for it, and it isn’t yet time to return it.

Forecasting Resource Usage

When you are specific about what needs to be done, you make it a little easier to forecast how you will be using the resources available to you during the commercial construction project.

Forecasting resource usage may not always be as accurate as we would like it to be, but the effort helps to keep a handle on various costs that can easily spiral out of hand.

Keeping Accurate Records

If it hasn’t been captured in writing, it doesn’t exist. At Headwaters Construction, we are sticklers for record-keeping and make sure that we are as accurate as possible when documenting everything connected to a commercial construction or renovation project.

We use project management software that takes charge of everything from equipment tracking, punch lists, pricing, and submittal tracking, and everything in-between.

By keeping those five concepts in mind, we get off to a good start on every project that we undertake, and by putting those concepts into practice, we make it possible to keep project costs manageable from start to finish. If you are tired of commercial builders who can’t seem to keep costs in check, get in touch with Headwaters Construction, Inc. You will experience for yourself how high-quality commercial construction can be completed without overshooting the available budget.

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Benefits of Insulated Metal Panels for Your Business

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Insulated Metal Panels are one of the most preferred construction materials by many commercial builders. They are liked for their insulation properties as well as their ability to meet any aesthetic plan or requirement. These external walls and roofs are made of two metal skins and an insulating foam core in between the skins. They are most popular with government buildings, financial institutions such as banks, recreational facilities, and manufacturing plants.

What is it about insulated metal panes that make them so valuable to commercial builders? Below are the benefits of using insulated metal panels.

Easy to Install

A typical concrete wall will require time and, in some cases, a number of professionals to produce the final product. The surface of the insulated metal panel can act as the finished surface. The wall itself provides everything you might need in terms of thermal, vapor, and air insulation. It is possible to carry out a one-step installation, which reduces the time required for construction by up to 50%. The fact that they can stand most weather conditions and for long, eliminates the need for additional products and reinforcement.

Design Flexibility

Insulated metal panels come in different shapes, sizes, and forms. You can get flat or corrugated surfaces depending on what you need. You will not need to employ many structural support measures since the panels are strong. Contractors have the option of picking different profiles based on colors, finishes, and accessories, depending on whether you are looking for horizontal or vertical designs. Additionally, incorporating doors and windows will not affect the integrity and design of the panels.

Cost-Effective

The fact that you will not require multiple vendors or products for a finished product means less cost of construction. Another cost-saving benefit that comes with insulated metal panels is their energy efficiency. They also require little to no repairs during their lifetime.

Energy Efficient

Your insulated metal panels will comfortably maintain the internal temperatures of any room. The panels are specifically designed with interlocking groove joints that have concealed fasteners to form an airtight seal. This way, the weather conditions on the outside do not interfere with the set conditions inside. By maintaining the climatic conditions inside the building, appliances such as HVAC systems will have an easier time setting the right atmosphere.

Environmentally Friendly

The metal skins used in the construction of an IMP comes from recycled steel. Further, IMPs have R-values, which indicate the panel’s thermal resistance ability. R-values are based on the type of insulation, density, and thickness, among other factors.

They contribute to the LEED credits and Net-Zero energy targets, which recognize buildings that operate with zero carbon emissions from energy consumption.

Their resistance to termites and mold also means that you will not be using pesticides that could harm the environment. Finally, the insulated metal panel can always be insulated at the end of its use, thus guaranteeing no wastage or damage to the environment.

Durability

Insulated metal panels are resistant to fire, bugs, mildew, mold, bacterial growth, and rust. This allows them to last for years without withering.

Insulated Metal Panels are no doubt great options for anyone providing construction services and are willing to create a strong, durable, and energy-efficient space. Their ease of construction allows construction builders to create modern and aesthetically pleasing buildings. At Headwaters Construction Inc., we guarantee you the best service when setting up any structure using the insulated metal panels. Contact Headwaters Construction today with your construction project for personalized and professional service.

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7 Ways to Renovate Sustainably

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7 Ways to Renovate Sustainably in Your Renovation

If you are planning to renovate your commercial property, consider renovating sustainably. The results will reduce the carbon footprint of the structure while endearing you to customers who are conscious about the environment. Here are some suggestions made by our experts at Headwaters Construction Inc.

Use Eco-Friendly Paint When You Renovate

The options for people looking for eco-friendly paint are now so many that you may be spoiled for choice. As you draw up the specifications for your commercial renovation project, include zero or low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint to put the finishing touch to the renovation. Such paint will not give off toxic solvents as it dries, and the paint looks and performs like the conventional versions that are chockfull of harmful chemicals. If you find it challenging to sift through the marketing hype to get the true eco-friendly paint, talk to our team at Headwaters Construction Inc., and we will point you to the best options.

Natural Lighting

As the owner of a commercial property, you are well aware of how big a dent energy bills make to your potential profits. Your upcoming renovation project should provide you with an excellent opportunity to make changes that will bring more natural light into the building. For example, you can install skylights so that sunlight can stream into the building all day. Headwaters Construction Inc. can also help in positioning reflective surfaces at carefully selected locations so that natural light can bounce off of those surfaces and saturate as much of the building as possible. The energy savings that you register with these measures will quickly add up.

Switch to LED Lighting

As any commercial property owner will tell you, artificial light contributes a sizeable portion of the monthly energy bill. You can reduce this expenditure by installing LED lighting. LED lights use a tiny fraction of the energy needed by incandescent bulbs, and the LED bulbs can last for decades. This means that less waste will fill our landfills, and you will get to save the money that would have gone to periodic replacements for your current light bulbs, all while getting lower energy bills on a monthly basis.

Draft-Proof the Building

A lot of energy leaks out through gaps in doorframes and window frames. For a commercial building, the energy loss in this way can be quite significant. In the same way, small gaps in the exterior walls, such as the points where water pipes enter the building, can also cause energy losses. Fixing all these gaps or considering window replacement during a commercial renovation project undertaken by Headwaters Construction Inc. will go a long way towards making your commercial structure more eco-friendly.

Renewable Energy

If your budget can permit it, installing a renewable energy system, such as a solar system, can go a long way in making your commercial building more sustainable. The large surface area of the commercial building’s roof provides more than ample space to install an array of solar panels, which can provide most of the energy that you need for the building. On hot sunny days, you can even supply the excess solar energy generated to the utility grid so that the amount of money you spend on energy goes down through net-metering. The energy team at Headwaters Construction Inc. can take you through how such a solar system can pay for itself over time.

Low-Flow Bathroom Fixtures

Bathrooms are water guzzlers, and this takes on larger proportions for a commercial building, such as a shopping center. Use the renovation project as an opportunity to install water-conserving features in all bathrooms. These include dual-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads. You can also replace the old tank-style water heaters with on-demand (tankless) water heaters to reduce the energy requirement of availing hot water within your commercial building. Our experienced commercial retail renovation experts will work with your design team (if you have one) to identify the most cost-effective way to make all bathrooms more eco-friendly.

Surfaces from Recycled Materials

Another good way to enjoy cost-savings while making your renovation project more sustainable is by opting for surfaces that are made from recycled materials. These may range from floor tiles made from recycled auto glass to stylish work surfaces like backsplashes and countertops that are made from recycled materials.

As you can see, there is almost no end to the different ways in which you can renovate sustainably. At Headwaters Construction Inc., we have executed commercial renovation and restoration projects that placed a high premium on sustainability. We are therefore best placed to undertake your renovation project if you want to take sustainability a notch higher, so talk to our team and learn how we can be of help in attaining your project objectives. For more information on our projects or services, contact us today.

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Planning a Retail Renovation Budget

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Retail renovation is an important activity for anyone running a retail store. Renovations allow you to fix, replace, or simply improve the face of your retail store. This makes it easy for your customers to relate to your store and enjoy the shopping experience.

While renovations are an important part of your business cycle, they require money. As a store owner, it is important to have the right budget before embarking on any renovations. This prevents you from getting stuck in the middle and having an unfinished store.

Here are some of the things you need to know when planning your retail renovation budget.

Design

Design, or more specifically redesigning your store, can cost you anything from a few thousand dollars to a whole lot more. The more extensive the redesigning process, the more money you are likely to spend.

Additionally, if you plan on hiring a designer, make sure to set aside at least 20% of your entire budget as their fee. You can choose to perform slight design changes such as changing fixtures and repositioning certain items around your store to save on costs.

Flooring and Ceiling

Flooring and Ceiling are likely to be your landlord’s responsibility. Your lease should have detailed information on who is responsible for flooring and ceilings between you and your landlord.

However, if you are planning to add any cosmetics on the floors to match the mood of your store, you will incur costs.

Plumbing

This mostly pertains to the bathroom.

Does your store have a bathroom?

If no, does it require one?

If yes, do you need to change the position of the bathroom?

You are likely to spend less money if you have a bathroom and do not need to move it. In this case, a fresh coat of paint will do. If you need to add a bathroom or move it to a better position perhaps for the benefit of you and your customers, then you will incur greater costs.

Set aside some money to hire different professionals such as a structural engineer and plumber to make sure that your bathroom is made or moved the way you want. You can also employ the services of a commercial renovator to handle everything for you.

Electrical

This is yet another avenue where your expenditure depends on your preferences. If your retail renovation involves altering the lighting structure and making additions for more intricate lighting to fit the mood of your store, then prepare to spend more money.

You can cut costs by using existing wiring and fixtures. However, this might not work in all instances as some stores need specific lighting. Finally, take into account any power load increase that will happen after the renovation. This is likely to be caused by the addition of more equipment using more power in your store.

Millwork

This entails any woodwork such as doors, flooring, wall paneling, crown molding, etc. The material, quantity, and space required for your millwork will determine how much money you spend on your renovations. The more intricate and detailed the designs, the more time and money you are likely to spend on renovations.

Now that you know what you need when planning a retail renovation budget, you can take the next step. Retail renovation is a great step towards making your store look better. Make sure to involve a general contractor or commercial construction company like Headwaters Construction Inc. for professional services.

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How to Keep Your Commercial Buildings Secure Over the Holidays

How to keep your commercial construction company safe during the holidays - Headwaters Construction Inc

Holidays come with a flurry of activity. Among the things that are likely to happen during this coming holiday season are long-awaited vacations, evening dinners, retreats and activities that might keep you, your tenants, or colleagues away from your commercial building.

These activities tend to leave commercial establishments unmanned for the better part of the season making them easy targets for criminals to steal or vandalize your property. The last thing you want as a building owner is to have to incur expenses as a result of mindless crimes.

It is possible to keep your building safe during the holiday season by employing some security measures which guarantee the safety of your property. Here are some of the measures Headwaters Construction Inc. recommends you take.

Alarm Systems for Your Commercial Building

Alarm systems are ideal because they discourage crime. Criminals are less likely to attempt and break into or vandalize your building if they notice a high tech alarm system.

Modern alarm systems also come with monitoring devices which make it easier for commercial building owners to secure and monitor their premises. Alarm systems can also be used to alert local authorities during a breach without the intruders knowing it.

Cameras for Your Commercial Property

Cameras are an important asset to have around your building because they play a role in stopping and, or recording crime. A thief or vandal might feel discouraged from committing their crime(s) if they know that the property is under surveillance.

Some security cameras also come with additional features such as motion sensors. You’ll get an alert as soon as someone is there. Others allow you to monitor your building in real-time.

Cameras can either be hidden or visible depending on a number of factors. Hidden cameras might not discourage criminal but they will record and store footage of intruders. Specialized Audio & Video, a residential and commercial security system company in Sacramento, says that it’s common practice for any business owner or homeowner to have a security system setup. There are far more benefits of security cameras than there are cons.

You Need High-Security Locks for Your Business

You don’t want to finish a commercial construction project with your general contractor and then end up with your property vandalized. We recommend high-security locks for your property. Conventional locks are no longer able to keep most intruders out of your buildings. Technology allows them to access your building easily and, at times, without you even noticing it.

Technology has also allowed the creation of high-security locks that can stop these modern criminals. These tend to use keycards, codes, biometric scanners, and the likes to deter criminals from accessing your building. High-security locks are an ideal solution at stopping low tech crimes.

Employ Additional Security to Protect Your Assets

It doesn’t hurt to have additional security on your premises. You can source services from security companies who will then provide you with additional personnel to man your building. One benefit of human security is that they provide real-time footage. So, you can count on your building to remain safe at all times.

You do not need to physically man your building to ensure that criminals do not take advantage of you or your tenants. It is possible to use any or all of these security measures to keep your building safe. By employing these measures, you can rest assured that your building will remain safe at all times and enjoy a well-deserved holiday season. If you have any questions regarding your commercial property, contact Headwaters Construction Inc. today.

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How is Tilt-Up Construction Different?

Commercial construction has seen the rise of many types of buildings. Sometimes, commercial construction companies employ different methods of bringing up these buildings based on various factors.

One standard method of construction a commercial builder would employ is called tilt-up construction. With tilt-up construction, concrete is poured into large slabs and allowed to cure before they are erected to form the exterior structure of a commercial building.

It was first used in America in the 18th century using tilt tables. Since then, tilt-up construction has taken root and has seen the construction of many commercial facilities across the country.

If you are considering tilt-up construction, or if your contractor has suggested it, it is important first to understand how this form of construction is different from other types of construction.

Here are some of the things that make a tilt-up construction different.

The Construction Itself

This involves three main components; Wood form, concrete, and rebar. The wood form is placed on the ground, and the rebar is shaped to meet the specifications of the wall. Concrete is them poured and allowed to cure. The walls are then lifted using cranes and braced until the roof can be placed. The roof holds everything together in place.

Speed and Ease of Construction

Setting up a tilt-up construction is easy and takes place quickly. The only thing that takes a lot of time with a tilt-up is the curing of concrete, which can take a few days. The construction is not labor-intensive compared to other types of constructions. This allows contractors to start and finish the work in a shorter time period.

Energy Efficiency

Tilt-up construction is more energy-efficient than other forms of construction. Compared to forms like steel construction, the production of concrete is less energy-intensive than that of steel. We asked Gilmore Heating and Air, an HVAC company in Placerville, about the importance of energy efficiency. The HVAC professionals said that it’s in everyone’s best interest to be energy-efficient. There are more and more incentives to be energy-efficient. Additionally, structures set up using tilt-up construction have better insulation properties. Your tilt-Up contractors can also enhance the thermal properties of the building by including extra layers for insulation.

Flexibility in Design

It is easier to design and come up with the exact specifications of a building when using tilt-up construction. Designers also use modern software to determine cost and timelines allowing users to choose from given alternatives. This makes for better decision making.

Labor Cost and Materials

You will not require much labor force as compared to other forms of construction. The construction requires less specialized labor skills and fewer workers. The cost of materials is also considerably lower than that of other constructions. For example, ready-mix concrete and rebar are cheaply available from your local supplier.

When to Tilt-Up

Not all projects require a tilt-up construction. For some, it is more practical to employ other forms of constructions depending on the use and size of the building. For example, tilt-up construction is ideal for large buildings, because then the cost of construction goes lower. As the size of the building increases, so does the need to cut down on costs. But when the size of construction is small, using other means is a better option.

Are you looking for the best tilt-up construction for your commercial building? Headwaters Construction Inc. offers the best services in tilt-up construction general maintenance, construction consulting and planning, and Building maintenance.

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Everything you should know about Commercial Construction

Commercial construction has been around for tens of years as an important part of any urban development. It allows the setting up of different infrastructure, which makes life better in terms of convenience, security, basic necessities, and aesthetics. With it, bare lands can easily be converted to towns and cities, hosting millions of people.

Commercial construction is not easy; neither does it happen without proper planning. In most cases, human movement decides the amount of construction that is going to happen. The more people move to a particular place, the more commercial construction companies will need to create offices and facilities such as hospitals, malls, and so much more.

Here are some of the things you will be interested to know about commercial construction.

How Commercial Construction Works

Any commercial construction needs to go through various stages before completion. These stages allow for proper planning and safety standards to be affected. They include:

Project Development

This is the concept phase of the project. Any design is informed by what the client wants, the size of the construction site, costs, among other factors. Contractors and clients need to have clear communication during this phase to prevent unwanted outcomes.

Initiation and Design

The contractor will now start designing the facility based on the approved budget and ideas. Within this stage, contractors also work with clients to ensure that there is clarity of vision. This they do through drawings, especially 3D drawings. The budget of the project is also adjusted accordingly.

Time Planning

This phase deals with scheduling. You will hardly find a single contractor working on an entire project alone. There will be subcontractors. To save time, everyone gets a schedule of when they are supposed to start and finish work in their designated areas. Contingency plans are also put into place to save as much time as possible.

Construction

Construction of the project begins as soon as everything is ready. A commercial builder will be highly involved in this process. A retail general contractor will keep an eye on the timeline and budget to ensure everything goes as per the client’s specifications.

Commissioning

The commissioning process involves handing a completed project to the client. Prior to commissioning, the contractor will take the client through the facility for inspection and make sure that the client is happy with the work.

The time between project development and commissioning of the building varies depending on the budget, size of the facility, among other factors.

Closing of the project

This is the wrapping-up stage of the project. The client is happy with the work, and the contractor can move on to other projects. The final payment is provided. The contractor will also ensure that the client understands how to use the facility and the equipment within properly.

Specialization in Commercial Construction

Contractors are more likely to specialize in a single commercial market. Some will specialize in building medical facilities, others high rise buildings while others specialize in providing interior fittings. Specialization makes it easier to produce great results because each contractor works at what they know best.

Success in Commercial Construction

Every commercial contractor rides on their success to get more projects and build their business. Contractors are sure to get more projects if they can prove that their previous projects were successful. Quality of work, ease of working together, and predictability in available labor are among the things most clients look at.

Picking the right contractor is one of the most important parts of commercial construction. At Headwaters Construction Inc., we pride ourselves on providing nothing but quality service to all our clients. If you’re interested in working with Headwaters Construction Inc., take a look at our projects and give us a call.

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How Does Tilt-Up Construction Work?

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With tilt-up construction, the precision of design-build technology and the strength of reinforced concrete are brought together to complete buildings quickly and economically. The discussion below will help you to get more information about this method of construction so that you don’t miss out on one of the most practical ways to construct your building.

How Tilt-Up Construction Works

During tilt-up construction, a series of reinforced concrete panels are raised (tilted up) to form the exterior walls of the building under construction. What is unique about the tilt-up panels is that they are made at the construction site using concrete, rebar, and wooden forms.

The process involves shaping the wood forms and cutting the rebar in accordance with the designs of the building. Once the forms are completed and the rebar has been placed, concrete is poured and finished.

The walls are ready in a few days and a crew with lifting equipment, such as cranes, comes in to lift the panels from their horizontal position to their final vertical positions as exterior walls. The Headwaters Construction Inc. team uses braces to provide temporary support for the raised panels until the roof is placed to hold the whole structure together as one unit.

The interior and the exterior surfaces of the tilt-up panels are blank slates which can be finished in any way that the client desires. For example, you can ask your Sacramento tilt-up contractor to use any exterior siding material that you prefer on the outer-facing surface of the panels, and you can also request the contractor to provide additional insulation on the inside facing surface of these panels that have been tilted into place.

Similarly, any coating that you desire can be applied on the exterior or interior surfaces of the tilt-up panels, so you should have no fears that your building will not have a distinct character and look from all the others built using this method.

How Tilt-Up Construction Compares to Other Methods

You can opt for tilt-up construction as an alternative to the following construction methods:

Wood frame construction is known for being labor-intensive, so using tilt-up construction can help to sidestep this high labor cost.
Steel beam construction is pricey, and this makes the option better suited to high-rise construction. Tilt-up construction can be used for projects that aren’t economical when undertaken using steel beam construction.
Prefabricated steel frame construction has emerged as an economical way to build structures, but its design limitations often position tilt-up construction as a better alternative.
Tilt-up construction can also be used in lieu of masonry construction.

In our experience at Headwaters Construction Inc., there is no specific segment of the construction industry that is best suited for the tilt-up construction method. This method is most common during the construction of large complexes, such as big-box stores and warehouses, but tilt-up construction can also be used for smaller structures.

Broad Assumptions About Tilt-Up Construction

As already indicated, each project has its own peculiarities. So, it isn’t easy to come up with an approximate cost of each square foot constructed using this method. However, our team at Headwaters Construction Inc. have come up with the following general observations that hold true for most tilt-up construction projects.

Generally speaking, the cost-effectiveness of tilt-up construction increases with the size of the project being undertaken. Conversely, each square foot becomes more expensive as the square footage of a building reduces. This is because the smaller the building, the lower the chance that the economies of scale will manifest.
Tilt-up construction makes it possible for site workers, their tools and all construction materials to be sheltered in an enclosed place sooner since the tilt-up exterior walls go up faster than the exterior walls made using other construction methods.
Tilt-up construction also allows the contractor to have more control over the project since all the materials used are sourced locally. For example, a contractor would have nothing to do except wait if specialty materials or components are needed from an off-site supplier who needs several weeks lead time before delivering. With tilt-up construction, all the needed materials, such as ready-mix concrete and rebar, can be readily obtained from local suppliers.

As you can see, tilt-up construction comes with numerous benefits, such as cost-effectiveness, energy-efficiency, speed in project completion, design flexibility and a reduced need for labor. However, not every project is an ideal candidate for tilt-up construction. So, it is wise for you to contact Headwaters Construction Inc. We’ve been serving across California, Oregon, and Arizona for many years. Give us a call today to learn more about how our professional commercial construction services can help you.

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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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