The world of construction encompasses a wide range of possibilities. The private construction industry’s total value in the U.S economy is 974.7 billion. The term construction can refer to almost anything: from building a playground to adding a new bathroom in your home and even constructing a full office building downtown. Simply put, construction refers to designs, builds, renovations, remodels, and more. So when you’re looking for a commercial contractor to erect a commercial structure, you want to make sure that you can find someone that fits your needs.
The Importance of Construction in the U.S
The United States is a country of building and innovation. It’s not a coincidence that so many historic buildings and structures are inside this nation’s great borders. From the Empire State Building to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Chrysler building to the Willis Tower in Chicago, this is clearly a nation of historic structures. As soon as the Industrial Revolution took hold of the U.S, there was no stopping the need and the ferocity with which the country began to construct new things and create the great cities of today.
The availability of cheap steel actually played a big role in the great expansion of American construction. This is, of course, because steel is a special ingredient in many great structures from skyscrapers to bridges and more. So as America kept growing, cities continued to expand and people continued building. This meant that people continued to improve, learn, and develop better techniques and materials with which to build. Today, commercial structures can go up in a blink of an eye. Commercial construction is a broad term that is typically used to refer to the business of building spaces in the private sector. These spaces usually include office space, manufacturing plants, medical centers, and retail shopping centers. These projects can vary in scale and scope.
The Expansion of Commercial Construction
Building commercial constructions can be far more complicated than a smaller residential project. Like any construction undertaking, it must contend with the regulations and rules of the local and federal governments when it comes to building codes and standards. Obtaining the right permits and supervising regulations can get overwhelming for owners. It’s why hiring a reputable commercial contractor is key to the success of your overall project. A commercial contractor will typically be in charge and oversee several areas of the project including:
- Design
- Permitting
- Supply purchases
- Codes adherence
- Meeting zoning regulations
A commercial contractor that is well versed in every aspect of the project should also be competent and able to take care of the preconstruction services and other related services that are part of the overall project. These include:
- Excavation/ site work
- Specialty Structures and Foundations
- Specialty Buildings
- Utilities
- Deep Trenching
- Selective Demolition
- Site work
So What to Look for In a Commercial Builder?
Reputable and Repertoire. When looking for your commercial builder, do a little research on the companies you consider. Look for some kind of online presence, pictures of past work, and/even a list of all commercial work before that. Having an idea of the kind of work a company does can indicate whether they will fit your needs. If no information exists online, call them up and ask about the kind of commercial projects they specialize in or the kind of work they have done in the past.
License. Making sure that your commercial contractor is properly licensed is essential for a successfully completed project. Most local and/or state governments will require proper licensing for certain kinds of commercial endeavors.
Communication. A good commercial contractor will be open to communication. You want your contractor to be someone who you are able to communicate with and have conversations about your needs and your vision for the project. Excellent communication between builder and client will make a world of difference in the final project. Every project is different and might require a different type of back and forth. You want to look for a contractor that is willing to be flexible with communication and provide you with the updates and information you need. This might be whether you need weekly, monthly, or daily updates.
A Cohesive Effort Creates a More Effective Process
Because the construction process is very broad and begins from the ground and site preparation to the installation of the pipes and HVAC systems, a commercial contractor who is able to work all aspects of the project is a plus. Many projects that require a variety of contractors can end up causing backlogs, inconsistencies, or miscommunications. Many companies specialize in just one area of the process, while others are able to specialize in several areas so that their approach to the construction is far more consistent and focused from the start.
Commercial Construction You Can Trust
Whether you have a small or large-scale commercial project coming up, you want to make sure that you’re choosing the best construction company for your project. Here at C&E Industrial Services, we have vast experience in the Southwest’s unique terrain and building landscape. We can build your building from the ground up: from the excavation and site preparation to the installation of piping and HVAC systems.