Much more happens than just putting together building materials during the process of a industrial building. In fact, the construction phase is only a small step in the project. The planning stages before design and construction begin are crucial to prevent problems before they arise.
Experts in construction management understand how essential these planning steps are and make the most of them to minimise problems during the construction project. The process also continues after construction is complete to ensure that the building meets legal requirements and client standards. Let's go through the construction process step by step.
Step 1: The development and planning phase of building a commercial building
The most crucial phase of a industrial building project is the development and planning stage. In this step, you lay the groundwork for the rest of the project. Location, budget and the choice of a main contractor all play a role in determining the trajectory of the remaining steps in the process.
Finding a location
In real estate, location plays a major role in the cost of the project. Land, and subsequent construction costs, vary greatly in price depending on the location. Areas with high demand have higher land prices for construction. However, these locations can be ideal positions for the property and the businesses that will occupy it. The chosen location should be easily accessible to those who will use the building. Both customers and employees should be able to reach the area easily. Especially for businesses that provide personal services, such as restaurants or offices of medical specialists.
Some cities have strict zoning laws on the type of construction allowed. Therefore, before buying the land and starting construction, find out what types of buildings are allowed. Some properties contain clauses with a moratorium on construction. These prohibitions may be permanent, in case of environmental conservation, or temporary. For example, a site may have a protected plant or animal species or habitat that needs to be protected from development. A temporary moratorium can give the city or municipality time to approve the design and make sure that local residents who might be affected agree with the project.
On-site facilities should also meet the needs of the building. For instance, sewerage and water pipes should have sufficient volume to meet the needs of the building. The site should also have fire hydrants nearby. Moreover, roads in the area should be able to handle the expected traffic of the building.
Drawing up a budget
Planning the budget for construction starts with understanding the prices for structures across the country. The cost per square foot for a new commercial building depends on the size of the building and its location.
To avoid problems with incorrect values in your budget, contact construction managers for planning, including help in generating accurate cost estimates for the project. A company da works in the area you want to build knows the current factors affecting costs in those areas, giving you more realistic project estimates. When the construction management team takes a holistic approach, it helps in planning company building construction steps and the later phases. Therefore, you have the benefit of a company that can help control the overall project cost, keeping the construction within the set budget.
Choosing a main contractor and coordinating with the crew
When you work with a construction manager, you can put much of the planning in their expert hands. They provide a way for all parties working on the project to coordinate and communicate openly and keep the project on the proposed construction timeline.
Step 2: The pre-design phase of building a commercial building
Some steps of the pre-design phase overlap with the development and planning phase because both involve outlining expectations and objectives for the project. For example, some wait until the pre-design phase to coordinate the meeting between the architect and the main contractor. While others do this during the planning stage. Some combine pre-design and planning in a single phase and use the design phase as the second phase in the construction of a commercial building.
Whether preliminary design is a separate step or part of planning. Its purpose is to outline the specific needs of the project. Those working on the project will determine some crucial elements that will be important for the rest of the construction phases of the commercial building, such as:
- Number, size and purposes of rooms in the building.
- The general orientation of the structure in relation to local roads and utilities.
- Materials and equipment for construction and costs.
- Cost estimates for the construction phase.
- The general corporate building timeline for contract drafting.
After the preliminary design phase and establishing the general requirements of the building, you can recruit engineers and outline the more specific information in the design phase.
Step 3: The design phase of building a commercial building
The design phase of a commercial building requires detailed drawings and diagrams of the building, in addition to the expertise of several engineers to ensure the structural integrity of the building and compliance with regulations. A mechanical engineer checks the plans for the building's internal structures, such as plumbing and HVAC system. Structural engineers ensure that the plans are structurally sound. Electrical engineers design the electrical power supply throughout the building. Civil engineers design connections to local infrastructure and car parks.
After this step, the most important parts of the construction project can begin.
Step 4: The pre-construction phase of building a commercial building
Among the steps to build a commercial building, the pre-construction phase is the one that has the most to do with paperwork. During this phase, your project needs to get the required permits and insurance for those on site. During this step, you also take quotes from suppliers to ensure that the procurement phase meets budgetary expectations. Finally, you need to assemble the field team to work on site.
Step 5: The purchase phase of building a commercial building
The procurement phase is crucial to stay within budget. If services and materials are purchased that are not within the project estimate, the total construction will exceed the planned cost. However, the quality of service providers and construction materials used are also important.
Therefore, you need to balance your budget with finding sustainable building materials. You should also consider the quality of the contractor when choosing subcontractors. Often, a main contractor takes charge of the procurement phase. However, an expert construction management team ensures that the main contractor communicates well with others about the process. Open communication is essential to avoid problems due to misunderstandings or not knowing expectations.
Step 6: The construction phase
Everything undertaken so far prepares the construction process itself. Focusing on preparation during the first steps of a commercial building construction can reduce unexpected delays or project overruns. An important part of the project involves site preparation. This preparation prevents future problems with the structural integrity and safety of the building. Therefore, builders should not skimp during this first phase.
Site preparation
The site preparation phase turns into a work site for the next few weeks. First, construction planning begins with a meeting to establish guidelines such as how workers will access the site, where materials and equipment should be stored, what days and hours can be worked, and how quality can be maintained throughout the construction process.
After the meeting, groundbreaking preparations can begin. Temporary work buildings and storage facilities should be built on the site. These provide locations for the management team to work from. They also give equipment, tools and materials a safe storage place.
Site preparation also includes removing vegetation from the area and excavating the site. Depending on local requirements, proper drainage to prevent flooding on the site and in the surrounding area may be part of the preparation phase.
Other preparatory steps that directly affect the structure of the building are the installation of utilities and the preparation of connections for water, waste and electricity. Each of these components should be inspected before construction continues.
Construction
Once prepared, the site is ready for the commercial building construction process. The most important part of the construction phase is the erection of the building. First, the foundation is made with poured concrete. Next, the skeleton of the building goes up. The skeleton includes the internal parts of the building that provide it with structural support. After the skeleton, the building needs its roof and cladding. Before the internal walls go up, the electrical systems, plumbing and HVAC system pipes are installed within the walls.
The internal works include erecting the walls, laying the floors, installing windows and internal doors, installing lighting fixtures and painting, as required by the plans. Contractors may carry out additional work, depending on the design plans. Building users will be most familiar with the internal aspects of the building because this is where they spend most of their time working. Therefore, these elements are some of the most crucial in the construction process.
Exterior work includes creating exterior walls, installing windows if not already done and installing exterior doors. The work outside the building creates the impression visitors and neighbours will have of the structure. The care given to this phase of the project can ensure the satisfaction of residents and neighbours. During this phase, temporary buildings and material storage areas should be removed.
Finally, to complete the project, landscapers plant grass, flowers or trees on the site. These components hide the traces of recent construction work, make the site more aesthetically pleasing and can provide colour or shade.
Step 7: The post-construction phase of building the commercial building
Even after completing the main steps of the construction process, the building is not quite ready for occupancy. One final step remains to ensure that the building complies with the law and is safe.
During the post-construction phase, the main contractor should walk through the building with you. During this tour, you will evaluate the quality of the project. If you or other inspectors find problems or evidence of unsatisfactory work, note them on a punch list. Only when all items on the punch list have been corrected can you receive a certificate of substantial completion from the architect. This certificate allows you to bring in temporary, portable items such as furniture and equipment. It also allows for an official building inspection so you can move into the building.
Passing the building inspection ensures the successful completion of the construction project. Now people can safely work in the commercial structure. The company using the site can start working from the building.
