The Commercial Construction Process From Start to FInish
No matter what industry you’ll soon own a new building for the purpose of, investing in a custom build sure can be a scary process if you’re uninformed. However, there’s so much that goes into commercial construction—plumbing, walls, architecture, you name it—that trying to understand the process from beginning to end can feel just as overwhelming.
But it doesn’t have to! KBS Companies, a Plainview and Rochester Minnesota commercial construction company, is here to help. We believe a new build should be as exciting for you as it is for the pros who get to see the idea from concept to reality.
Below, you’ll find a brief guide to what typically happens during the commercial construction process so that you can await your new build in anticipation instead of stress.
A Commercial Construction Overview
For those looking for short and simple: we got you. The commercial construction process can best be divided into three loose sections:
1. Pre-construction, in which architectural design, subcontractor hiring, and budget estimation take place.
2. Construction, in which the rubber meets the road and the building begins to take shape.
3. Post-construction, in which the final walkthrough and inspection occurs.
Again, these categories are basic; They’re meant more as general guidelines to help gauge the completeness of a project and less as concrete stages. What constitutes as pre-construction versus construction, for example, could be quibbled about all day long.
In addition, there’s a lot more detail to each one than a few bullet points can cover. So let’s dive in!
Pre-Construction: Getting Ducks in a Row
Many construction companies will say that, of all stages, this one is the most crucial for a job well done. Indeed, this stage determines in large part how the following two proceed—it’s all about planning, after all!
While it’s not the most “exciting” of stages, the pre-construction phase includes a number of important steps, including but not limited to:
Designing and Programming
Designing is much as it sounds: Your building’s structure is drawn up on paper for the benefit of you and the construction crew. It’s a critical stage in the process, as it’s here that potential infeasibilities in budget can be detected, and it’s much easier and less expensive to make changes here than in the construction phase, where materials have already been ordered.
Programming, on the other hand, is not so straightforward. In essence, it’s the research process that enables a fitting design to be built, based on data, stakeholder opinion, and other factors. Sometimes architects themselves can perform it, while other times it’s a responsibility given to the owner. Regardless, going through all the trouble of this phase makes sure that the result exceeds the client’s expectations and serves them well for years to come.
Budgeting
Before construction will commence, the commercial construction company must provide the client with some sort of cost estimate or guarantee. What this will look like, how accurate it will be, and how fast it can be made is variable depending on the project. It’s a big bunch of number-running and there’s plenty of jargon involved—just know that you’re free to ask questions during this stage and that you should feel completely comfortable with costs before continuing.
Construction: Making It Happen
Once the green light is given and location has been picked, your commercial construction company will get to work making your building dreams happen. You’ll hand the process over to a construction manager. Work hours for the project will be standardized, materials procured, and needed subcontractors (specialists in a given area of construction) are hired by your construction company.
Nothing much financially should be a surprise here. As a rule, contractors will strive to adhere to the planned budget. It’s good business practice.
Post-Construction: Checking All the Boxes
Construction doesn’t end as soon as the final brick is laid. Or at least it shouldn’t, as that’s a signal of a very irresponsible construction company!
After the building is fully erected, the job site will be cleaned up, and paperwork will be filed designating the construction work as officially ‘complete’ (though, of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t expand in the future). Your construction company should walk you through every last bit of your facility, showing you how to practice good maintenance and getting your final feedback.
Again, as always, feel free to ask questions during this phase. It’s your build, after all, and you deserve all the resources and know-how in the world when it comes to maintaining it.
KBS Companies: Your Local Construction Company of Choice
As a longstanding commercial construction company, there’s almost nothing we haven’t seen, no challenge we haven’t tackled—and we’re here to lend that experience to you and your brand new build. Give our Plainview location a call today at 507-534-3855, or our Rochester office at 507-287-3264.