Commercial Construction
Commercial construction involves designing and building structures for commercial purposes. Most of these projects use heavy machinery, which is funded by developers, local governments, and national governments. Developers and contractors compete for construction contracts, and detailed plans have a better chance of winning. A commercial construction project’s cost depends on its size, budget, and scope. Value engineering and scope estimation help determine the most cost-effective project plan. To determine the cost, the client must be involved in the process from the initial design stage.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact commercial construction. More than 60% of contractors report that the biggest consequence of the disease is a shortage of building products and materials. Another 50% of contractors report that it has affected their workforce. The number of contractors who expect delays has increased since Q3 2016. Approximately two-thirds of contractors expect at least some project delays six months from now. Adaptive reuse promises to turn old buildings into modern structures.
Preparing the site for commercial construction begins with the preparation of the land. This phase involves clearing the site of vegetation and excavating the foundation. Proper drainage may be necessary to prevent flooding at the construction site and the surrounding areas. Utility laying can directly affect the structure of the building. It also involves preparing connections for utilities. The area roads around the building site must be able to accommodate the expected traffic. If there are any obstructions to access the site, the construction team must make repairs before the building is completed.
The type of business to be housed in the building dictates the building’s design and layout. Some buildings are more attractive than others and require elaborate accessibility features. A restaurant, for example, may have many rooms. In-house medical staff will require extensive plans for plumbing and electrical systems. Similarly, a health clinic may include a small business office space, a large clinic, and a fitness center. These kinds of buildings require extensive planning and electrical configurations.
When it comes to designing a building, contractors consider several factors, including size, complexity, and labor needs. One popular approach is wood frame construction. Wood is a relatively natural material, and is easy to work with. However, wood frame construction is generally used for interior construction, not exteriors. Brick, stone, and non-wood siding have greater fire resistance than wood. Although wood frame construction is common in residential construction, it also works well for commercial projects.
Several engineers are involved in the process of commercial construction. A structural and mechanical engineer will check the integrity of the building’s internal structures. Electrical engineers will provide electricity throughout the building. Civil engineers will make sure that the project is connected to the local infrastructure and parking areas. And, finally, a team of skilled workers will be assembled on site. All this is done under the supervision of a professional commercial construction manager. The entire process may take months, or even years.