Constructing a commercial building is a huge investment and the process can be very overwhelming. There are a lot of factors to consider when planning and designing a commercial building—from the type of business that will occupy the space to the location and size of the property.
Most importantly, you want to make sure that your commercial building is designed and built to last. After all, this is a significant investment and you want to get the most out of it.
To help you achieve this, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 things to consider when constructing a commercial building:
Table of Contents
Choose the Right Location for Your Business
The location of your commercial building is just as important as the structure itself. When choosing a location, you need to consider factors such as foot traffic, accessibility, parking, and zoning regulations.
You also want to make sure that your chosen location is in a safe and secure area. This is especially important if you’re running a business that deals with sensitive information or products.
Build a Weather-Proof Commercial Roof System (waterproof, leak-proof, sun heat-proof)
Before everything else, it’s important to take into consideration the commercial roof system you plan to have for your building. This will be one of the most important parts of your structure as it protects everything and everyone inside from the outside elements.
There are multiple types of commercial roofs depending on the material such as asphalt, metal, rubber, and more. You will also have to decide the shape of your roof whether it be flat, sloped, or something in between.
Weatherproofing commercial roofs in areas like Phoenix, Arizona is essential. It needs to be waterproof and leakproof during the monsoon season. Sun protection is also vital to ensure your building doesn’t feel too hot during summer.
Invest in Quality Solar-Powered Commercial Generators
Investing in quality solar-powered generators is definitely a wise decision when constructing a commercial building.
In the event of a power outage, you want to make sure that your commercial building is still running smoothly. This is where solar-powered generators come in handy. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they will also keep your business up and running even when the power is out.
Make Sure Your Building Adheres to National and Local Fire Building Codes
When constructing a commercial building, it’s crucial to have fire safety in mind. This means adhering to national and local fire building codes to ensure that your property is as safe as possible.
This includes adding fire protection devices, such as fire sprinklers, fire alarms, and exit signs. Other necessary measures might include having wider stairwells and fire-resistant materials.
Also, putting a fire extinguisher on each floor is highly recommended. By following these codes, you can help protect your commercial building and the lives of people inside it from fire emergencies.
Use Commercial-Grade Windows and Doors
To withstand the wear and tear of daily use, it’s important to use commercial-grade windows and doors for your commercial building.
This is especially important for businesses with high volume of foot traffic such as retail stores, restaurants, and office buildings. You can see that in many high-rise buildings, the windows and doors are much thicker and sturdier than in residential ones. They also require professionals that can scale buildings to clean windows, such as an abseil window cleaning team.
For businesses that are located in areas with extreme weather conditions, it’s also important to invest in windows and doors that can withstand strong winds, hail, and other elements. By using commercial-grade windows and doors, you can help extend the life of your building.
Hire an Experienced Architect and Contractor
To ensure that your commercial building is designed and constructed properly, it’s important to hire licensed and experienced professionals. An experienced architect will be able to design a building that meets your specific needs and requirements. They will also be familiar with the latest building codes and regulations.
As for the construction, it’s important to hire a licensed contractor that has experience in constructing commercial buildings. They should also be able to provide you with a portfolio of their previous work. By hiring experienced professionals, you can be confident that your commercial building will be designed and built to last.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Once your commercial building is up and running, it’s important to perform regular maintenance. This includes things like checking for leaks, cracks, and other damage. You should also have the HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems) serviced regularly to ensure that it’s working properly.
It’s also a good idea to have a professional cleaning company come in and clean the building on a regular basis. This helps to keep the property looking its best and can also help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. By performing regular maintenance, you can help extend the life of your commercial building.
Maximize Your Budget
When constructing a commercial building, it’s important to maximize your budget. This means finding ways to save money without compromising on quality or safety.
One way to do this is to purchase materials in bulk. This can help you get a discount from the supplier. Another way to save money is to use recycled materials whenever possible. This includes things like using recycled concrete for the foundation or using recycled lumber for the framing.
Communicate All Changes to Your Contractor
Throughout the construction process, there will be inevitable changes that need to be made. It could be something as simple as changing the location of a window or door. Or it could be something more complex like altering the floor plan.
Whenever a change needs to be made, it’s important to communicate this to your contractor. They need to be aware of the change so that they can make the necessary adjustments. If you don’t communicate changes to your contractor, it could end up costing you more money in the long run.
Get Everything in Writing
When constructing a commercial building, it’s important to get everything in writing. This includes the contract, blueprints, estimates, and any other important documents.
Having everything in writing helps to protect both you and the contractor. It also ensures that there is a clear understanding of what needs to be done. If there are any misunderstandings, they can be quickly resolved by referring to the written documents.
Final Thoughts
Constructing a commercial building is a big undertaking. But with careful planning and execution, it can be a successful project. By following the tips above, you’ll have the confidence knowing that you’re on the right track to constructing a commercial building that will serve your needs for years to come.
