Our in-depth expertise across the full commercial construction timeline, at every stage of every process, keeps your commercial building project running smoothly. Here’s what it looks like, and what to expect at each stage.
Shaping the Process: Levels of Construction
The size and scope of your commercial project impact how the stages/timeline take shape and how long the process lasts.
- Small-Scale Construction: These renovations/repairs don’t impact the core structure or the blueprint.
- Mid-Scale Construction: These projects involve noticeable structural additions or changes that expand the blueprint.
- Large-Scale Construction: These complex projects involve large/complete blueprint or footprint changes. Large-scale construction involves a complete overhaul or building a structure from the ground up.
What are the 7 Phases of Commercial Construction?
Just like the commercial building itself, your construction management needs a strong foundation, consistency, and high standards of quality to succeed. Here are the 7 major phases of commercial construction, and what to expect from each:
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- Planning and Development: Determine the direction, focus, and scope of your project. This is when you choose your location, set your budget and hire general contractors to manage and complete your commercial building project.
- Pre-Design Phase: Some teams separate this stage from planning and development. Often they happen in tandem. During the pre-design phase of commercial construction, you determine room size, number of rooms, and the purpose of each room. You decide where the building will sit relative to utilities, roads, parking and other infrastructure (which civil engineers verify at the next phase). Materials and equipment costs are set, and construction phase costs are estimated.General timelines are discussed so contracts can be outlined.
- Design Phase: This phase is where engineers and architects work together. Detailed drawings and schematics are created. Engineers use their varied expertise to ensure structural integrity and compliance, as well as planning for internal systems (like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical).
- Pre-Construction: You could also call this the “paperwork phase” of commercial construction. Here’s when permits and insurance are obtained. Vendor bids are gathered, and the field team is set.
- Procurement Phase: This is where you select the best-quality materials and construction/GC services for your budget and scope. Having an experienced commercial management team will prevent you from going way over-time and over budget at this critical stage.
- Construction Phase: Now, you’re ready for site preparation, groundbreaking, and construction. Site preparation ensures the building can safely be built on the plot, and allows for proper equipment/materials placement and storage throughout on-site work. During the groundbreaking stage, vegetation is removed, excavation is completed, and required drainage/utilities connections are laid out and prepared. Construction itself includes everything else. Laying the foundation, framing the building, inserting the walls/ceilings and windows necessary to craft the rooms and features in the blueprint, applying siding and roofing, and installing the building systems that allow for smooth, comfortable operation and use of the space. As the finishing touches and features are being placed on the building interior and exterior, the temporary buildings and storage units required during construction are dismantled and removed. Finally, landscaping is completed to give the property the polished appearance necessary to welcome employees, tenants, and visitors.
- Post-Construction Phase: This is when you complete the walkthrough with the general contractor/commercial management team. During the walkthrough, you’ll note any issues or unresolved problems on a punch list. Once all those items are addressed to your satisfaction (and according to any project safety/compliance requirements), you receive a Certificate of Substantial Completion from the architect. With that certificate in hand, you can bring in temporary, portable items and complete an official building inspection to allow for occupancy and use.
Trustworthy, Efficient Construction Project Management
Choosing the right commercial construction management team is essential for project success and return on investment. Farrar Construction Services is who Florida businesses trust to oversee and execute commercial construction projects. If you’re looking for a partner who communicates clearly and delivers results from planning to walkthrough, contact FCS today to discuss your Florida commercial construction project.