Simply running a small business is a hefty task. Moreso, running it well and in a profitable manner is a huge feat. Adding in anything extra may seem like an overwhelming task, especially something like remodeling, adding on or building a new facility. Renovating or expanding your business is a sure sign of positive growth and that your business is headed in the right direction. Keep pushing forward in your business endeavor by following these simple tasks to manage your business during an expansion.

Set reasonable construction hours.

Depending on the type of business that you own, setting reasonable construction hours may be an easy or a difficult task. While most people work the typical 9 to 5 work shift, and not on the weekends, it may be strenuous having the construction happening during your peak times. Having limited hours can extend your construction project, which also adds to the overall cost. When negotiating a contract with the contractor, consider asking for unconventional hours to have the work completed. This may mean having the work crew arrive early in the morning and work until your business opens at 9am, or having them  work in the evening, after your business has closed. Negotiating your construction hours will help keep your employees and customers appreciative of your business remaining open during normal hours of operation. 

Keep people informed.

From the beginning of the project to the end, keep those who are affected by the projected well informed. Not only should you notify your employees regarding your upcoming project, but it will be helpful to inform your customers, as well. Providing signage that explains new hours or new locations ensures that they know that your business will remain open but may have different hours of operation during the expansion. This helps mitigate any questions or false information they may have received.

Ensure cleanliness and safety.

Construction activities can create many types of hazards and debris. It’s important your contractor keeps a clean worksite. This involves daily cleanup including sweeping of floors, removing demoed materials, throwing out packaging materials and properly storing onsite materials. They should also address safety situations such as fall hazards with temporary fences or railings, installing temporary lighting to protect against dark areas and trip obstacles  and provide temporary enclosures to keep customers out of construction areas and to secure the facility at night.  

ACI can help you.

If you’re looking to renovate or expand your business, reach out to our team of seasoned specialists at Associated Contractors, Inc. today. We can help you implement a solid plan, stay on track and within budget in order to make the process as smooth as possible for you and your business. We will be there during your business expansion from start to finish.

Be sure to check out other topics in this series:

 Expansion Checklist Part 1: Preconstruction Considerations  

 Expansion Checklist Part 2: Bidding Process vs. Design Build 

Expansion Checklist Part 3: Considerations When Planning your Budget for your Project

Expansion Checklist Part 4: Selecting Your Project Team 

At the conception of any major construction project, before anything else can be determined, the budget must be thoroughly thought through. The budget helps to establish the allotted amount of money that will be spent on a specific project. The project budget can be established by comparison of similar projects, a preliminary analysis of what will be needed for the project, and an assessment of your projected income and expenses throughout the duration of the project. Establishing a comprehensive budget is imperative to all construction projects, ranging from remodeling to completely new construction.

Basic budget considerations.

When beginning to construct a feasible and realistic budget for your project there are many factors to consider. From the hard costs, which include excavation and site preparation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and so on, to the soft costs, which include land costs, land surveying, governing body compliances, the budget preparation process may seem intimidating. Utilize the help of a seasoned professional to lead you through the process. The total project cost for a typical commercial or industrial building project include:

• Land costs
• Legal fees
• Survey costs
• Project financing costs
• Government fees
• Architect/engineer fees
• Various consulting fees
• All direct costs, including site development and building construction
• Contractor’s costs, including general conditions
• Contingency for probable scope changes
• Furniture, furnishings, and equipment
• Other costs depending on the project type and location

A contractor or developer, such as ACI, who has built similar projects can help you estimate cost. When initially approaching the professionals, use this as a time to understand their services, as well as match up your expectations with what they offer. This is also the time to share your overall goal and budget. The more clear and concise plan that you have will assist with aligning your desires with if and how the contractor moves forward with the plan that suits everyone.

Attention to detail.

The rule of thumb that we follow at Associated Contractors Inc. is the closer one gets to the source of costs, the more accurate the estimate will be. By focusing on every detail of the project and all options and scenarios that can arise, we know that having the answers up front can ensure that we stay within the comprehensive budget.

How we can help you.

With ourconstruction management services here at Associated Contractors Inc. your project will be managed with the utmost organization, critical thinking, and overall industry expertise. Our seasoned team of industry specialists can guide you through the budget and planning process, as well as provide suggestions. Contact one of our specialists today to start planning your future projects.

 

Be sure to check out other topics in this series:

Expansion Checklist Part 1: Preconstruction Considerations 

 Expansion Checklist Part 2: Bidding Process vs. Design Build 

 Expansion Checklist Part 4: Selecting Your Project Team 

 

At the beginning of any new construction project, there is much to consider with regard to who is going to take on the project. Traditional design-bid and Design-Build are the two leading methods in the construction industry today. Below, you will learn the differences in the traditional bidding process and the Design-Build route for your next project.

The Bidding Process

Within the traditional construction bidding process, the owner manages two separate contracts. He/she establishes a contract with the builder and the designer. This makes the owner responsible for communicating with and managing the relationship with all parties involved. But there is not necessarily a contractual agreement, relationship, or obligation between the designer and the builder.

Design-Build 

While traditional bidding has been around for a long time, design-build has its benefits. Design-Build differs from the traditional method of construction because they use one entity that will bear sole responsibility for both the design aspect and actual construction part of the overall project. For the Design-Build process, the designer and the contractor work together on the project as teammates. According to a recent study about various construction delivery methods at Penn State University, they found that the design-build method has the ability to save six percent on project costs while significantly shortening completion time.

Comparing design-build and traditional construction

One of the most notable differences between traditional construction and the design-build method is the timing of establishing the overall cost of the project. In the traditional method, the cost is established after the bid, right before construction begins. In the design-build method, the cost is established immediately following the preliminary drawings, and right before the detailed drawings.

ACI can help you!

Associated Contractors takes pride in our well-defined Preconstruction planning process. Before we begin a project of any size, we execute a well-defined Preconstruction plan. This plan includes the cost, timeline, necessary parties involved, necessary permits, recommendations of materials and equipment, and many other useful tips.

Our design-build process is a one-stop-shopping alternative that is ideal for the customer. We ensure that the customer interacts exclusively with a single entity and allow them to choose the architectural design, as well as assure them that they will receive quality commensurate with their intentions. At ACI, our goal is to put you in the best position to make informed decisions and maximize the use of your construction dollars. You’ll enjoy this comfort, along with a detailed plan and guaranteed timeline. Get in touch with an ACI specialist  today to begin your construction project!

Be sure to check out other topics in this series:

Expansion Checklist Part 1: Preconstruction Considerations 

Expansion Checklist Part 3: Considerations When Planning your Budget for your Project

 Expansion Checklist Part 4: Selecting Your Project Team

 

Before beginning any type of construction project, laying down the groundwork is key. Addressing all the details involved helps to provide a flowing, streamlined construction project. This planning and preparation phase, known as Preconstruction, is where design and construction cost come together to ensure your project can be completed within budget and schedule. Learn about the many aspects to consider during the Preconstruction phase of a project.

What building permits and zoning approvals are needed to complete this project?

Because we have a lot of experience in the field, we ensure that all necessary permits and zoning issues are addressed upfront so you have nothing to worry about during your project. Items like parking requirements, setbacks, utility locations, flood plain requirements, sprinkler or elevator requirements are determined up front. We compile the necessary information about the project and provide preliminary design to meet the existing state codes and local zoning regulations.

Do I have a realistic and approved budget?

A budget is usually one of the biggest stressors of a project. We aim to remove the unnecessary stress by having a reasonable budget prepared before construction drawings are started. This construction budget addresses all of the items needed to complete the project and is broken down by scope of work. Having this realistic budget early in the planning process and updated as the Preconstruction process proceeds mitigates costly design changes down the line.

Have I constructed a stormwater management plan?

Stormwater management isn’t something that comes to most people’s minds when planning a construction project. That’s why we are here to help. We know the guidelines and requirements to mitigate potential problems associated with this down the line. Because construction projects can potentially disrupt the current stormwater runoff patterns, we are required to assess the situation and ensure that the completed project will still comply with the state and county regulations.

Do I have a detailed schedule and has it been agreed upon by all parties involved?

During the Preconstruction process, we access and calculate the duration of the project and construct a detailed schedule. Many times on renovation projects it is necessary to phase the project to keep the customer in business and create the least amount of disruption as possible. We strive to design a schedule around the needs and demands of the customer, along with the availability of materials, weather issues and labor capacity. Creating a realistic and detailed schedule allows everyone to be on the same page and understand the constraints of the project and how to most efficiently provide the customer with the finished product.

We can help you!

Associated Contractors takes pride in our well-defined Preconstruction planning process. Before we begin a project of any size, we execute a well-defined Preconstruction plan. This plan includes the cost, timeline, necessary parties involved, necessary permits, recommendations of materials and equipment and many other useful parameters. Our goal is to put you in the best position to make informed decisions and maximize the use of your construction dollars.Get in touch with an ACI specialist today to begin your construction project!

Be sure to check out other topics in this series:

 Expansion Checklist Part 2: Bidding Process vs. Design Build

Expansion Checklist Part 3: Considerations When Planning your Budget for your Project

Expansion Checklist Part 4: Selecting Your Project Team