In the modern days, a wide variety of businesses need specific types of construction and a particular group of facilities. Due to this, the property owners want to build many types of commercial constructions fulfilling the needs of the business they want to run in the buildings. Fortunately, the total construction starts rose 17% in 2022 and are predicted to maintain this rise in future too, a relatively optimistic forecast given the anticipated economic stagnation.
Let’s familiarize ourselves with different types of commercial construction projects and understand how to start one.
What is a Commercial Construction Project?
A commercial construction project deals with the designing, building, and renovation of non-residential structures that are intended for commercial purposes. For example, office buildings, retail stores, warehouses, restaurants, hotels, medical facilities, life science labs, universities, and others.
Though most commercial construction projects are similar, they are differentiated in build, type, look, finish, and the intended use of the building. Each type of commercial construction varies in build, type, look and feel and the finish that is given to each one of them. Commercial construction is handled by corporate representatives and experienced engineers and architects.
It is opposed to residential construction, where a contractor deals with a homeowner or his representative and goes on with the building process with minimum formalities like building permits and building preliminaries etc.
But in commercial construction for a large business, the requirements are immense and hence the people in charge of the construction are varied in nature, comprising many types of construction professionals.
Examples of Commercial Construction Projects
In commercial construction, the types of construction may be carried out in different ways like
- Interior-only renovation in an existing building
- Both interior and exterior in an existing building to accommodate the special requirements of a commercial venture
- White box shell where the interior is developed with bare white walls and concrete floors for final finish by the occupier to satisfy their own needs
- Tenant fit-out where the white shell building is being fitted out with the specific requirements of the business to make it move-in–ready as per the tenants’ improvement requirements
- To establish branding specifications for consistency over a large chain of commercial buildings to satisfy the needs of a large corporate entity.
Irrespective of the type of commercial construction project, all building projects have to comply with the same set of construction regulations applicable in a given locality. The preliminary preparations are almost the same for all types of commercial construction.
8 Common Types of Commercial Buildings
Here are some of the most common types of commercial buildings that are being built today:
Construction for Retail Stores
These are the most common types of commercial construction projects built for the running of retail stores. Their size and extent vary with the type of retail store to be operated in the commercial building. Around 94% of customers in the US are returning to physical stores post the pandemic, which fuels the demand for retail store construction.
A single retail store for the supply of goods locally will be relatively smaller in size, built within a limited space. But if the construction is for a chain store operated as a supermarket or mall, these commercial buildings are built as large shopping plazas to accommodate a wide range of merchandise.
Such large commercial construction projects give people easy access, use, and exit with necessary amenities like accessibility and extensive parking areas. Some commercial construction is for a retail chain store with multiple locations. These commercial buildings have to follow branding requirements in design and construction for a consistent look.
Commercial Construction For Restaurants
While undertaking a commercial construction project for a restaurant, design plays a significant role in offering the best user experience. Restaurants are built as a place for dining that creates a relaxing atmosphere. The ambience of the restaurant must be eye-pleasing and comfortable where people can unwind. This also helps the restaurant business to grow.
These commercial buildings are built in compliance with the look and feel of a particular brand following a consistent floor plan and interior décor. Restaurants are meant for use by a large number of the general public. Hence, they need to comply with more regulations, building codes, and obtain more permits from the local authorities.
For example, stringent safety features, the use of electricity, water, and hazardous elements can affect restaurant visitors. Read here for a detailed guide on restaurant construction for business owners.
Commercial Buildings For Lodging Facilities
Commercial buildings for lodging houses are built in all sizes, shapes, and types for the hotel and motel industry. Lodging facilities are fairly large with a viable number of lodging units and all support features. For instance, an expansive reception area, restaurants, swimming pools, spas and saunas, gym, massage areas, and shopping areas.
These types of commercial buildings are designed to have easy access and exit with ample parking for lodge guests. The building is also finished to provide the required level of comfort and privacy.
Oftentimes, developers undertake massive commercial construction projects for lodging facilities to become an important landmark in the locality.
Commercial Construction Of Office Buildings
Office buildings occupy a major portion of commercial buildings in any place. They can be small buildings with a few rooms accommodating a small business or skyscrapers running into 100 floors to house mighty commercial corporations.
These commercial constructions come in the shapes and types of standard office cabins to well-furnished suites to serve multi-millionaires running their empires from these buildings. The types of equipment installed and fixtures made to these types of buildings are tailored to the business.
These types of commercial construction projects are also subject to severe Government and local regulations. For example, safety provisions of fire escapes, lifts, escalators, and other types of amenities for comfortable use of the building.
The cost of office building construction in the US can range from $237 to $378 per square foot, depending on the region.
Commercial Construction For Industrial Buildings
Modern-day society needs a multitude of products for daily use which are manufactured and serviced through industrial buildings. Due to this, commercial construction for industrial purposes occupies an important place among types of commercial construction projects.
Huge industrial sheds are constructed for installing large machinery and equipment, storage areas, and other industrial uses. These buildings are designed to be used as production houses for day-to-day products and are constructed in compliance with special requirements for flooring, roof height, etc.
Commercial Construction For Medical Facilities
Hospitals and medical centers are necessary for society, and so, there is a constant demand for this type of commercial building. New hospitals are established to meet the medical requirements of the growing population and existing hospitals are being expanded. Medical facilities are built in various sizes from single practitioner clinics to multispecialty corporate medical centers.
Medical construction projects are designed to give easy access to hospital users like patients, doctors, medical staff, and the general public. They must also have the right environment for the installation or operation of lifesaving equipment.
Commercial Buildings As Athletic Structures
Sports activities are necessary for the well-being of the people at large. Hence, developers build these commercial construction projects for athletics and sports events. Athletic structures are built with innovative designs and facilities to host sports events that attract thousands of spectators.
Mega stadiums are built in almost all cities to conduct athletics and sports-related activities. Sports facilities are common in high schools, fitness centers, and other places meant to be used by a small number of users.
Commercial Buildings As Mixed-Use Developments
Mixed-use development is a type of urban planning that blends commercial, residential, industrial, and recreational uses into one space. Typically, commercial construction projects for mixed-use developments are built in these two forms:
Vertical Mixed-Use Building – A single multi-storey building that houses different functions within itself. For example, a mixed-use building where a retail store, a restaurant, or private offices are on lower floors while residential apartments are on the upper floors.
Horizontal Mixed-Use Building – A block or neighborhood accommodating various single-use buildings into a side-by-side or interconnected layout. For example, a complex that houses residential buildings, offices, hotels, shopping malls, and other amenities like fitness centers, movie theaters, community halls, etc.
Mixed-use developments are also known as ‘commercial districts’. They require a versatile design that supports the needs of diverse tenants and their uses. Commercial general contractors handling these types of projects need expertise in complying with special zoning requirements, different building codes for each use, and safety regulations.
Building a community environment while maintaining the privacy of tenants is the biggest challenge commercial contractors face in mixed-use development.
Factors to Consider Before a Commercial Construction Project
1. Location
The location of your commercial building will majorly contribute to your business’s growth. For example, an office building should be situated in a centralized location close to universities, multi-use developments, and amenities with easy access to transit.
Your location should also be accessible to specially-abled people and offer enough parking space. By identifying your unique business needs, pick a location for your commercial construction project.
2. Budget
Before starting a building project, ensure that you have an adequate budget to fund all its associated costs. These costs include land acquisition price, materials, permits, labor, contractor fees, contingencies, and other related costs. Request a professional contractor to provide a realistic cost estimate.
On average, commercial construction projects cost a whopping $440 per square foot in San Francisco, California, the most expensive city in the world. If you are a small business owner, consider financing options such as construction loans and mortgages.
3. Timeline
Sit with your general contractor to develop a well-defined timeline from the start to the end. Outlining a clear project schedule helps avoid costly delays and keeps your construction team on track. Generally, commercial construction projects take longer than planned, hence, it is wiser to leave some flexibility in your schedules. Factor in permitting, weather, material deliveries, labor shortages, or unexpected problems.
4. Zoning, Permits, and Building Regulations
As soon as you develop plans for a new commercial property, apply for applicable building permits. Ensure you comply with zoning ordinances and get your project plans approved by the federal government as well as local authorities.
Timing is critical here, as you may have to fully redesign your plans if they aren’t in compliance with local regulations or if the documents are asked to be revised. By the time the construction team is ready to break the ground, your commercial contractor must have all the permits/documents approved.
5. Commercial Contractor
The most important team member you hire for a commercial building project is a contractor. Select a local commercial contractor who will be familiar with necessary permits and inspections. Google “commercial contractors near me”, “commercial general contractors near me” or “general contractor (your city name)” to find local construction companies. You can ask family, friends, or colleagues for trusted recommendations.
Examine their licenses, credentials, and portfolio of past projects. In addition, they should be experienced in accomplishing commercial construction projects similar to yours. If possible, contact their previous clients and ask how the contractor communicated with them and dealt with issues.
We Help You Reach Your Dreams
Whatever your type of commercial building, our team at Constructive Solutions, Inc. is well experienced and has highly trained commercial construction professionals to take care of every one of your needs and bring your dream commercial building to the right shape and use on time and within budget.
Contact us today to discuss your commercial project.
FAQs
How to choose the best General Contractor for my business?
The best general contractor will have a proven track of successful projects, client testimonials, several years of experience in commercial construction, and a qualified team. Refer to this blog for an understanding of the criteria for contractor selection.
How do I get my estimate for my construction project?
You can request shortlisted commercial contractors to provide accurate estimates for your building project. Or else, hire an independent cost estimator to handle and prepare estimates.
How long does a typical commercial construction project take?
It depends on how complex and large-scale your project is. Thus, you will get a definite answer to this question only when a general contractor factors all your project’s considerations and accordingly sets a timeline.
Relevant Resources:
13 Ways Your Commercial General Contractor Can Help Reduce Construction Costs
Renovate Your Commercial Building Like a Pro: 10 Expert Tips
Constructive Solutions, Inc. is a full-service commercial construction company serving San Francisco and Bay Area.
Whatever your vision, we have the resources, experience, and insight to make your concept a reality, and a space where your business can flourish.
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