Whether you are a business owner looking to expand, a startup CEO looking for a brick-and-mortar location to launch your company, or an investor with a newly purchased property — commercial building construction is no easy feat. The multitude of concerns, challenges and surprises that you’ll encounter along the way can be mind boggling, and in many cases, extremely costly. So it’s important before you begin your commercial construction project to be as prepared as possible. 

 

Getting educated on what the project will entail is key to a smoother process, time and cost savings, plus major peace of mind. To help you, we’re taking a look at what you need to consider before starting your commercial construction project. 

 

Finding the Right Location

Choosing the right location is one of the most important considerations you will face as a business owner. Minor issues can lead to great pains down the line if you select a less-than-perfect location. If you have your eyes set on a particular space or lot, make sure to look into the location’s designated zoning, environmental tests on the soil, proximity to your employees and/or customers, and water/sewer line capacity, among many others. If something is wrong with the property you’re looking into, it’s better to get out before you begin to invest major funds. 

 

Choosing the Right Contractor

Before starting any construction project, finding the right contractor is key. Many building owners try and low-ball their offers, often looking to maximize value. Yet often the opposite occurs — shoddy workmanship, constant delays, and disorganization can really make the process insufferable. Take the time to do your research and find a contractor you can trust. The commercial building construction process is usually a tedious one, so finding someone who can guide you throughout is key. 

 

Financing

Another problem many novice property owners face is financing. In any construction project, there will always be unforeseen circumstances that arise. Make sure to budget carefully, allowing for these potential charges, so that you don’t get caught in a standstill. After all, running out of money halfway through your construction can lead to delays of months or even years. So if you don’t have enough funds to account for these possibilities, you might want to wait before taking action. 

 

Timing 

Similar to unforeseen costs, unexpected delays are often part of the process. Pressuring your contractor for a tight deadline will only raise tensions. This can lead to shortcut solutions that do more harm than good. The permitting process alone tends to hold up many new builds, and the bigger the project, the more red tape. Try to set a reasonable timeline with your contractor, and communicate regularly throughout the construction to try and alleviate holdups. 

 

Determining Your Commercial Needs

Before any commercial construction project, you’ll need to consider exactly what building you need. What will you be using it for? What amenities, design elements and resources are fundamental to the success of your company? Does your building need multiple entryways, ramps, high-energy HVAC systems, a certain kind of lighting, etc.? These are questions that will help you early on in the design process. It’s not only important to determine what you’ll be needing in the present, but in the future as well. If you can foresee the need for extra storage or offices in the next five years, it’s better to add those on now. 

 

Long-Term Maintenance

An often overlooked issue that many building owners face is long-term maintenance. And it’s no surprise, because why would one think to worry about a problem that hasn’t even occurred yet? Waterproofing your structures is a key element for the life of your commercial building. You definitely do not want to have to deal with flood damage, structural integrity issues, developing mold problems, and non-compliance with building codes. After all, a structurally unsound building can not only hurt your employees, but seriously injure those inside. 

 

When you want to start your commercial construction project, trust the experts at WICR Waterproofing and Construction for all your commercial waterproofing needs. With over 40 years of experience, WICR has the skills and expertise to ensure that your building stays in great shape for years to come. 

 


WICR Waterproofing & Decking is Southern California’s premier waterproofing and decking specialist covering Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. We are trained by all the major manufacturers of waterproofing systems so that we can install or repair any waterproofing project. Please visit us at www.WICRWaterproofing.com