Commercial Renovation

For many small business owners looking forward to commercial renovations are like anticipating needles in their eyes. Because many people who want renovations done are rookies and are scared of a process that they don't understand. From the onset of wanting to start a business and finding a location to squeezing out financing, the prospective owner can be a bundle of nerves as the hunt for a contractor begins. He or she has already been jabbed with a string of barbs like business codes, taxes, numerous fees and inspections required to get the business up and running. So the thought of dealing with a contractor may not be high on the list of favorites.

However, a reputable commercial renovation company is used to dealing with all kinds of clients and adjusts the focus to the size of the project. Many specialize in certain renovations where they feel comfortable: restaurants, mall shops, dentist offices, etc. A commercial kitchen, for example, has many health conditions to meet while dealing with the needs of hundreds of customers. In this way they can concentrate on bringing the most experience to bear on the project.

Developing a Commercial Renovation

In order for a commercial renovation company to assess the value of a remodeling project there are many items to consider. Part of the budget process is the estimation which can take a while to complete. In it the company estimators will ask questions to get a handle on what the client wants done: zoning, floor space, accessible washrooms, age of the building, HVAC required, plumbing upgrades, electrical upgrades, fire regulations and many more. Because until every aspect of the renovation is considered there can be no qualified estimate.

Unlike many building renovation costs can be controlled if the proper time is allotted for the project. Commercial real estate agents can create urgency for you to take over the place by saying that there are people lining up for this space. In addition, they like to sugar-coat the renovation costs for a space. However, don't sign a lease on a building and then tell the contractor that you're moving in the place within the month. That's way too fast for any good commercial remodeling company to move and the good ones will turn you down. It's better to turn down the place than to slap a business location together too quickly. Better yet, get an angel on your shoulder by hiring a lease negotiator to watch for space and, better yet, watch out for your interests.

The Commercial Renovation Process

1. Site Inspection: A good way to start is to get the renovator involved before signing the lease. Many companies have people who know the area you want to go into and can suggest places which that save you money. In this way, once the lease is signed your renovator is way ahead of the game and getting the permits.
2. The Concept: This step requires everything to be “drawn out” on computer and the designer works with the client making changes until they have an effective model. A commercial design can be a simple layout or include many areas.
3. Plans: Now it is time to get the plans in order to get the required permits. These are comprehensive engineers' diagrams that determine the entire cost and will include the information needed for the subtrades.
4. Project Specifications: This is the proof that the contractor is going to do the job that was contracted. This is a big part of the contract and will form the foundation of the working relationship. Nothing in these drawings can be omitted later by the contractor because of cost overruns or other problems. Reputable contractors know this and are successful because they have a process to deal with problems that do not include dragging the client in.
5. Scheduling: This is extremely important because the longer the job takes, the more potential revenues that are lost. There is usually a penalty clause included in the contract for this very purpose. However, the client must understand that contractors have other jobs on the go and can't drop everything to service the latest one.
6. The Building Permits: An important thing to remember here is that building permits are in the name of the property owner and not the builder. Always follow up on the building permit process and don't rely on hearsay.
7. Project Management: It is human nature for people to want to be led. So when the trades and subtrades are aware that they have a site manager to answer to they are more cooperative and timely. However, a project manager has to keep the schedule or else there may be revolt amongst the trades. It is not in the best interests of the project to hinder the commercial painting because the drywallers haven't finished. This job also includes quality control, dispute mediation, bill paying and community relations.
8. Customer Support: After the crews leave and the business opens there is always a settling in period. The reputable commercial renovation company always has a hotline for any problems that occur many months down the road.

For a commercial renovator in your are consult our Contractor Directory or post your project on site just as you would do with finding a commercial building.

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