Top 3 Options for Commercial Overhead Doors

Procuring garage or overhead doors for your commercial property is not so cut and dry. There are a lot of elements involved in the decision-making process, including coordinating the materials, labor, and installation. Furthermore, there are a wide range of overhead door designs, styles, finishes, sizes, and technologies to choose from. Then most importantly, there are local and city building codes that must be upheld in all aspects for optimal safety and security. For these reasons and more, it is wise to educate yourself on your options for commercial overhead doors, and better understand which type best suits your business’s needs.

Continue reading to review a brief description of the top three, and how to get started with a commercial door repair and replacement bid in Central Indiana.

Indiana Commercial Overhead Door Repair and Replacement 317-253-0531
Indiana Commercial Overhead Door Repair and Replacement 317-253-0531

3 Types of Overhead Doors for Commercial Buildings

Whether you are in the market for specialty overhead doors for your commercial building, or doors geared more towards performance, you can rest assure that there is a viable option that meets your overall business objectives. The top three kinds of commercial overhead doors include strip doors, high speed doors, and high cycle doors. Below is a brief description explaining the market facts of each, and why they are often chosen for commercial properties.

Strip Doors

Commercial strip doors are unlike other commercial overhead doors because they are not made of metal. Instead, they are made of heavy-duty plastic composed in vertical strips. They are a common choice among proprietors whose businesses require a need to mitigate or control temperature, sound, fumes, smells, debris, or dust. You might have seen them before in the office, as they are often used as partitions between cubical spaces. They are also used for commercial refrigeration needs, or to control the temperature in certain spaces.

High Cycle Doors

High cycle doors are the maximum performance door option for commercial overhead doors. Not only are they admired for being incredibly durable and low maintenance, but they are known to endure more than one million open and close cycles. Now that really is high-cycle performance! By choosing these commercial overhead doors, you won’t have to worry about replacing them for many years to come. Proprietors whose business requires opening the overhead doors multiple times a day will benefit the most from high-cycle doors, such as parking garages, food processing plants, and security centers.

High Speed Doors

Opposite of high-cycle doors, high speed commercial overhead doors are well-suited for commercial applications that involve refrigeration, or a need to open and shut doors very quickly in order to keep things out or protect what’s inside. They are highly efficient, and as the name implies, operate at high open and shut speeds. In fact, they are the fastest commercial overhead doors on the market, and will save you both time and money.

Where to Get Commercial Door Installation and Replacement in Indianapolis

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial overhead door repair and installation services in Indiana and its surrounding locations. Whether you are building a new facility and need to procure commercial doors, or require door replacement, we are the Indianapolis commercial general contractors to trust for cost-effective and efficient service at the highest level of craftsmanship. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

How to Choose the Right Professional for Your Commercial Remodel

Do you have a commercial building that requires some updating or repair, but you are not sure where to start? You are not alone. Many commercial proprietors have some confusion on which professional to hire for their building remodeling needs. From general contractors and subcontractors, to architects, designers, and more, it is no surprise that you might be feeling some indirection right from the very start of your commercial remodeling planning process. Fortunately, you are in the right place if you want to know exactly who the proper team of construction and building professionals would be for your commercial remodel.

Continue below to learn to difference between general contractors, architects, and designers, as well as how to decide which professionals you require for your commercial construction project.

Indianapolis Design Build Commercial Construction 317-253-0531
Indianapolis Design Build Commercial Construction 317-253-0531

Understanding the Roles of Construction and Building Professionals

General Contractors

All commercial construction remodels will require a general contractor, or a general contracting team depending on the size and scope of the project. A general contractor is the lead professional who manages, directs, and secures all elements and details of a project, from inception to completion. This includes all preconstruction work like space planning and permitting, building code compliancy, and procurement, as well as all labor, building, designing, and post-occupancy follow-ups and facility maintenance needs. General contractors are construction and project management experts, acting as the primary point of contact and communication for all other hired professionals, including architects, designers, wholesalers, vendors, and subcontractors.

Architects

Although interior designs can also help choose architectural designs and materials, it is the architects who have the legal and professional responsibility to design the build properly. Architects are licensed professionals who have extensive education and training in engineering and architectural design, and ensure both the structural integrity and safety of a commercial building. Architects focus more on these elements rather than cosmetic or aesthetic design, as they have a professional and legal duty of care to ensure optimal safety, security, and stability of their work. If your commercial construction remodel requires structural redesigns, such as relocating window and doors, taking down walls, or modifying rooflines, you would need the professional acumen of a licensed architect. If you are not making any significant structural changes, an interior designer would be a good fit for your commercial remodeling needs.

Designers

Interior designers, according to the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ), are professionals who retain a concentrated expertise of space planning and design of interior environments, and whose work is intended to encourage health, safety, and well-being, as well as boost the experience of guests and clientele. With that being said, an interior designer is someone who can bring the overall vision of your company’s culture to life, all while promoting optimal efficiency, function, performance, and human contentment. They are not required to be licensed, but many choose to earn theirs anyway.

Which Professionals Do You Need?

In most cases however, a commercial remodel requires all three professionals mentioned above.  But how does a proprietor like yourself organize and budget all of these needs into one remodel? The answer is to hire a commercial construction company that offers full-service design build remodeling solutions. Commercial design-build contracting lets you avoid hiring 20 different contractors and professionals for your remodeling project. So, where can you find a trusted commercial design build (DB) contractor in Indianapolis? That answer is even easier.

Choose BAF Corporation for Indianapolis Design Build Commercial Construction and Remodeling

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 to learn more about our Indianapolis general contracting and design build services, including your options for getting started with a consultation. Our licensed contractors provide full-service commercial remodeling and construction, and implement a concentrated approach to ensure all aspects of your project are met, including planning, scheduling, and budgeting. We serve commercial, corporate, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

The Planning and Development Process of a Commercial Construction Project

There are countless specifications, details, phases, stages, and more in your everyday, average commercial construction project. But as for the basic outline of the designing and building process, you can expect 6 key steps. Continue reading to learn the six most fundamental milestones in the planning and development process of an average commercial construction job, and how to get started on your very first step as a proprietor yourself.

Indianapolis Commercial Design Build Contractors
Indianapolis Commercial Design Build Contractors 317-253-0531

The Commercial Construction Design Build System

Planning

When you first begin with the idea of a commercial construction project, whether a new build or renovation to an existing space, your first step is to plan out the initial elements, including hiring a trusted commercial general contractor, locating real estate for procurement or lease, and of course, setting a budget. In the commercial construction industry, the rule of thumb is to set a budget, and then add 10% to it to protect against unanticipated costs and budget increases. Your general contractor can help you procure real estate, negotiate leasing terms, implement proper budget analysis and foreseeability reviews, and much more. In fact, they can help you with the five remaining steps of the commercial construction design build process.

Designing

Your next stage in the commercial construction planning and development process is the design stage. During this stage, every building and design specification is planned out, confirmed, and put into motion, down to the very last detail. This includes all aesthetic designs, such as colors, materials, textures, and even furniture and upholsteries. At the completion of this stage, you should be equipped with full architectural drawings that detail all of the functions and layout of your commercial space.

 Pre-Construction

The third stage in the commercial construction planning and development process is preconstruction. As one of the most vital stages in commercial design and build, preconstruction addresses and finalizes the appointed project team, including all architects, contractors, and subcontractors, as well as building permitting, building code specifications, insurance acquisition, and all other municipal and legal matters concerning commercial construction.

Ordering and Purchasing

The purchasing stage, also known in the commercial construction industry as procurement, is the phase of the process that involves acquisition of all necessary materials and supplies for construction, as well as locking in the price for labor, and completing all purchasing orders for the project, including building systems, appliances, furniture, and more, as detailed in the project specifications.

Construction Work

During this phase of the commercial construction process is when the actual building takes place. As a collective team, your hired architects, general contracting team, construction managers, subcontractors, and designers work together to make the vision come alive. All building work will be completed up to municipal and local codes, as well as all specified elements of the commercial construction plan.

Post Occupancy Work

the final stage of the commercial construction planning and development process include both the post occupancy follow-up and facility maintenance services. During this phase, all commercial construction work is inspected to ensure optimal function, efficiency, and that it meets all local and municipal building code requirements, and all remaining elements are addressed and completed. After white glove inspection, all of the remaining elements of facility maintenance can be arranged and coordinated with your commercial general contracting company. It is highly recommended to use your general contractor for facility maintenance service for many reasons.

Commercial Design Build Contractors in Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial construction services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractor teams deliver a streamlined process that meets all defined engineering and design specifications, procurement, schedules, and budgets. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Contact us to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

Why You Should Start Planning Your Commercial Remodel Right Now

Last week, we discussed how winter weather can have a negative impact on the cost, scheduling, and completion of your commercial construction project. Although now is not the most ideal time of year to break ground with a new construction build or invasive remodel, it is the perfect time to start planning for one later in the year. Continue reading to find out why, and who to trust for superior commercial remodeling work in Central Indiana.

Indiana Construction Management 317-253-0531
Indiana Construction Management 317-253-0531

Now is the Best Time to Plan a Commercial Remodel or Build

When it comes to planning a commercial construction project, whether an entirely new design build or a remodel to an existing space, there are some good reasons why winter is a great time to get it done. First, the weather here in the Midwest is typically very dismal during the winter season, with plenty of precipitation like rain and snow, as well as, shorter days, colder temperatures, and as mentioned last week, frozen ground.

Since the weather poses challenges for actual building work, the next best thing you can do is use this season to make construction or remodeling plans. Not only will you have the time you need for proper planning and preconstruction approval, but you will also have a clearer vision on which kinds of building modifications or additions you want to incorporate in order to accommodate the changing economic environment, COVID-19 procedures, in-office labor, and much more.

Take Your Time With Construction Planning

The best commercial construction projects are those that are not rushed. Planning your commercial construction remodel during the winter season gives you ample time to finalize every specification down to the very last detail, and line up all necessary general contractor and subcontractor work. Furthermore, it ensures that your design build objectives are met as specified, and that all scheduling, building code requirements, procurements, and more are coordinated properly. This level of planning saves time, which also saves money.

Get the Preconstruction Process Out of the Way

For all commercial construction projects, the preconstruction process is generally the longest phase out of all the phases of a design build construction project. The preconstruction process involves several steps, including building leasing, real estate acquisition, conceptual estimating, constructability reviews, feasibility studies, paperwork filings, space planning and permitting, zoning, budgeting, scheduling, and much more. You can expect the preconstruction process to take at least a couple of months, and upwards of 6 months or more, depending on the scope and details of the project.

Make Changes to Accommodate Future Needs or Objectives

The winter season, plus all of 2020, will give you ideas on how you want to your space to be. Perhaps you wish to have all private office spaces, or a more open space plan? It might be possible that you want to add a commercial kitchen or café to your building? Maybe you would like to include health and safety designs and technologies, like outdoor spaces, touch-free devices, clean air circulation systems, and ADA bathroom compliance inclusions. All of these plans are possible when addressed well ahead of time.

Commercial Construction Management in Central Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 when you are looking for trusted commercial management in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

Will Winter Impact My Commercial Construction Project?

Here in Indiana, commercial construction tends to resume most of the year. But when the winter weather renders conditions that are too inclement or unpredictable, all building work must be stalled until the climate permits safe and proper work. Generally, this is why most proprietors plan their commercial construction and renovation projects prior to the harshest peaks of the season. However, that does not necessarily mean that a project is doomed if extended or scheduled during these times of the year, nor is it in any sort of jeopardy of being negatively affected. So long as you choose a certified and experienced Indiana commercial construction company, you can feel confident that your project is in the hands of true professionals who know how to abate the extreme winter weather conditions, and can organize the project’s schedule to be completed on time, as specified.

Continue reading to learn how harsh winter weather might impact your upcoming or potential commercial build or renovation, and who to trust for superior construction work in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Commercial Construction Indianapolis Indiana
Commercial Construction Indianapolis Indiana 317-253-0531

Frozen Ground Delays Breaking Ground

Generally, any design build, new construction commercial projects are scheduled before the ground freezes, which is usually when the most extreme succession of winter is upon our state. Sometimes the temperatures can drop low enough, long enough, for the ground to freeze up to a foot below the surface as early as December. Other times, the ground doesn’t reach a pure frozen state until mid-February or March.

Once the ground is frozen, not much construction can take place. Although insulated tarps, ground thawing machines, and other common anti-thaw concrete components might help a bit, they often increase the cost of labor and materials, making the commercial construction project more expensive for the proprietor. In worse scenarios, breaking ground when it is not fully thawed can lead to massive foundation issues later on, which also increases costs at all ends.

More Time Means More Labor You Have to Pay For

When a construction project gets caught in the middle of a harsh winter weather streak, everything must shut down until it is safe to resume. With a good construction company, this type of delay is generally anticipated and already accounted for in the original scheduling plans. Even in lighter, or more moderate winter conditions, the variables of the climate can increase the amount of time in the work, thus increasing labor and labor costs; commutes to work might take longer in bad weather, so labor arrives later, while pre-work snow clearance and cleaning up at the end of the day adds more time to the daily schedule and overall agenda.

Some Construction Materials Do Not Take Well to Cold Curing

Even if the winter weather is mild, the temperatures might not be. In this case, there are certain aspects and actual components that are not compatible with cold temperatures, especially if exposed to outdoor environments. For example, spraying insulation, working with electrical wire casing, curing any type of indoor muds or adhesives, and similar temperature-sensitive construction applications, will not respond well if it is too cold outside. Fortunately, with a skilled and trusted Indianapolis commercial construction company working your project, the timing of all these necessary construction phases will be scheduled at the proper stages to avoid delays.

Choose BAF Corporation for Commercial Construction in Indianapolis, Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial construction services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractor teams deliver a streamlined process that meets all defined engineering and design specifications, procurement, schedules, and budgets. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

Primary Elements of Commercial ADA Bathroom Compliance

Disabled and handicapped citizens are fortunate to have the Americans with Disabilities Act on their side. As they so rightfully and irrefutably deserve, this important piece of legislation protects the rights of immobilized and incapacitated individuals by prohibiting discrimination against their disabilities, and ensuring their equal access and opportunity in the world around them.

A large part of the Americans with Disabilities Act is ADA compliancy, which mandates specific building code standards and regulations for accessibility. Commercial business owners might think they understand ADA compliancy, but there is one area that is often unclear, and that is the bathroom. Commercial bathrooms must be ADA compliant at all times.

Continue reading to learn the primary elements of commercial ADA bathroom compliancy, and where to get a trusted commercial construction consultation for ADA compliancy renovations in Indiana.

Indianapolis Indiana ADA Compliant Renovations
Indianapolis Indiana ADA Compliant Renovations 317-253-0531

Common Features of an ADA Compliant Restroom

ADA Compliant Doors

Disabled individuals need to be able to easily access a bathroom in a commercial building, first and foremost. This starts with ADA compliant doorways. Doors should be wide enough to allow wheelchair entry, which according to the ADA is at least 32 inches. Additionally, they must open up at least 90 degrees, have handles that can be grasped with just one hand; so, no doorknobs. They should also only require little effort to open and close. Fortunately, commercial door repair and replacement can be completed in as little as one day.

ADA Compliant Grab Bars

A commercial bathroom cannot be ADA compliant with adequate and sufficient grab bars. Not only are bathroom grab bars essential for balance and leverage, but they are also important for preventing slipping accidents and injuries. They should be sturdy enough to withstand up to 250 pounds of weight, have easy-to-grip surface area dimensions of at least 1¼ inches, and be installed at least 33 to 36 inches above the floor, and at least 1½ inches from the wall. Such bars should always be installed in the handicap stall of the bathroom, 26 inches on the rear wall, and 42 inches on the side wall of the stall.

ADA Compliant Toilets

Commercial bathrooms must be equipped with toilets that are easy for disabled persons to use, according to ADA compliancy requirements. Not only should they be fitted with easy flushing valves that do not require a lot of force or twisting of the hand to push, but they should also be fitted with toilet seats no higher than 17 to 19 inches from the floor.

ADA Compliant Sinks and Faucets

In order for a commercial bathroom to be fully-compliant with ADA standards, its sinks and fixtures must meet certain criteria. A sink should not be mounted above the floor more than 34 inches, while knee clearance is also required, with under-the-sink space at 30 inches wide, 27 inches high, and between 11 and 25 inches in depth.

ADA Compliant Design

As a whole, a commercial bathroom must meet ADA compliancy requirements by ensuring its design allows for easy maneuvering and movement, as well as accessible mobility tools, like grab bars. Single stall restrooms require a circle of at least 60 inches around the side wall and 56 inches from the rear wall, which will allow a wheelchair to make an entire 360-degree turn. Multi-stall bathrooms require at least one handicap stall, and enough space to move.

Where to Get ADA Compliant Bathroom Renovations in Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for professional ADA compliant commercial bathroom renovations in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors deliver a streamlined construction process that meets all defined ADA compliancy specifications, as well as engineering, design, procurement, schedules, and budgets for your commercial office space or business. Contact us today to request free information about Indiana commercial bathroom remodeling, or to schedule a consultation.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

Benefits of Zinc Metal Roofing Systems for Commercial Buildings

When it comes to the metal roofing market, you will find that the majority of mass produced materials are steel and aluminum. Not only are these materials widely available and cost-effective, but they also retain several beneficial attributes that make them a highly suitable choice for the commercial roofing systems. But in the commercial roofing market, aluminum and steel are not the only options to choose from. Zinc metal roofing has become increasingly popular as its innovation continues to improve. In fact, commercial proprietors who are interested in a copper roofing system may eventually discover that zinc roofing is a more cost-effective alternative, yet equally beneficial.

Continue reading to learn more about zinc metal roofing systems for commercial buildings, and where to get started with a commercial metal roof installation bid in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Commercial Roof Installation
Indianapolis Commercial Roof Installation and Repair 317-253-0531

The Advantages of Zinc Metal Commercial Roofs

Zinc metal roofs cost an average of $4 to 7 per square foot. Compared to other materials, this is a great price average when coupled with all the benefits zinc offers. Zinc roofs are considered non-corrosive, meaning they are less affected by harsh weather, corrosion, mold, insects, and other forms of natural wear and tear. They are also fire-resistant. Zinc metal roofs are highly durable and can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years with good care. They require very little maintenance, so taking care of them is not difficult to do. Maintenance is especially easy since zinc can essentially repair itself because of its hydroxyl carbonate layer’s self-replenishing attributes. This manages scratches, abrasions, and other forms of surface blemishes.

This level of resilience also helps to maintain a desirable curb appeal. In terms of aesthetics, many homeowners admire the colors changes that take place as zinc ages and weathers. As a result of a patinating process, the standard dark gray zinc color slowly changes to a spectrum of light grays and even light blues, giving it a beautiful and unique look. For commercial building owners who want all the wonderful attributes of zinc metal roofing, but do not find the color changing aspect appealing, pre-patinated panels would be a great choice. Many steel metal residential roofing systems are actually coated in zinc, providing more resilience to corrosion and rust formation. These systems are called galvanized steel roofing systems.

Zinc roofing could be a great option for commercial building owners with a green agenda because they are environmentally friendly. Not only does it require less energy to produce these materials, but they are also recyclable. Studies have suggested that the toxicity levels in zinc are negligible, so the roofing industry is encouraging replacing all lead-based flashings with soft zinc materials. Furthermore, they have a great return on investment because they retain their value for several years.

Where to Get Superior Commercial Roof Installation and Repair in Indianapolis, Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for skilled commercial roof repair and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced Indianapolis commercial general contracting team deliver a streamlined construction process that meets all defined engineering and design specifications, procurement, schedules, and budgets for your commercial office space or business. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

How to Improve Efficiency Through Innovative Office Design

We have probably all worked in environments that were just not conducive to a productive workday. Things like glaring fluorescent lighting, freezing cold conference rooms, blinding white wall paint, inefficient workspace, crowded cubicles, small offices, uncomfortable desk chairs, and lack of much-needed amenities. As an office building proprietor or manager, it is wise to ensure your office space is comfortable and efficient in order to optimize your staff’s contentment and productivity, both of which will successfully contribute to your overall profits.

Continue below to learn what an efficient, innovative office design looks like in 2021, and how you can achieve success through office remodeling.

Indianapolis Commercial Office Remodeling
Indianapolis Commercial Office Remodeling and Design Build Services 317-253-0531

Innovative Office Design Tips for 2021

A Floor Plan That Enhances Flow and Encourages Movement

Sitting around at a desk all day can have many negative effects on your employees. From simple boredom and lack of focus, to eye strain, back pain, sciatica complications, and much more, your staff will not work well in an environment that fosters stagnancy for the entire workday. Additionally, insufficient flow to the office space floor plan can discourage efficiency in terms of daily operations and general convenience. A more flexible, flowing floor plan can also positively impact the emotional and physical well-being of your staff, which ultimately increases your business’s success.

So, opt for an office floor plan that not only delivers easy and efficient flow, but also promotes movement among your staff of employees. Some examples include taking down walls, spreading desks around to encourage more walking, incorporating standing desks, installing vending or beverage stations, space conversions, and total office design build remodeling.

Better Lighting and Paint Colors Promotes Higher Levels of Focus

Harsh, fluorescent lighting and stark white wall paint are not great for relaxation and focus. If your office space resembles more of a warehouse or clothing store boutique, you might want to reconsider your lighting systems and options, and your paint colors. It is a proven fact that natural light in an office setting has a great, positive impact in staff morale, making it a prime office design consideration. Furthermore, it is suggested through experience that paint colors like green and blue have a relaxing effect on staff, which increases their ability to concentrate, while colors like pale yellow and soft whites can boost productivity.

Incorporating Nature and Natural Light Has a Positive Impact on Staff Productivity

As mentioned, natural lighting in the office can relax staff, which can allow them to better focus on their work duties. However, enhancing your office space with more than just natural light can further boost employee productivity and contentment, such as adding in elements of nature. One of the most successful and encouraging space conversions for an office building is to add in atrium-like room or space that is both indoors and outdoors. Other ideas are to bring in natural elements to the office, such as live plants, watering systems, koi ponds, fountains, and similar nature-like installations.  

How to Get Started With Commercial Office Design Build Services in Indianapolis

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial design build and office remodeling services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractor teams deliver a streamlined process that meets all defined engineering and design specifications, procurement, schedules, and budgets. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531