Key Considerations for Investing in New Commercial Office Space

Posted on July 28, 2022 by bafcorp20

Whether you are investing in a new commercial office building or looking to add another location to your fast-growing company, there are some key considerations you should discuss with your trusted commercial general contracting team to ensure that you optimize the profitability potential of your investment.

Continue below to review some important commercial office space acquisition factors that will have the most impact on your overall success.

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Office Investment Factors to Consider Before Signing the Dotted Line

Outlay

Cost is always a key consideration when it comes to investing in property. Your total costs for procuring, renovating, maintaining, and operating a commercial office space will have a significant impact on your level of success. Then you have to think about the expenses involved in running your office, including employee payroll, supplies, imports, exports, and so on. Although a cheap price tag on an old building or office strip might look enticing, it is important to take note of all the other costs associated with transitioning into that space. Sometimes, cheaper properties end up costing more as time goes on.

In the same breath, it is important to not overextend yourself on a building or property that is too pricey or turn-key. Think about what your actual needs are. For instance, do you need a brand new building directly in the city center within walking distance of everything? Or could you still do well with a less modern space just outside of the metro area, but with several retail and restaurant options nearby?

Location

Location is another top consideration when choosing a commercial investment property. It is important that your location accommodates the full range of individuals that are expected to use or pass through your building, like guests, employees, clients, customers, and more. Additional key elements to focus on when choosing a new commercial office space location include building security, local amenities (restaurants, retail stores, shops, gyms, dry cleaning, etc.), freeway accessibility, public transportation, and exterior property maintenance.

Square Footage and Design

The overall size and layout of your new commercial office space will have a major impact on your business’s overall success. These are two key focus areas to discuss with your Indianapolis commercial general contractor. To ensure that you’re optimizing the value of your investment, it is important to choose a space that is neither too large nor too small. It should be just large enough to accommodate your company’s daily operations for now, plus allow for potential for growth or build-outs. As for layout, it is important that the interior is designed in a way that allows for efficient operations and staff contentment. Fortunately, office and building reconfiguration is viable with the right commercial remodeling company on the job.

Parking

Parking lot ratios are important elements of commercial building design. It is wise to choose a property that can accommodate the expected number of individuals to use or pass through your commercial building. The parking lot should be large enough for both visitors and staff, plus incorporate ADA compliant features.

Current Leases

Acquiring a commercial building with existing occupancy might seem like the best case scenario, but that’s only if most tenants are planning on staying. You don’t want to invest in a new commercial office building only to have 50% of the tenants move out the following year. It is important to review all current leases of the potential building acquisition before signing on the dotted line.

Are you looking for a qualified commercial general contractor to help you with your real estate acquisition and space planning needs? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for professional commercial construction management and space planning in Indianapolis, Indiana.

3 Signs That Suggest Your Business is Due for a Renovation

Posted on July 25, 2022 by bafcorp20

Have you pondered the idea of renovating your commercial building or business, but you just aren’t sure if it is a worthwhile endeavor at this point? Continue below to learn the top 3 signs that suggest now is the right time to renovate your business, plus a bonus tip on where to get comprehensive commercial general contracting and remodeling service near you.

Commercial General Contracting Indianapolis Indiana 317-253-0531

How to Evaluate Your Surroundings to Gauge Your Need for Commercial Renovation

It is no small feat to run a business, so the idea of adding a commercial renovation to an already-growing To-Do list can feel quite stressful, to say the least. However, commercial renovations are an important part of growing and enhancing your business. With the right Indiana commercial general contracting team, you won’t have to worry about how your business’s daily operations will be affected, nor will you need to sweat the budget. A qualified commercial general contractor knows how to deliver streamlined remodeling or renovation project that meets the budget, as well as all other detailed specifications of the job.

Looking For the Signs

To gauge your need for a commercial renovation, start by looking around and asking yourself some important questions. Here are the signs to look for:

Your Current Business Layout is Obsolete

Like all things in life, your business is bound to change overtime. Ask yourself if the current design or layout still works well for your business. Do you have a lot of unused space? Do your employees mostly work remotely? Do they work in groups? Have your operations changed? Do you have updated technologies that enhance customer experience or business operations? A renovation can revamp the flow and efficiency of your space to meet your current design needs.

Your Building Does Not Match Your Brand

Have you recently rebranded? If you are occupying an older building, it can sometimes be a challenge matching your new brand to the overall look and feel of your space. A renovation can help balance your business’s culture with the available aesthetics, from signage and paint palettes to interior layout, technology applications, and more.

Super High Utility Expenses

There is no getting around to paying for the utilities necessary to occupy and operate your business space. But if your utility expenses are putting a lot of pressure on your books, it may be a sign that your building needs some updating. From energy-efficient building materials and power systems to green construction improvements and more, incorporating these upgrades can instantly lower your utility costs and may even qualify you for governmental grants and tax credits.

Are you ready to learn how easy it is to enhance the overall efficiency and operations of your business through smart commercial renovation? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for a one-stop-shop solution to full-service commercial construction management in Indianapolis, Indiana. From start to finish, our teams handle it all.

The Importance of Commercial Roof Inspections

Posted on July 22, 2022 by bafcorp20

Commercial roof inspections are a critical part of maintaining and protecting your asset. From mandatory lending procedure and long term investment protection to sustainable functionality, staff comfort, consumer experience, and above all else, safety, the condition and performance of your commercial building’s roof system can have a significant impact on various aspects of business, and in due course, your company’s overall success.

Continue reading to learn more about the importance of commercial roof inspection, including what makes them so valuable and which Indianapolis commercial general contracting company to trust for professional roofing service.

Commercial Roof Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-253-0531

Buying or Building a Property

Some states have strict lending guidelines for anyone acquiring a commercial building. These requisites are generally stiffer in regions that experience higher levels of precipitation, especially hail and snow. Many lenders in these areas often make commercial roof inspection a mandatory part of the lending process, and the roof of the property must pass certification in order for the bank to provide the money for procurement. Even dryer regions may require roof certification before lending money to buy a home. The same requirement is also a common procedure for insurance companies. A roof must be inspected and intact for some insurance carriers to take on a client.

Roof Durability

The lifespan of a commercial roofing system depends on several factors, particularly the material, how it was installed, ventilation, the level of care it was provided, and environmental surroundings. A good roof should last at least 20 years, but some materials can last up to 40 or 50 years. Properties built in regions that experience heavy snowfall, especially those who get year-round snow, usually have to have their roofs replaced every 5 to 10 years, even with proper care. Having a proper roof is vital to your safety, security, and investment. Since they are expensive investments, it is important to do everything in your power to ensure your roof remains in optimal condition. A roof inspection is the only method of being sure.

Commercial Roof Inspections

The purpose of a commercial roof inspection is to assess and determine the structural integrity of the roof and all incorporated and relevant features. Roofing inspections are also meant to catch small problems before they turn into big ones that cost a lot to renovate or repair. A proper roof inspection will be able to tell a building owner about the current condition of the roof, any foreseeable problems it may have, and how long before it will need to be replaced. A licensed commercial general contractor has several methods for verifying this type of information.

Always Enlist a Pro for Roof Work

It is not always necessary to climb a roof and pull out shingles. Instead, most contractors have sophisticated procedures, technologies, and equipment that allows them to facilitate accurate assessments. This includes infrared technology, which allows contractors to make their assessments without ever having to make physical contact with the roof. These infrared assessments show the differentiating temperature levels of a roof, in which high temperatures are common indications of air and heat escape.

Do you have questions about commercial roof inspection, repair, or replacement in Indiana? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 to speak with a seasoned Indianapolis Indiana commercial general contractor, today.

How Photography Can Benefit the Commercial Construction Process

Posted on July 19, 2022 by bafcorp20

Every business professional knows the value of documentation. When it comes to a commercial construction project, the same administrative principle applies. Modern technology has allowed construction managers to improve their scope of documentation during the building process using technologies like drones, videography, and even photography. That’s right, snapping strategic photos of the commercial construction site can benefit the building process by improving efficiency, quality, communication, and much more.

Continue below to learn the top 5 ways you can use photography to enhance the success of a commercial construction project, plus where to get trusted commercial general contracting services in Central Indiana.

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The Benefits of Commercial Construction Photographic Documentation

Written documentation has its obvious setbacks. But with modern photographic capabilities, contractors, builders, and investors are no longer subjected to paper or electronic methods of documentation. Here are five ways you can apply smart photography to your commercial construction project:

Real Time Progress Updates

Authorities of the build, such as general contractors, investors, and real estate developers, don’t always have time to visit the job site on a daily basis. When they do have time, they can always spend hours upon hours going through every element of the build. Electronically-sent photographs of the job site can be used as a viable and efficient alternative to on-site visits, plus serve as a secure way to verify that progress is in fact happening.

Construction Safety

On-site construction photography can actually improve the overall safety of a project. Taking pictures of unsafe job site conditions, worker habits, or hazards to send to your team is an efficient way to communicate site emergencies and priorities, plus better prevent workplace and construction site accidents.

Liability Protection

As you just learned, smart and strategic photography can increase the level of construction site safety. Since a safer construction site renders less accidents and injuries, you enjoy better liability protection against worker’s compensation and personal injury claims. Aside from injuries. Construction photography can be used as evidence against other types of litigation, such as contractor disputes, landlord disputes, building code violations, and zoning red tape.

Historical Site Data

Construction site photography can provide chronological visual documentation that shows the before, during, and after stages of a construction project. Having such historical data on the construction site can be highly beneficial and informative in all sorts of scenarios, especially in terms of remodels, renovations, and build outs. You can have visual data of load-bearing walls, studs, plumbing networks, utilities, and much more. Not only does historical photogenic documentation make repairs and renovations faster and easier, but it also makes them cheaper.

Local Marketing

Progress photos of your construction build can be used as a marketing strategy to call attention to your company. Local residents and business owners are interested in new additions to their community and will enjoy anticipating an upcoming build. Post your construction site progress photos on social media as a free and effective way to spark curiosity among your market and followers.

Are you looking for a trusted commercial construction company in Indy but unsure where to begin? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for comprehensive commercial general contracting services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We work with clients all throughout the state.

3 Factors to Consider if You Want to Maximize Office Space But Minimize Costs

Posted on July 15, 2022 by bafcorp20

If you are looking for new commercial office space, you likely want an office that adequately delivers on square-footage. But everyone knows that more space means more expenses. So, if you aim to maximize your new office space at minimal cost, you will need to place your focus on three relevant factors: location, lease, and layout. Continue below to learn more.

Commercial Office General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-253-0531

How to Reduce Commercial Office Space Costs

Commercial offices do not come cheap no matter which way you approach the real estate or leasing game. Expect to spend more on your office rent or mortgage than you have in the past, as rates continue to inflate year after year. With this in mind, you can realistically prepare yourself for what to expect when it comes time to visit potential office locations.

You are not wrong to want the highest quality office space economically-available to you. It is possible to maximize your commercial office square-footage while also diverting costs and managing expenses wisely. The key to achieving this objective is to smartly plan your office acquisition, whether buying or leasing. These three factors will help guide you toward getting the most value from your new commercial office:

Location

Location has been, is, and always will be one of the most important factors among buyers and investors in the real estate industry. Begin your search for a new commercial office by locating all available business-zoned spaces in the most cost-effective areas. Most landlords and property management companies will list their spaces at the maximum value according to current supply and demand. Better locations will come with a higher price tag.

Many businesses choose to move their offices from the city to the suburbs to avoid excessive metropolitan rents and real estate costs. Acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the current real estate market conditions can help you find the best office location within your budget. A skilled commercial general contracting company can help you meet this goal with professional office space planning and permitting services.

Lease

Commercial office leases are negotiable no matter how stringent they appear at first glance. It is important to prepare yourself for lease negotiations to ensure that you are maximizing your lease objectives, while also gaining favorable financial terms and flexible conditions. Trust an experienced Indianapolis commercial general contracting team to create the leverage necessary to get you the best office lease terms possible.

Layout

One of the top contributors to your overall commercial office space procurement expenses will be the design, remodeling, and build-out process. By hiring a qualified Indiana commercial construction company for your office remodeling needs, you can better maintain control over your renovation budget. There are many design and construction strategies proven to be successful at delivering optimal space utilization with efficient cost management, and your commercial general contractors will know exactly how to implement these strategies to your benefit.

Are you looking for a reliable general contracting company that can help you find the best commercial office space and renovate it to make it your own? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for professional commercial construction management and space planning in Indianapolis, Indiana.

How Hotel-to-Apartment Conversions Support the Affordable Housing Initiative

Posted on July 12, 2022 by bafcorp20

Hotel-to-apartment construction conversions are proving to be a viable adaptive reuse of vacant or distressed hotel properties. Continue below to learn how these hotel renovations support the affordable housing initiative, plus what you should consider if you wish to invest in a distressed asset conversion or build-out project as a real estate developer in Indiana.

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Affordable Housing With Hotel Conversion Construction

Why are hotel-to-housing conversions becoming such a widespread real estate endeavor among developers and investors? There are many reasons, but they all boil down to one key benefit: an increase in affordable housing opportunities. Hotels, motels, and extended-stay establishments were once the height of American recreational and vocational travel, but today, especially due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the gaining popularity of Airbnb, many have struggled to maintain adequate occupancy, while several others have closed their doors entirely.

Benefits of Hotel-to-Apartment Conversions

In response to the rising demand and falling supply of affordable housing, many real estate groups have acquired distressed or closed hotels, motels, and extended stay suite centers for the purpose of renovating them into a multi-family residential housing development. Such housing initiatives have proven to deliver successful outcomes for both investors and tenants, alike. Accordingly, the adaptive reuse of hotels for apartments serves to be an excellent, long-term solution for the affordable housing problem in our country.

For developers and real estate groups, the benefits of hotel-to-apartment conversions are equally attractive. Hotels are strategically built in efficacious locations, making them prime real estate at their foundation; something investors should easily capitalize on. Generally located near amenities like retail, gas, and interstates, hotels are a viable and practical place for residents to take up long-term occupancy. In fact, such locations are so valuable that many people cannot afford to live there otherwise. With affordable housing conversions, tenants are able to live in a better, safer, more established community, but at a price that is economically-equivalent to or compatible with their incomes.

Then there is the point of price breaks. Hotels, especially extended stay establishments that are equipped with in-room kitchens and kitchenettes, are already built, making it much cheaper to convert a property into individual apartments or condominiums. Hotel conversions can also be applied to senior living and nursing home centers, office suites, student housing, and more.

Factors to Consider

Adaptive reuse conversions and similar opportunities come with some important considerations. First, not all hotels and motels are fit for conversion. Additionally, there will likely be local zoning, permitting, and building codes that must be upheld in specific detail, which can put up a lot of red tape around your project. But with the right construction professionals in your corner, you can appease all factors and related concerns with optimized solutions.

For these reasons and many more, it helps to consult with an esteemed and experienced commercial construction management company for personalized advice on your project goals and overall business objectives. They have the knowledge and resources to deliver the guidance and facts you need to be the most successful with your distressed property acquisition or conversion.

Are you looking for a trusted commercial general contracting company that can deliver outstanding results for your real estate conversion or new build project in Indiana? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for reputable commercial construction conversions in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties.

Top Waste Management and Abatement Tips for Commercial Buildings

Posted on July 8, 2022 by bafcorp20

Waste management is becoming an essential element of architectural design and construction. More than ever, commercial properties are being constructed in a calculated way to optimize waste organization and disposal and reduce waste generation. Whether you are in the initial stages of commercial design and space planning or wish to remodel your current building to be more waste efficient, it is never too late to incorporate green construction strategies.

Continue below to review some top waste management and abatement tips for commercial buildings.

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Commercial Waste Management Planning

Commercial buildings are capable of generating all sorts of waste, from energy and water consumption to paper, garbage, obsolete materials, and more. These days, commercial architects and builders are working towards the common goal of designing properties with the strategic objectives of conserving natural and man-made resources, efficiently managing waste, and reducing overall waste production.

This has many benefits, some of the most noted being 1) reduced hauling and disposal costs, 2) increased company margins, 3) optimized sustainability, 4) streamlined communication and reporting, 5) reduced greenhouse gas emissions, 6) conserved resources, and 7) customized waste management.

How to Efficiently Manage Commercial Waste

There are many Eco-friendly construction practices and features that can be applied to the commercial design and build of a project to improve its waste management plan, and therefore, it’s overall efficiency. Here are some common elements designed into the structure and design of a commercial building to meet these standards:

Materials Flow

A materials flow plan is one of the most important and impactful elements of successful waste management and abatement. Devise a clear and viable plan of how waste materials will flow through your commercial property. Consider all elements of how waste generates and travels in a building, including the ratio of inbound materials and shipments to outbound waste. Accordingly, your flow plan should also include plans for loading docks, package intake spaces, garbage routes, amount of goods and equipment, container and waste storage space, employee operation procedures, and collection set outs.

Smart Equipment

Commercial waste management is not optimized without the incorporation of smart equipment like trash chutes, apartment trash compactors, dumpsters, recycling containers, and on-site garbage receptacles. By having these resources available on your premises, you can effectively reduce the waste produced and disposed by your building.

Waste Separation

Waste division is a truly effective strategy to reduce the volume of waste and conserve our resources. Garbage should be separated from recyclable goods like paper, plastic, cardboard, and metal. By incorporating smart waste separation designs into your commercial build, you can reap the benefits of reducing your overall waste.

Eco-Friendly Materials

When it comes to stocking your commercial building with materials, aim your focus toward Eco-friendly and waste-reducing commodities. For instance, many coffee shops have switched to paper straws rather than the plastic ones that have been filling up our landfills for generations. Other ideas include reusable dishware and glasses, touch-free automated fixtures like soap dispensers and faucets, LED lighting, and solar appliances. These small integrations can have a big impact over time, especially among commercial buildings.

How are you looking for help designing an efficient waste management plan for your commercial remodeling project? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for reputable commercial construction and remodeling in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties.

FAQS About Commercial Construction Costs

Posted on July 5, 2022 by bafcorp20

When preparing for an upcoming commercial construction project, it is natural to steer your focus toward cost. After all, the whole point of building a new property for your business is to expand your profitability horizon. Fortunately, there are several resources available to real estate investors and developers like yourself that can help you gain the perspective you need to move forward with confidence. Below is one such resource.

Review these frequently asked questions about commercial construction costs, then get in touch with a trusted Indiana general contractor who can optimize your business objectives through a successful build.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Construction Costs

What is the Average Commercial Construction Cost Per Square Foot?

It is challenging to determine an average commercial construction cost because all projects are different. The cost of one commercial construction build will be different from the next due to varying factors like size, scope, local zoning, building codes, use of property, and of course, budget.

Above all, the top three factors that typically have the most impact on commercial construction costs include:

▷ Building Location
▷ Regional Climate and Weather Patterns
▷ Local Economy
▷ Architectural Design and Function

As for commercial construction square footage, averages will vary depending on these factors more. However, the average cost of a single-story office may be somewhere along the lines of $160 to $170 per square foot, while convenience stores might run closer to $100 per square foot.

Cost to Build a 5,000 Square Foot Warehouse?

Building a 5000 ft.² warehouse will come with some expected expenses, mainly due to the size of the building, plus the likely scope of function. Many warehouses have to be constructed with temperature and climate control features, as well as storage in cubic square footage considerations. With this in mind, you can expect a 5,000 square-foot warehouse to come in at a base cost of $7.50 per square foot. You may be able to get a cheaper deal if you choose a lower cost warehouse configurations such as the Q model Quonset or similar prefabricated metal buildings.

Are Commercial Construction Cost Projections Estimated or Fixed?

When budgeting your commercial construction build, it is vital that you choose a trusted and reliable commercial construction general contracting company to navigate your project. They have the resources and experience to accurately estimate the total cost of your build, including state-of-the-art cost analysis technologies and long-standing relationships with suppliers and subcontractors. With these qualifications, your commercial general contracting team can provide you with an estimate containing mostly fixed cost projections. This helps prevent cost increases or unexpected additional costs.

Can I Afford to Remodel My Business?

Yes, you can afford to remodel your business. When you choose the right Indiana general contracting company to work with, you can ensure that your remodel will be within budget, while also setting the foundation for a more lucrative future.

Are you wondering which Indiana commercial general contracting company to trust for your upcoming commercial build or remodel? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for reputable commercial construction and remodeling in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties.