How to Cater to Club Members During a Fitness Center Remodel

When you have an upcoming renovation or remodel scheduled for your fitness studio, you don’t have to close the doors until the project is complete. It is common, and very reasonable, to remain open while your gym or studio is under minor construction. To be successful, simply come up with some ways you can keep your club members content during the process.

Continue reading to learn some tips on how to cater to your club members in order to keep them happy during a remodel.

Indianapolis Gym and Fitness Center Construction
Indianapolis Gym and Fitness Center Construction 317-253-0531

Plan Ahead

Every gym or fitness studio will need a remodel or renovation, eventually. When the time comes for you to remodel your space, take the good advice of professional commercial construction managers and plan ahead. This will guarantee an easier process for you, your contractors, and most importantly, your clientele. Inform your staff ahead of time, and then inform your members a week or two before the project commences.

Trust Your Design Build Team

Your commercial general contractors will know the best strategies and practices for establishing an efficient and workable timeline. Talk to them about their recommendations for streamlining the project and remaining cost-effective, while also minimizing disruption to members. For instance, if your studio is not open late, you might elect to have much of the work done in the evening, after hours. In some cases, nighttime labor is more costly, but in many cases, it is worth it since it cuts costs elsewhere.

Understand the Process

Get with your commercial contracting team and discuss each step of the process. Ask how long each stage will take and what it will consist of. By knowing what will happen at each stage of construction, you can better plan on how to cater to members and work around it all.

Consider Lead-Time Planning

Lead-time planning is the practice of ordering all necessary items and supplies for a remodeling job, prior to the construction start date. This strategy ensures everything needed will already be at your fitness center when the time comes for them to be applied. It is a common commercial construction strategy used to cut timelines and increase efficiency. It avoids having to wait on materials, which ultimately prevents unexpected and costly delays.

Beef Up Your Customer Service

During your fitness center renovation, it is likely that certain areas of the studio will be shut down, taped off, or inaccessible. Other areas might be accessible, but pose certain inconveniences. Either way, be prepared to hear some members complain. Talk to your staff ahead of time about this, and remind them to be good listeners and accommodate their complaints as best they can. You might want to instruct them on how to answer some predictable questions, such as “when will the remodel be done?”, “what is changing?”, and “will this increase membership costs?”

Communicate With Your Members

Prior to, during, and after your fitness center remodel, have an open line of communication with your members. Post signs, make class announcements, send emails, mail postcards, or use social media, to keep your clients informed of all construction start dates, progress, and completion times. It also helps to show members what the finished design will look like, so consider displaying a 3D model or poster to show what the finished results will be, and to build anticipation.

Fitness and Gym Construction Contractors in Indianapolis, Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation today at 317-253-0531 for commercial fitness and gym construction services you can trust. Whether you are looking to start a new fitness center, remodel an existing one, or simply move locations, our commercial general contractors have the economical workable solutions to get the job done right, the first time, on time, and within budget. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
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Security Tips for Commercial Office Buildings

Building safety is more than just having a strong, protective structure that can withstand the forces of inclement and dangerous weather. In today’s modern world, there is a higher awareness of the threats and potential dangers around us. For this reason, commercial building safety now includes a vast scope of factors and considerations, from technological applications and AI, to security planning, protection, and more.

As a commercial office building owner, it is in your best interest to ensure your property is a safe and hazard-free environment for all. Whether you are planning a new build, or you wish to incorporate some security upgrades, there is no better time to get started than right now.

Continue reading to learn some tips for improving the security of a commercial office building.

Office and Commercial-Use Construction Contractors 317-253-0531
Office and Commercial-Use Construction Contractors 317-253-0531

Commercial Building Security and Safety Planning

When it comes to building security, cameras and monitoring equipment are just the tip of the iceberg. It is important to apply a thorough design and quality construction plan to improve your property’s safety and security. A trusted and skilled commercial general construction management team can help you achieve this goal through comprehensive brainstorming, analysis, and preconstruction planning.

Here are some top, industry-endorsed tips and ideas to consider when deciding on building security renovations or improvements:

Parking Lots and Garages

Begin your security improvement planning outside in the parking lot or parking garage. Vehicles are potential weapons, and possible tools that can be used to commit crimes. For this reason, managing the traffic of vehicles on and off of your premises is an essential security consideration. It is suggested to incorporate types of parking lot and parking garage barriers to guide and direct traffic, as well as, prevent access to certain areas. Things like bollard posts, road markings, fences, barriers, and more can be strategically positioned in places that will provide enhanced security.

Building Access and Entrances

In addition to managing vehicular traffic on your property for the purpose of added safety and security, it is important to also apply the same security principles for foot traffic in and out of your commercial building. During your building security renovation planning, be sure to consider strategies to monitor or keep track of those who enter, exit, and access the building. Furthermore, strategies to prohibit building access, either for certain areas, certain individuals, or certain times, should also be considered. Things like turnstile areas, RFID key cards, badges, key fobs, and cameras have significant value. Cover all accessible and barred areas, such as roof access areas, maintenance rooms, utility rooms, stairwells, elevators, entry and exit doors, windows, break rooms, and outdoor gathering spaces like terraces, walkways, and courtyards.

Drywall Construction and Integrity

As mentioned, building security is more than just the strength of your building. However, the structural integrity of your property is still a vital part of your overall security plan. When considering renovations for improving your building’s safety and security, ask your commercial general contractor about the quality of your drywall and building materials. In the case of a natural disaster, fire, collision, or even gunfire, having strong walls can play a large role in resistance and recovery time. Building materials like brick and concrete make for the strongest of walls, while drywall is valuable in areas that do not require as much structural strength and endurance.

Reinforced Windows, Doors, and Glass

On the topic of quality building materials, another way to enhance your office building’s security is to ensure your doors and windows are secured. This is one of the simplest and straightforward methods of instantly improving your office’s security. By adding high-quality, innovative locking mechanisms on all accessible windows and doors is strongly recommended for all office buildings, regardless of size or occupancy. Furthermore, high-quality reinforced glass is another valuable upgrade to apply in your next commercial office building renovation.

Fire Protection and Safety

Protecting your building and its occupants against fires and hazardous smoke is a top priority, and even mandatory under local and state building codes. A state-of-the-art fire suppression and protection system should be in place, and fully-operational at all times. See our blog, “When a Commercial Renovation Should Include a Fire Suppression System Upgrade” to learn more about the importance of incorporating or enhancing a fire sprinkler and smoke alarm system.

Trusted Commercial Office Renovations in Indianapolis, Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted office and commercial-use construction services 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
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Tips for Choosing Commercial and Industrial Paint Colors

As a proprietor of a commercial or industrial property, you are faced with the responsibility of choosing the proper paint colors and coding for certain areas and materials within your complex. Although you can apply your own personal preference or business’s culture to interior drywall and painting, some areas require more specific colors for the purpose of safety.

Continue reading to review some of the recommended commercial and industrial paint colors, what they signify, and how you can get started with a professional update or remodel.

Indianapolis Commercial Paint and Drywall Contractors
Indianapolis Commercial Paint and Drywall Contractors 317-253-0531

Safety Colors and Codes

There are several areas inside a commercial or industrial property that might pose certain dangers or risks. For this reason, they must be clearly marked to inform and warn everyone around. Everything from low ceilings and scaffolding, to first aid stations, dangerous machinery, emergency exits, and more, are just a few common areas that are generally painting in code. Common safety colors include yellow, blue, red, orange, purple, and green.

Here is a quick guide to some common examples of safety colors:

Yellow – Yellow can denote physical hazards like scaffolding, low beams, railings, and more. It can also be used to denote heavy machinery and material handling equipment, such as hoists and cranes.

Red – Red is often used to signify fire protection systems and materials, such as fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits. It is also commonly used for emergency stop buttons on heavy or dangerous machinery. Red is also the color of danger, and used to denote hazardous areas like safety barricades and dangerous materials.

Orange – Orange is commonly used to identify parts on machines that are dangerous, as well as, safety start and stop buttons, rollers, gears, and more.

Purple – Purple is a color mostly used to denote radiation dangers, such as burial storage rooms and contaminated cans or equipment.

Green – Green is used to signify first aid stations, safety kits, gas and oxygen masks, and similar medical care resources.

Blue – The color blue is mostly used to identify areas of electrical controls and systems, such as HVAC systems, compressors, high pressure pumps, ovens, and more. It is also used for special repair areas, like maintenance rooms and construction projects.

Pipe Colors and Codes

The ASA recommends using the colors yellow, red, blue, and green to mark certain pipes and piping systems. For instance:

Red – Fire suppression apparatuses and equipment, like extinguishers and sprinklers.

Yellow – Hazardous or toxic materials that are, or potentially, flammable, poisonous, corrosive, extremely high heat, or under extreme pressure.

Blue – Protective equipment and materials other than fire safety and suppression.

Green – Materials that are not poisonous nor hazardous, such as water, glycols, and similar moderately-tempered and pressured constituents.

Recommended Banding Colors and Codes

As a preferred industry standard, here are some suggested banding color codes for pipes in a commercial and industrial building:

Ammonia – Purple, Red, and Purple
Fuel/Oil – Yellow, Black, and Yellow
Gas – Yellow, Brown, and Yellow
Oxygen – Green Line and a Yellow Stripe
Compressed Air – Green, Aluminum, and Green
Steam/High-Pressure – White, Orange, and White
Steam/Low-Pressure – Orange, White, and Orange
Freon – Purple, Yellow, and Purple
Waste – Black Waste – Black

Commercial Painting and Drywall Contractors You Can Trust in Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial painting and drywall services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Whether you need new construction drywall installation, full-service interior painting, large-scale graffiti removal, or something in between, we are your solution to simple, effective, and affordable work you can trust. Our esteemed and experienced commercial general contractors serve corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, and throughout Central Indiana. Request free information or to schedule a consultation, anytime.

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The Benefits of Natural Light in an Office Setting

Did you know that natural lighting can both increase productivity and enhance the overall well-being among employees and tenants in an office setting? Continue reading to learn all the proven benefits of incorporating natural light in your commercial office.

Indianapolis Commercial Building Renovations 317-253-0531
Indianapolis Commercial Building Renovations 317-253-0531

Staff Fatigue and Contentment

According to a study performed by the esteemed HR advisory and research firm, Future Workplace, the number one office perk that employees really want is access to natural light and outdoor views. In fact, another study carried out by Northwestern University, “Impacts of Workplace Daylight Exposure on Sleep, Physical Activity and Quality of Life,” demonstrated that working in an environment without windows has a detrimental impact on staff, which happens to be a “universal phenomenon” among employees who work in such conditions.

The Future Workplace did a study and found that 47% of employees surveyed reported feeling fatigued as a result of an absence of natural light or without a window. Additionally, 43% of those surveyed reported feeling melancholy because the office setting did not have sufficient natural lighting or windows. You can argue that fatigue and gloominess can be higher in office settings in which staff are staring at a computer, tablet, or phone screen for 4 or more hours a day. Too much screen time causes staff to long for a visual break.

More Studies Support Natural Light Benefits:

A study done by Ergonomics International Journal showed that natural lighting has visual health benefits. 51% of those surveyed reported reduced eye strain, 63% reported reduced headaches, and 56% reported less drowsiness.

A study performed by the Space Place, “Daylighting and Productivity: A Study of the Effects of the Indoor Environment on Human Function,” suggests that staff is more likely to show up for work if they are siting near a window or have outdoor views in the office.

Another study done by The Center for Healthcare Design suggests that exposure to natural light and windows aids in recovery from surgery and illness.

A study performed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, “A Literature Review of the Effects of Natural Light on Building Occupants” suggests that natural lighting improves productivity, reduces workplace accidents, enhances mental performance, supports sleep quality, and even raises morale among third-shift workers.

Studies performed Human Spaces showed that being close to natural elements like foliage and sunlight increased well-being and creativity among staff by 15%, and overall productivity by 6%.

According to Carbon Trust, resource efficiency experts, their recent study showed that 40% of a property’s electricity consumption is artificial lighting. This means that business owners can also reduce their monthly utility expenses by incorporated more natural lighting.

Top Suggested Benefits:

☑ Better Mood
☑ Higher Attendance
☑ Improved Performance and Productivity
☑ Less Workplace Accidents
☑ Better Sleep at Night
☑ Improved Vision Health
☑ Reduced Electricity Usage

Too Much Light Can Have the Opposite Effect…

It is important to understand that, on the other end of the spectrum, lighting can have negative effects in the office. Too much, or uncontrolled, light, whether natural or artificial, can cause extreme heat, excessive glare, and similar environmental discomforts that can impact staff productivity and morale. It can even trigger medical conditions, like epilepsy.

Want More Natural Light in Your Commercial Office in Indiana?

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial general contractor services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors can help you add more natural lighting into your office or commercial building. 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

5 Common Types of Commercial Contractors and What They Do

When you have a commercial design build or renovation project, your first priority is to hire the right contractor for the job. But with so many builders out there, from general and specialty contractors, to architects, designers, and more, how do you know which contractor is the right one for the job?

One way to help clear up the confusion is to simply learn the actual differences among them. Once you have this knowledge, you can better begin your search for a commercial contractor that can be trusted to meet your overall design build and construction needs. Continue below to get started.

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

Commercial Construction Professionals

The 5 most common types of contractors you will come across in the commercial construction industry include general contractors, specialty contractors, design build contractors, architects, and engineers. Of course, there are various other building and construction professionals in the industry, but these five are the main experts you will work with to plan and implement your commercial construction project. You might only hire one, all, or a combination depending on your specific project needs.

👷 General Contractors – A professional general contractor manages and coordinates all aspects of a construction project, from space planning and permitting, to design, build, and even post-occupancy facility maintenance. They also hire and supervise all other laborers and subcontractors.

👷 Specialty Contractors – A specialty contractor is the same as a general contractor, but only in a specific industry or skill. For instance, there are contractors that specialize solely in patio and porch builds. There are pool contractors, landscaping contractors, plumbing contractors, and more.

👷 Design Build Contractors – A designer, or design build contractor, is a professional who basically has the role of designer and general contractor. They manage and coordinate all aspects of a commercial construction project, including the interior space planning, design, and function.

👷 Architects – An architect is a formally-trained, specialized builder who designs spaces, buildings, and complexes, whether from the ground up, or for major renovations, conversions, and remodels. Generally, they work alongside the project general contractor to meet all specifications.

👷 Engineers – An engineer is another formally-trained and certified professional who analyze, design, build, test, and often times, invent, machines, facility systems, buildings, and devices, for the purpose of meeting certain functional objectives.

Indianapolis Commercial Construction Management

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial construction management services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors deliver a streamlined construction 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
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When a Commercial Renovation Should Include a Fire Suppression System Upgrade

As a commercial business owner, you know that at some point, your facility will face a need for a facelift. From appliance and technology upgrades, to interior design, energy efficient applications, organization, and function, there are various aspects to address and perhaps incorporate into your upcoming commercial renovation. However, many proprietors overlook the need to upgrade their automatic fire suppression sprinkler systems.

Today, commercial sprinklers are significantly more high-tech than they were a decade ago, and many laws regarding code requirements have changed over the years. So, if you have not upgraded your commercial fire suppression sprinkler system within the last 5 to 10 years, now might be a good time to do your research.

Continue reading to learn what to consider when deciding whether or not to add a fire suppression sprinkler system upgrade into your commercial renovation project.

Indianapolis Commercial Building Renovations 317-253-0531
Indianapolis Commercial Building Renovations 317-253-0531

Commercial Fire Suppression Systems

An automatic fire suppression system is installed in a commercial building for the purpose of slowing down flame development and dispersion, as well as, putting out flames. These systems detect smoke and fire, and then automatically activate in the presence of flames. You simply cannot verbally define the critical importance of maintaining a quality fire suppression sprinkler system, as they are proven to save lives and reduce structural damage.

Not only do they allow guests and employees more time to evacuate a burning building, it also makes the job easier and safer for fire fighters. Furthermore, by mitigating fire danger and damage, you can get your commercial building back on track faster, which reduces your loss of income. Overall, a commercial sprinkler system will save you a significant amount of money, protect your occupants, and safeguard your business from certain liability.

When to Consider an Upgrade:

🔥 Your commercial renovation increases your facility’s fire area to over 5,000 square feet.

🔥 A single-tenant expansion that requires a new Certificate of Occupancy extends a facility’s fire area over 12,000 square feet.

🔥 The area being renovated generates another code regulation update for your commercial sprinkler system.

Building Sprinkler Codes and Regulations

As mentioned, local, state, and federal guidelines and building codes for automatic fire suppression systems have undergone some changes within the past decade. These codes and requirements can be quite complex, and even challenging to meet without the proper experience, equipment, and acumen. For instance, they must they extend through an entire facility and offer maximum coverage. All water supply valves must be visible and easily accessible. If fire pumps are necessary, they must be stored in a separate facility, or in a room that is fire-rated with exterior access.

For these reasons and more, it is important to enlist the job to a licensed commercial general contracting company in order to ensure the upgrades are perfectly up to code. If the job were to be done incorrectly, as the business owner, you would face a load of costly delays and unanticipated budget increases. But how do you get started learning what it will take to upgrade your commercial fire sprinkler system? Simply contact a licensed commercial construction management company for professional bids and advice you can trust.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting You Can Trust

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 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

The Value of Hybrid Flooring Systems for Commercial Real Estate

Beautiful flooring is typically an important element for most business owners. But beautiful floors should also be functional, which is why so many modern commercial real estate renovations and builds now incorporate hybrid flooring systems. Hybrid flooring systems, including terrazzo floor vitrification, are popular flooring options that well-suited for virtually all commercial buildings, complexes, and industries. Hybrid floors offer more than just a desirable and infinitely customizable aesthetic, they also deliver a wide range of benefits that are useful in achieving certain business objectives.

Continue reading to learn more about the valuable benefits of hybrid floor systems, including where to request a professional bid for commercial flooring service near you.

Commercial Flooring Services 317-253-0531
Commercial Flooring Services 317-253-0531

Hybrid Flooring Systems

Hybrid floors are an innovative flooring option made from nonporous materials like resin and porcelain tile, or laminate and vinyl. The process of installing hybrid floors involves the integration of such materials pressed together in layers to produce an extremely hard, monolithic surface. Not only are such floors customizable, coming in a wide array of colors, textures, and designs, they are also very low maintenance and last for many years. Floor vitrification is another type of hybrid flooring technology that uses a different installation process than resin and tile, and laminate and vinyl.

Floor Vitrification

Floor vitrification is the process in which a chemical conversion is applied to a highly polished terrazzo floor or surface. Terrazzo floors are a type of flooring that contains chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass, or other similar high-quality aggregate within a cement-based binder. The finished look is a bit groovy, with swirls and marble-like qualities that are simply stunning and 100% unique. Furthermore, the vitrification process creates a density upon the floor that protects it and maintains its aesthetic value. There are several benefits acquired using this type of process.

Whether inside or outside, hybrid flooring and floor vitrification can be a great option for almost any type of commercial property. Garages, plazas, lobbies, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, museums, hospitals, medical buildings, and much more are great candidates for this innovative flooring.

Here a list of the primary benefits offered by hybrid flooring systems and floor vitrification for your commercial property:

🠚 Can Save Over 50% in Maintenance Costs!
🠚 Lighter Brighter Finish
🠚 Permanent Glossy Appearance
🠚 Chemical Resistant
🠚 Anti-Fungal & Anti-Bacterial
🠚 Slip-Resistant
🠚 Dirt-Free Grout Lines
🠚 Virtually Maintenance-Free
🠚 Minimal Absorption Rate
🠚 Lowest Cost of Ownership

Don’t Miss Out on Innovative Commercial Floor Options

Many business owners and commercial proprietors are not familiar with hybrid flooring systems when it comes time to choose materials for their floor renovation or new construction build. This causes them to miss out on all the wonderful and cost-effective benefits they have to offer. Talk to a local Indianapolis commercial construction contractor about your commercial flooring needs if you want to learn which options will best meet your overall business objectives.

Licensed Indianapolis Commercial Flooring Contractors

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial flooring services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Whether you are having commercial floors installed for a new business, or to revamp an existing one, we provide full-service, turnkey flooring installation for all commercial industries, including offices, retail stores, dance studios, medical facilities, apartments, warehouses, and all other varieties. 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
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4 Types of Renewable Energy Applications for Commercial Buildings

Renewable energy is a wonderful asset in today’s commercial industry, which can unfortunately be guilty of over-consumption and wastefulness. Renewable energy is an innovative method of producing energy without burning fossil fuels whose emissions pollute the environment. Basically, it is energy provided by a resource that replenishes itself naturally within a human time-scale. There are several types of renewable energy, including plants, wind, rain, sun, tides, and more. But when it comes to today’s advanced uses of renewable energy for a commercial building, four in particular take the lead. These are solar, geothermal, wind power, and hydroelectric renewable energy sources.

Continue reading to learn about these categories of renewable energy and how they can be incorporated into your commercial building or business.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contractors 317-253-0531
Indianapolis Commercial General Contractors 317-253-0531

➀ Solar Power

There are several ways to apply renewable solar power in the commercial real estate industry. For instance, water heaters now come with solar-powered models. These units use the sun’s energy to heat water in a storage tank, allowing the unit to deliver heated water on demand. Additionally, solar roof panels are a common renewable energy asset for commercial proprietors. When exposed to sunlight, solar paneling uses the photovoltaic effect (solar cells converting sunlight into energy) to produce electricity for a building. A few years ago, it was a larger initial investment that paid off over time, but nowadays, the price for solar paneling has dropped substantially, so it is now more affordable than ever.

➁ Wind Power

Our atmosphere is powerfully swirling and churning above us without fail, so it is no surprise that we have taken an interest in learning how to harness that energy for ourselves! Wind power is extraordinary because it carries an abundant amount of force, force that can be used to power our commercial properties and office buildings. The instrument used to harness the wind is called a wind turbine. Wind turbines and are usually white, and stand tall with large defined blades. They generate power as their swift blades turn in the wind. The spinning blades send force to a generator, which then produces electricity for a building.

➂ Hydro-Electric Power

Hydroelectric power works in a very similar way to wind power, minus the wind. Instead, it uses the force of moving water to produce and harness energy. In order to utilize hydroelectric power, you must have access to a flowing water source. Ideally this would be a dam or river, but can also come in other forms. You must also have permission from local authorities to install hydro-electric renewable energy operations, like a micro-hydropower system.

➃ Geothermal Power

Although an uncommon source of renewable energy, geothermal power can still be harness and used to produce energy for a commercial building. It uses the internal heat of the ground below, which interestingly remains at a steady 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. A geothermal heat pump is the apparatus used to harness internal ground heat as a means to heat and cool a property. It circulates fluid in a loop-like fashion, through a system of underground pipes, then to the building’s heat exchanger where the heat is removed from the fluid and used to heat (or cool) the inside. This process is simply reversed for cooling purposes.

✨ Interested in learning how to incorporate renewable energy applications into your commercial building or business? Talk to a local commercial construction manager about the best options for your energy efficiency and cost-saving objectives.

Where to Get Expert Commercial Construction Management in Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial construction management services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our commercial general contracting team provides commercial construction services from the ground, up. We offer everything from space planning and design, to preconstruction, design build (DB), facility maintenance, and more. If you are interested in learning more about renewable energy applications for your business, we’ll be happy to schedule a consultation to review all your options. 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
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What Facility Maintenance Services Can Do for Your Business’s Post-Construction Needs

Post construction, a new commercial property owner will eventually need to strategize a plan for their building’s maintenance, repair, cleaning, and landscaping needs. Fortunately, commercial property owners can get all those needs met from just one single source. By hiring a trusted and experienced commercial construction management company, you can meet all of your business’s design and build needs, as well as its post-occupancy maintenance and facility management requirements.

Continue reading to learn how facility maintenance services can benefit your business after construction is complete, as well as, where to find the right commercial contractors to help you design and build your commercial property from the ground, up.

Indianapolis Facility Maintenance and Management
Indianapolis Facility Maintenance and Management 317-253-0531

Post-Occupancy Facility Maintenance

Post occupancy facility maintenance might seem like a job for an ordinary blue collar crew, but the reality is that facility maintenance technicians are highly-skilled, licensed and certified professionals who have acquired formal training and education in their line of work, and must complete high levels of rigorous and recurrent training and certifications to be inducted into the commercial facility maintenance industry. In fact, they must pass courses on everything from chemical safety and building codes, to electrical work, heavy machinery operation, and much more. They complete high levels of rigorous and recurrent training and certifications to be inducted into the commercial facility maintenance industry. 

Such staffs and jobs within a typical post-occupancy facility maintenance program might include custodians and janitors, maintenance crews, technicians, master plumbers, electricians, mechanical engineers, and similar fields. These professionals are typically outsourced by the commercial construction management company that designs and builds your property, but they are employed by larger facility management and maintenance companies.

Standard Services Within Facility Maintenance Program

Common facility maintenance services can include a wide range and scope of services, from electronic or mechanical system repairs and system updates, to routine building restorations, technology upgrades, cleaning, landscaping, sewage and septic repairs, master plumbing, and more. Such examples would be checking on electrical equipment and operations, inspecting mechanical equipment, painting, and repairing anything that may be defected, broken, or problematic. Maintenance crews and managers often times coordinate a flow of feedback from the other departments in the building on the functionality of everyone’s equipment and surroundings. Basically, facility maintenance services are meant to sustain all systems and structures within a commercial building or property.

Custodial and Landscaping Services

Common janitorial services provided by a commercial facility management company includes thorough cleaning of furniture, floors, carpets, windows, trash receptacles, dining areas, and other areas of a commercial property. Janitorial tasks can also include sanitizing, restroom cleaning, floor buffing, floor waxing, vacuuming, dusting, and more. Janitorial services can be endless depending on the type of services needed.

Landscaping is another commercial facility maintenance option that might be included in a post-occupancy program. Such services might include lawn care, tree care, mulching, flower bed arrangements, watering, fertilizing, and weed management.

Your One-Stop-Shop for Facility Maintenance Service

Outsourcing all of these services from different companies is a costly and invasive effort. Appointing in-house staff is also very costly when you consider hourly wages, overtime pay, vacation pay, insurance, and training time. The most economical route to take for your business’s post-occupancy needs is to hire a trusted commercial construction management company to be your single source of accountability for space planning, designing, building, and post-occupancy facility maintenance. See our blog, “Why Use Your Commercial General Contractor for Facility Maintenance” to learn why.

Indianapolis Facility Maintenance Services You Can Trust

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for professional commercial facility maintenance in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our building maintenance programs are guaranteed to preserve and improve function, utility, and ultimately, value. Choosing your commercial builders as your facility maintenance provider is highly beneficial because we already have insider knowledge about your business objectives and performance goals, which also allows us to better plan and budget your maintenance needs on a long-term scale. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries, and can get you started with a consultation as soon as today!

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
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What is the Difference Between Commercial Contractor Estimates and Bids?

When you need to have a remodel or renovation done on your property, you will need a contractor. It is vital to take your time searching for a seasoned, skilled, and reputable commercial contracting company to work with. Otherwise, you can face some costly, fly-by-the-night contractor swindles, or worse, a botched commercial construction job that puts your business or tenants at risk.

During your search for the right commercial general contractor, you will notice that some offer bid-style proposals, while others offer estimate-style proposals. This may confuse you since they often seem similar, which is why it is important to understand the difference before moving forward with any commercial construction work.

Continue reading to learn the primary differences between commercial contractor bids and estimates, including some pros and cons of each, as well as, who you can trust for full-service commercial design build services in Central Indiana.

Indianapolis Commercial Construction Services
Indianapolis Commercial Construction Services 317-253-0531

Contractor Estimates

Estimate proposals are also known as “time and material” proposals or “cost-plus contracts.” This is because such proposals are written out in meticulous detail, itemizing all materials, hours worked, subcontractor labor, and everything else needed to complete the project (i.e. permits, dumpster roll-offs, portable toilets, etc.). The hired commercial contracting team includes their own fee, which is generally a set percentage of the total cost of the project.

Many commercial real estate proprietors prefer estimate-style proposals because they are the most transparent. This also helps when comparing commercial contractors’ estimates. However, estimate proposals can be very lengthy and can sometimes pose the risk of paying for higher-end subcontractors since you have no control over that aspect of the project.

Contractor Bids

Bid-style proposals are also known as “fixed-priced” proposals or “all-inclusive pricing” since a commercial contractor will provide a comprehensive total for your project after making a full assessment. These are well-suited for moderate renovations or remodeling projects, such as utility upgrades and interior design remodels. For larger-scale commercial construction and remodeling projects, predicting all costs can be more of a challenge.

Within a bid-style commercial contractor proposal, there is usually a set contingency fee that covers any moderate budget extensions; however, it only covers such extensions to a certain specified limit. In the case that a large renovation or remediation is needed, the commercial contracting company will apply this fee as a buffer to cover high, unexpected costs that might affect their overall profit margin. Be sure to discuss this with all commercial contractors you interview for your business’s remodeling and deign build needs!

See our blog, “Key Points That Should Be Included in a Remodeling Contract” for additional tips that will help you make the best decisions for your business objectives. Or simply trust the commercial general contractors at BAF Corporation for unparalleled craftsmanship and client support!

Indianapolis Commercial Construction Company You Can Trust

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 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
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