The Benefits of Natural Light in an Office Setting

Posted on May 14, 2020 by bafcorp20

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.

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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

Posted on May 11, 2020 by bafcorp20

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.

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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.

When a Commercial Renovation Should Include a Fire Suppression System Upgrade

Posted on May 8, 2020 by bafcorp20

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.

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.

The Value of Hybrid Flooring Systems for Commercial Real Estate

Posted on May 5, 2020 by bafcorp20

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.

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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.

4 Types of Renewable Energy Applications for Commercial Buildings

Posted on April 30, 2020 by bafcorp20

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.

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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.

What Facility Maintenance Services Can Do for Your Business’s Post-Construction Needs

Posted on April 27, 2020 by bafcorp20

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 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!

What is the Difference Between Commercial Contractor Estimates and Bids?

Posted on April 24, 2020 by bafcorp20

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 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

How to Find a Qualified Tenant Improvement Contractor

Posted on April 21, 2020 by bafcorp20

As a commercial building owner who wishes to entice long-term tenants to enter into or remain in a lease with you, it is wise to offer a tenant improvement package. To confer such an opportunity to important tenants would mean to protect your overall business objectives and long-term investment goals. But in order to be successful with a tenant improvement (TI) project, you must ensure you enlist the right commercial construction contractors.

Continue below to learn how to find a qualified tenant improvement contractor to help you plan, design, and execute your TI needs.

Indianapolis Commercial TI Contractors 317-253-0531

Start With Licensing and Insurance

The first set of credentials to look for when hiring a commercial contractor for tenant improvement services are licensing and insurance. Commercial construction is a serious undertaking that requires the utmost proficiency and security. A company with an active and good-standing operating license, as well as full-coverage insurance, is a company that can be considered worthy of hiring.

Move On To Qualifications

Beyond licenses and insurance coverage, a TI contractor should retain extensive training and knowledge of the construction field, coupled with years of hands-on commercial construction experience. Look for a licensed and qualified tenant improvement contracting team that has been working in the industry for decades, and can offer an actual portfolio of successful projects.

Furthermore, narrow your search by choosing a TI contractor who has actual experience in the type of business you own or are opening up. For example, if you are a leaseholder to a group of tenants in the medical care industry, you would be wise to select a contractor who has experience specifically in medical building construction and tenant improvements.

Consider Value and Innovation

When it comes to long-term tenants, you want your renovations to stand the test of time. To achieve this, your tenant improvement projects will require higher quality building materials, which can only be offered by an accomplished and reputable commercial construction company. When interviewing potential TI contracting teams, be sure to consider the value they offer in terms of their resources, equipment, and building materials. Furthermore, be sure they can offer current technologies and innovative solutions for your growing business objectives.

Central Indiana Tenant Improvement Contractors You Can Trust

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for commercial TI construction and planning in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding Central Indiana locations. Our commercial construction teams use a client-centered partnership approach to accurately understand our client’s business objectives and tenant’s needs, and deliver results that maximize profitability by driving greater value. When you choose BAF Corporation for commercial tenant improvement planning and construction, you can expect competitive pricing, value engineering, efficient project completion, and turnkey service. Get started with an over-the-phone consultation, today.

Can Commercial Renovations Be Done While a Building is Occupied?

Posted on April 17, 2020 by bafcorp20

Owning a commercial property means that you are investment-driven, and therefore, interested in maintaining a money-making asset. One way building owners safeguard their business’s profitability growth is by staying up to date with the changing technologies and designs of modern commercial real estate.

On the other hand, many building owners feel conflicted between completing needed or profit-building renovations, and caring to the needs of their tenants. This conundrum leaves many commercial building owners to ask whether or not they can even move forward with property upgrades or remodels if it is still tenant occupied.

Continue reading to learn the recommended course of action for planning a commercial building renovation while your property is occupied with tenants.

Indianapolis Commercial Building Renovations 317-253-0531

Commercial Building Remodels

The truth is that commercial building renovations can’t always wait. In some cases, they need to be carried out quickly, or for emergency purposes. So, more commonly than not, such construction is typically implemented during times of tenant occupation. The only catch is to ensure that the proper methodology is taken, because there is a right way and a wrong way to make building renovations when existing tenants are involved.

Before finalizing a commercial building renovation plan, be sure both you and your commercial contracting team have covered these vital considerations:

☑ Be Aware of the Impact it Will Have on Your Tenants

To alleviate added inconvenience for your tenants, be sure to inform them of everything they need to know about the construction, including the how the changes will benefit them and the construction timeline. When tenants know what to expect, they have an easier time to plan ahead and make their own arrangements as needed.

☑ Establish a Clear and Convenient Method of Communication

During times of building construction, your tenants will feel better knowing that they can contact a source directly if they have questions or concerns. Prior to beginning any renovations, give your tenants a clear and convenient line of communication they can rely on, whether via email, phone, or office visit. Be sure to keep these lines of communication open so that you can also establish trust among your tenants.

☑ Begin and Finish in Phases

Although some renovations must be done immediately for the purpose of safety or health, many can be divided into separate construction phases. When renovating a building with tenants, breaking up the construction process into segments, rather than attacking it all at once, has a much lower impact on your tenants and their customers, if any.

Where to Get Advice on Your Needed Building Renovations in Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial building renovations and tenant improvements in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. 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.

Ghost Kitchen Construction Costs and Considerations for Food Delivery

Posted on April 14, 2020 by bafcorp20

A current and profitable trend in the food service industry is the addition of delivery service, usually through popular apps like Grubhub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash. But in order for restaurants, bakeries, and cafes to keep up with their current customer demands while also providing quality takeout and delivery, a second commercial kitchen space is often necessary. Enter the ghost kitchen.

Commercial real estate developers are highly supportive of the ghost kitchen food delivery approach, and even encourage the use of vacant shopping mall space as a central hub for ghost kitchen construction. Not only does a ghost kitchen give restaurants the added space and organization needed to meet the demands of their amassing food delivery orders, it allows them to also remain profitable while operating both sides of the business.

If you are restaurant owner in need of extra space for your growing food delivery market, a ghost kitchen might be the answer. Continue reading to learn the top construction costs and considerations for adding a second commercial kitchen location for food delivery, including where to get a free consultation with an esteemed commercial contracting company near you.

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Why Shopping Malls?

Shopping malls often have too many vacancies, so they are eager to fill their units and even allow tenant improvements. For this reason, it is common to land a flexible lease at an affordable cost at a shopping mall. Furthermore, shopping malls are generally located in a central area, giving food delivery service an advantage in terms of delivery times and ease of operation.

Top Construction Considerations:

☑ Infrastructure Complexities

When designing a commercial ghost kitchen, there is an automatic need for more power, water, waste, and similar mechanical infrastructure intricacies. This need is not impacted by the size of the space nor business, nor the rate of traffic coming through it. So, when you opt for a vacant space to build a ghost kitchen, be prepared to have to upgrade existing utility lines, such as the ones just mentioned, to properly meet the needs of a food preparation and delivery service.

☑ Layout Constraints

Not all spaces are properly set up for the required water, waste, and gas lines needed to operate a successful commercial kitchen. This means that you might need to reconstruct your space so that the access points to these lines and more are compatible when installing commercial kitchen fixtures, equipment, and other utilities.

☑ Mechanical Fixed Costs

There are certain fixed costs in terms of the mechanical infrastructure of a ghost kitchen; fixed costs that cannot be avoided. So, when looking for a unit for your ghost kitchen, especially if inside a shopping mall, it is beneficial to choose one with a compatible mechanical infrastructure, such as a second generation food service or restaurant space. This will help expedite the construction process, plus lower overall costs, since most water, waste, and gas lines are already set up, as well as, fire suppression systems, hood systems, cook lines, ductwork, and more. However, most of the time, spaces are blank slates that require construction and design.

Central Indiana Restaurant Construction You Can Trust

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 to learn how our Indianapolis general contractors can help you achieve your restaurant and food service construction goals. We provide full-service general contracting and restaurant construction building services for commercial, corporate, industrial, and franchise industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Why choose us? We operate as your single source of contact, which reduces your burden, plus ensures clear and concise client-contractor communication, turnkey service, and custom-tailored results. Call our office today to discuss your commercial construction needs, today.