Types of Commercial Glass Doors to Consider for Your Building

Every detail of your commercial property is important to your overall bottom line. One area that is often overlooked is also one that can greatly impact your business’s efficiency, operation, and fixed costs; we are talking about your exterior doors. You may not have put much thought into them before, but if you are planning an upcoming renovation, expansion, or new build, it is something that should be at the front of your mind. Right now, one of the most popular modern commercial real estate trends are glass doors, and for many reasons. Different types of treated glass doors offer unique benefits that contribute to a business’s success.

Continue reading to learn which types of glass doors are being incorporated into modern commercial real estate, and why.

Indianapolis Commercial Door Repair and Replacement
Commercial Door Repair and Replacement 317-253-0531

Top Commercial Glass Door Options

Filtered Glass Doors

With the consideration of harmful UV rays from the sun, some glass manufacturers have developed innovative glass filtering technology that redirects sunlight away from the front doors. If you share this same concern, perhaps filtered glass doors are right for your commercial entrances and exits. This is especially recommended for buildings that are exposed to strong sun during most parts of the day or year, as well as, buildings that require optimal indoor climate control. Best of all, the benefits delivered by filtered glass doors decreases monthly utility costs and energy bills.

Tinted Glass Doors

Tinted glass doors are similar to tinted car windows in that they block inside views and limit the amount of sunlight that can get through. As a result, tinted commercial doors lower monthly energy consumption, which in turn, reduces overall utility costs. They also offer supreme privacy, which is beneficial for businesses that want more discretion for their clients and guests. A particular benefit of tinted glass doors is that they can be customized to any level of tinting. Light tint, mirror tint, blackout tint, and more are just some options commercial real estate owners can choose from.

Glazed Glass Doors

Similar to tinting, glass door glazing offers protection against harmful UV rays, as well as disruptive natural light. Both benefits render a more comfortable indoor environment, both in terms of lighting and temperature. However, the art of glazing glass doors requires high-tech training and skill, so only a few professionals can offer the service. They are high in demand since they can greatly reduce energy consumption, and therefore, monthly utility costs.

Double-Paned Glass Doors

Double-planed glass doors for commercial properties are a popular option in regions where climates can be extreme on both ends of the weather thermometer. When a building is located in an area that can be really cold or really hot on most days, double-paned glass doors are highly effective for maintaining a controlled indoor air environment. Because they are constructed by sealing two separate panes of glass together with gas in between them, they offer superior insulation.

Commercial Door Repair and Replacement in Indianapolis

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial door repair and replacement in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our commercial construction contractors work with all door systems and materials, including standard doors, mechanical and keyless entry doors, revolving doors, automatic doors, storm doors, security doors, garage doors, electric gates, and more. Regardless of size or scope, we retain the essential experience, technologies, and resources 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. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

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6 Building Features That Corporate Tenants are Looking For

In the modern commercial real estate world, it is becoming very common for office buildings to offer a number of amenities for the purpose of attracting new tenants. Such features work well to fill corporate leases because they effectively increase convenience, safety, and overall productivity. As a result, office spaces get filled faster, and stay filled longer; all of which satisfies profitability. If you are interested in attracting new corporate tenants to your commercial office building, perhaps you too should consider applying some of these features they are so fervently looking for.

Continue below to learn the top 6 recommended building amenity options, and how to get started on a bid for your property.

Indianapolis Office Building Contractors
Indianapolis Office Building Contractors 317-253-0531

LEED Certification

Buildings that are LEED-certified are a hot pick in today’s commercial real estate market. Going green or achieving “greener” operations is a popular construction approach that can significantly reduce regular utility costs. Such energy efficiency subsidies are beneficial to both proprietor and tenants, alike.

Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)

Distributed antenna systems (DAS) are a must-have in today’s technologically-driven society, especially for large corporate buildings and campuses. They are basically a series of antennas that provide optimal wireless coverage throughout a property. Read our blog, “Top Commercial Real Estate Technology Trends Today” to learn more technology applications that render higher success.

On-Site Dining

The corporate world doesn’t want to waste too much time commuting and waiting when it comes to lunch breaks. For this reason, corporate tenants are looking for buildings that offer a more convenient and efficient option. To meet this demand, many corporate buildings are now being designed with on-site dining options, like cafeterias, coffee shop, and food courts.

Natural Light

Natural lighting is a big request among commercial real estate proprietors. Not only is natural light aesthetically-pleasing and advantageous to the resale value of a property, it can also boost employee morale, which in turn, can increase productivity and overall profitability. Features like larger windows, skylights, and sunrooms are popular.

Outdoor Break Areas

Corporate tenants want a place they can gather and hang out other than inside the office. For this reason, outdoor break and recreation areas are becoming more common among corporate building designs. Terraces, patios, decks, verandas, rooftop gardens, and more are all popular features seen in today’s office real estate.

Excellent Elevators

It is common for tenants to be very frustrated with the elevator systems inside their office building. No one wants to leave their house 15 minutes earlier than they should just because the elevator wait at work is so long. Corporate tenants are highly in search of buildings that are designed with easy and efficient elevator systems.

Indiana Commercial Office General Contractors  

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted office and commercial use construction in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

Top Commercial Real Estate Technology Trends Today

Technology has grown so much over the years that, today, it has become ingrained as a regular part of our everyday lives. It helps us to be faster, smarter, and more efficient, all of which saves us both time and money. For these reasons, all sorts of industries are working more and more each year to keep up with the growing technologies and incorporate them in their business’s operations.

One such industry that is seeing monumental success with this is commercial real estate. If you are a commercial real estate proprietor who is interested in learning how incorporating innovative technologies into your design build scheme can render higher success for your business, you are already on the right track toward success.

A good place to start would be to review some of the top commercial real estate technology trends of today. Continue below to get started!

Commercial Real Estate Construction Company 317-253-0531
Commercial Real Estate Construction Company 317-253-0531

Current Technological Applications for Commercial Real Estate

There are various technological trends that are changing the world of commercial real estate today. However, choosing the right applications for your design build or remodel is the key to unlocking the benefits they deliver. Not only can better technology increase traffic, enhance security, and improve efficiency, it can also secure higher profitably and long-term success. Right now, the most popular and well-acknowledged technologies in the commercial real estate industry are IoT’s, AI, drones, smart sensors, and even virtual reality.

Internet of Things (IoT)

One of the most impactful technologies introduced to commercial real estate recently is Internet of Things (IoT). Integrating IoT into your building management system can improve your building’s performance and consumer experience. It can automate certain office functions, including analytics, automated marketing, and even client support. Internet of Things (IoT) achieves these tasks by using sensor-generated data to learn and adapt to the environment.

Drones

Drones are not just for recreational use anymore. In the commercial real estate industry, drone technology has a lot to offer both user and proprietor. For the most part, drones are used among owners and stakeholders to collect data for analyzation. However, they are also used among real estate agents to deliver a more realistic user experience for online listings, brochures, social media ads, and websites. Drones can even be used to implement building inspections.

Smart Sensors

If you want a smart commercial building, you need smart sensor technology, which senses and records data on various matters. This type of technology is generally integrated for the purpose of enhancing safety and security. However, it is also used to improve a building’s efficiency by monitoring environmental changes like light, humidity, and temperature, all in real time.

Virtual Reality (VR)

You might think virtual reality technology doesn’t have a place in commercial real estate, but thousands of proprietors would strongly beg to differ. Virtual reality (VR) is being incorporated into many commercial builds for the purpose of improving user experience and increasing traffic. VR mostly comes in the form of virtual tours, which allows clients to clearly view the property as if they are really there, without having to travel. This saves both time and money. VR can also be applied to websites and social media accounts to widen a listing’s audience and potentially gain better leads for leases and sales.

Commercial Real Estate Builders You Can Trust

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial construction and design build services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled 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.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
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What to Expect From Commercial Construction Management Service

Rather than choosing a solitary general contractor for your forthcoming commercial renovation or build, consider hiring a commercial construction management team instead, as they can do it all, and guide your project’s process from start to finish. A seasoned commercial construction management company has the knowledge and resources to deliver a wide range of benefits that all business owners and proprietors can apply to their overall success. Ultimately, they streamline the construction process, which can help you reduce time and costs, while also allowing you to maintain full control of your project every step of the way.

Continue reading to learn exactly what you can expect when you hire a commercial construction management team, including what they do, why their services are so beneficial, and how to get started with a bid.

Indianapolis Commercial Construction Management 317-253-0531
Indianapolis Commercial Construction Management 317-253-0531

Commercial Construction Management Services

Commercial construction management team oversees and coordinates all aspects of a construction project, including hiring staff, making schedules, negotiating contract, choosing construction approaches, and managing timelines, controlling costs, supervising budgets, and much more. From the design phase and construction process, all the way to the final, white glove inspection, a commercial construction team acts as the client’s representative, while also being a single source of communication and accountability.

Commercial Construction Managers

The actual commercial construction manager is the central authority figure on the job. They are the person responsible for all phases and details of a client’s project. Because they are not obligated in any way to the contractors and laborers working on a commercial construction project, there is never any conflict of interest when it comes to procuring materials. So, clients do not have to worry about their construction manager acquiring materials for the sake of profitability, rather than sustainability. This level of trust gives clients confidence that their project is being managed with their best interests in mind at all times.

Benefits of Commercial Construction Management

There are several cost-saving and time-reducing benefits to hiring a commercial construction management company. One of the primary advantages is lowered costs and budget adherence. Such companies generally have great industry connections and long-standing relationships, which places them in front of better resources at better prices.

Additionally, a construction manager can work to effectively reduce delays and project setbacks, while also educating you on construction materials and processes. Furthermore, they have field and industry acumen that clients just don’t have, which allows them to give lucrative advice, such as when it is acceptable to opt for a cheaper material and when it is not.

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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General Tenant Improvements for Commercial Properties

Tenant improvement (TI) refers to a type of customized construction work done to enhance or upgrade a commercially-leased property. There are different types of tenant improvements in commercial real estate, including new space TI’s, existing space TI’s, and even stipends known as tenant allowances. Continue reading to learn more about these kinds of commercial tenant improvements, including who to consult for personalized advice regarding your commercial TI needs.

Indianapolis Commercial Tenant Improvement Contractors
Indianapolis Commercial Tenant Improvement Contractors 317-253-0531

Tenant Improvements for New Spaces

Most new commercially-leased spaces come as a blank-slated empty shell. This is a highly-beneficial approach for commercial property owners since it gives potential tenants the opportunity to customize the space to meet the needs of the business’s culture, operation, and appeal. This is especially important for franchised businesses and retail stores. As a result, real estate proprietors do not waste any money on remodeling or design efforts that ultimately do not work for the tenant.

Tenant Improvements for Existing Spaces

For spaces that are already built and designed, tenant improvement work can come in the form of build-outs or renovations. Most businesses looking to lease a new space will opt for pre-built options. In this case, the existing design might not work for them, which is where TI work comes into play. Before a tenant takes over the lease on an existing space, renovations can be made to customize the property to meet the exact needs of the business.

TI Allowances

Tenant improvement allowances are sums of money made available to tenants by the landlord to cover some of the cost of needed remodeling work. Such allowances are most common for new spaces, since more renovations are needed to finish the project. However, the amount of money provided by a landlord for TI work varies greatly, and depends on a wide range of factors, such as the age or current condition of the space, duration and value of a tenant’s lease agreement, market demand, and more.

Commercial Tenant Improvement in Central Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for accomplished tenant improvement remodels and construction in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding 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 service, you can expect competitive pricing, value engineering, efficient project completion, and turnkey service. Get started with an over-the-phone consultation, today.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
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Modern Construction Ideas to Increase Restaurant Business

With the ever-changing demands of consumers, a business must be ever-evolving to stay current on meeting such demands. When it comes to the restaurant industry, diners are looking for a more special experience that delivers on both quality and appeal. Fortunately, there are always new ideas emerging in the design and construction world, giving restaurant owners the ability to modify their property for the purpose of bringing in more traffic.

Continue reading to learn the top 3 newest restaurant construction trends that have already been proven to be profitable and successful for business owners all across the nation.

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Restaurant Construction and Remodeling 317-253-0531

Open Kitchen Concepts

The concept of an open kitchen is not a new one; residential properties are almost all constructed with this open-style floor plan these days. However, this design concept is now being bravely introduced to the restaurant and food service industry. There is something very exciting and appealing about watching a commercial kitchen in action; and guests love the experience of listening, interacting, and learning about the preparation methodology of the restaurant, as it gives more meaning to the dish they are served and doubles as a source of entertainment. For restaurants that do not already have an open-kitchen layout, one can be easily incorporated with a commercial restaurant remodel.

In-House Breweries

It is becoming very popular for restaurants and bars to brew their own beers. Customers love small batch and in-house brewed beer, and migrate more toward restaurants that specialize in such products. So, to bring in more traffic, many bar and restaurant owners have remodeled their property to have a craft beer room, equipped with displays of fermentation and aging tanks. Such remodels also require the addition of several other elements, such as a cold-storage room for kegs and beer cases, co2 and beverage lines, taps, and much more.

Catering Programs

Catering programs are an excellent way to bring in more business to a restaurant; it is also a great way to advertise your product and spread the word about your restaurant. Adding in a secondary commercial kitchen and delivery station specifically for bulk work to your restaurant will streamline your catering program, and ultimately set the pace for expansion. Having a separate kitchen and to-go station for your catering department allows for more organized and efficient service, and best of all, does not disrupt existing, dine-in business or kitchen operations.

Leaders in Indianapolis Restaurant Construction

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted restaurant and food service construction 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 for your restaurant or bar. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

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

The 6 Phases of a Design Build Construction Project

In our previous blog, we discussed the important advantages of hiring a general contracting team for commercial design build construction services. Today, you can ask yourself what all business owners really what to know about the design build process; and that is, “how long is it going to take?” Although the methodology of commercial design build can vary from company to company, and there is always the potential to unanticipated delays or setbacks, the total timeline of the design build construction process can be broken down into 6 basic phases.

Continue reading to learn a little about each phase of the design build process, and what you can expect the average construction timeline to look like.

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

Phase 1

Initial Consultation

The very first meeting with a design-build contracting company is the initial consultation. During this meeting, client and contractor have the opportunity to get on the same page in terms of the project’s size, scope, and vision. They will discuss all related expectations, factors, conditions, requirements, specifications, business objectives, priorities, and more.

As a result, the client will be fully informed of the design build process, and can get answers to any questions they have that are unique to their building goals.

Phase 2

Space Planning and Preconstruction

Before any construction process begins, there is a great deal of preplanning that is done. Builders, designers, architects, and clients come together to map out all aspects of the design build process. Timelines and agendas are scheduled, zoning and permits are managed, space plans are created, site analysis and feasibility studies are performed, fundraising efforts are arranged, and much more.

Additional steps met at this stage of the design build process might include conceptual estimating, virtual design 3D modeling, structural engineering planning, and comprehensive interior design. This phase can take a few week, or sometimes even a few months, depending on the variables involved.

Phase 3

Design Planning

At this phase of the design build construction process, the interior and exterior design of the space will be finalized, as well as all construction blueprints. After detailing all client specifications in phase one and two, the design team can move forward with intricately bringing the vision to life on paper.

Clients will collaborate and request any adjustments or additions, then sign off on the design plans before the next phase can begin. From there, final construction drawings are drafted, in which the client will also have to approve and sign off. This phase takes an average of 3 to 8 months depending on the project’s size and scope.

Phase 4

Documentation Completion

Before any construction can commence, all documentation for the project must be completed and finalized. During this stage, all final costs are confirmed, final construction and design blueprints are approved, and all contracts are signed. This stage is the right time for clients to ask as many lingering questions or concerns they might have about the project, before the construction begins.

Phase 5

Building and Construction

With all documents drawn up, approved, and signed off, the construction company can finally break ground. All building and construction will begin as scheduled, and will continue as scheduled until the project is complete. During this time, clients are kept fully informed by their design build contracting team manager, who remains onsite and oversees all work.

The average timeline for the construction phase varies greatly from project to project; however, on average, it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 months. It can take even longer depending on the size and scope of the project, and the occurrence of unanticipated delays.

Phase 6

Post-Occupancy Inspection

A design build contracting company will finish the project with a final walk through. They will use a systematic approach to check off a long list of specifications and address any potential issues. During this phase, clients will have the chance to get a tour of the final construction. They will also receive in-person training, tutorials, and manuals to all building systems and technologies incorporated into the property.

Clients will also be given an opportunity to hire their design build construction team for facility maintenance service, which will keep all of their systems safe and in good condition.

Indianapolis Construction Pros

Call 317-253-0531 and speak directly to a live Indianapolis commercial general contractor at BAF Corporation. You can learn more about our services, or schedule a consultation to discuss your commercial construction and general contracting needs. We work with all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
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The Key Benefits of Design Build Contracting

A commercial design build contracting approach combines both the design and construction process, and therefore, conveniently provides a single source of contact and liability from start to finish. As a result, clients and customers alike enjoy a much higher level of advantage. Continue below to learn more about design build construction, including how it can deliver a construction experience that accurately meets your expectations for time, budget, function, and most importantly, your business’s long term success.

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

The Design Build (DB) Advantage

In the past, clients would be responsible for researching and hiring a long list of separate contractors to implement their commercial construction project from the ground up, from architects and engineers, to laborer, vendors, suppliers, and more. So today, it is no surprise that commercial construction clients more often opt for a design build contracting approach, and for several reasons.

The benefits of design build construction are quite broad since the contracting method can be applied to virtually all commercial and industrial industries, but the top benefits are advanced team collaboration, precise budget development, strict schedule compliance, and transparent communication and answerability.

☑ Advanced Team Collaboration

A design build approach puts all incorporated parties in the same room, which means they can all work and stay on the same page. It also supports communal respect and enhances the line of communication among all collaborators. Designers, builders, and clients all work together to create the precise construction plan that best meets all business objectives, including culture, function, profitability, and more.

☑ Precision Budget Development

The design build commercial construction method allows your collaborative team to accurately estimate total project costs, including post occupancy needs and facility maintenance services. Once a baseline budget is formed, as-needed estimates are made at project milestones or when unanticipated project changes occur, therefore delivering real-time cost updates at all times.

☑ Schedule Compliance

A design build approach can effectively ensure that the construction process begins and ends on time. In fact, it can actually serve to expedite each step in the commercial construction process by monitoring efficiency and productivity, and mitigating unanticipated setbacks or delays. Each phase is carefully planned to streamline the overall project.

☑ Transparent Communication and Liability

Since the design build construction method appoints a single source of accountability and communication, clients experience an unparalleled level of reassurance and convenience. The line of communication among client, designer, and builder are fully-transparent and open, making it easy to stay informed, seek out information, and accelerate the construction phases.

Where to Find Superior Commercial General Contracting in Indiana

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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Why Use Your Commercial General Contractor for Facility Maintenance

Facility maintenance is not something you think about when it comes to finishing your commercial construction build. However, the importance of protecting and preserving your real estate is equivalent to that of your entire project, as well as, the future success of your business. For this reason, it is vital to consider your options for facility maintenance service before your commercial property is finished being constructed or remodeled. By putting a plan in place ahead of time, you can better keep up with the evolving maintenance and repair needs of your property.

But who do you hire for facility maintenance? Most proprietors partner with their trusted commercial general contracting team. Continue reading to learn the top reasons why this is your best option for commercial facility management and maintenance.

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

Benefits of Choosing Your Contractor for Facility Management

Here are the top reasons why it is so strongly encouraged to hire your commercial general contractor as your facility maintenance provider:

Intimate Knowledge. Your commercial general contracting company built your property, so they know the intimate and personal details involved with all the processes, systems, operations, materials, and more. This intimate knowledge streamlines any needed maintenance or repair, thus saving you time and money.

Contractor Expertise. There are maintenance needs and then there are repairs. Your commercial general contractor knows how to decipher between the two. They have the expertise to not only analyze and diagnose issues, but also to solve them at the root of the problem.

Budget Adherence. Your commercial general contracting team can professionally advise you on maintenance budgets, timelines, and plans, thus helping you prioritize your facility’s needs and maximize your overall budget for maintenance.

Direct Communication. Your commercial general contractor provides a single point of contact, therefore giving you a direct line of communication at all times. This is especially important for emergency repair or maintenance needs.

Assurance. Since you have already worked with your commercial construction contractor in the past, you have already established a relationship. This existing relationship leaves you more assured because you know they are a reliable and capable partner.

Choose BAF Corp for Facility Maintenance in Indianapolis

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 to learn how our reputable Indianapolis general contractors can provide custom facility maintenance and management services for your property. We serve all of Central Indiana with corporate, commercial, and industrial construction and general contracting services, including facility maintenance. Whether you are a chain restaurant, a skyscraper hotel, or a conventional office building, we have the knowledge, skills, and resources to protect and preserve your premises. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
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Key Points That Should Be Included in a Remodeling Contract

In previous blogs, we have discussed how to hire a commercial construction company and which qualities to look for in a dependable contractor. Today, we want to focus on which fundamental elements should be laid out clearly and concisely in a commercial remodeling agreement. This information will help you identify weaknesses and strengths in your general contractor’s proposal, and allow you to negotiate workable adjustments to meet your overall project objectives.

Continue reading to learn the key points that should be included in a remodeling contract, regardless of the size or scope of the project.

Indianapolis Commercial General Construction
Indianapolis Commercial General Construction 317-253-0531

Remodeling Contract Basics

Overall, a commercial construction contract is supposed to outline the scope of the remodeling work. But it must be clear, precise, and as detailed as possible. This is because it will be referred to by both you and your contractor throughout the progression of the project. When a general contractor presents you with a contract, this is your first opportunity to make any adjustments if necessary.

For this reason, it is important to know what to look for and which aspects of a remodeling project should be outlined in your agreement, before you decide to sign. Not only will this give you better decision power, it will also give you peace of mind knowing that you and your commercial contracting team are on the same page.

More importantly, each state has individual construction contract statutes, some of which can be quite complex since there are so many numbers, estimates, and stipulations that usually take several hours to review. So, it is wise to have a licensed lawyer examine the contract and explain it to you in a language you can clearly understand.

To hire a lawyer for contract review, you can expect the cost to be around $500 or so, with an additional $1,000 to $1,500 in the case that the contract is flawed and wholesale revisions need to be made.

Here are the top key elements that should be in a remodeling contract:

Payments

A commercial remodeling contract must include precise details regarding payments and payment schedules. This includes how much you will pay for completed work and at which points of the project you will need to make payments. It is a good sign for all payment schedules and obligations to be linked to certain project milestones, such as framing, electrical work, plumbing installations. Additionally, the first payment should not be more than 10% of the total project cost.

Work Schedule

A commercial remodeling contract must outline the full work schedule, including start dates and completion dates for the entire project. Keep in mind that the work schedule is not an exact prediction, but merely a rational time frame. It is very common, and likely, for a 10-week job to take 11 or 12 weeks. However, if your project continues months after an agreed completion date, the contract can be used to help you defend yourself in the case of a dispute.

Project Specifications

The actual project specifications do not necessarily be detailed in the contractor’s agreement; however, it should have the contractor’s itemized bid attached for reference throughout the project. A commercial remodeling contract should also contain change order specifications, which means that if the cost of something changes, it must be priced in writing and countersigned by both you and the contractor before any work commences.

Lastly, it should also state that the contractor is responsible for securing all necessary permits and approvals.

Arbitration Options

In some cases, contractor and client might end up in a dispute. For this reason, it is wise for your commercial remodeling contract to contain specific arbitration clauses, which means you and your contractor will use an appointed arbitrator (not a judge) to solve any disagreements.

This saves both time and money since court costs and lawyer fees are expensive. However, if your contractor recommends an arbitrator, be sure to research them first before signing your remodeling contract. Some arbitrators can be questionable and unethical.

Warranty Information

Many general contracting companies offer warranties with their work, but they are sometimes filled with exclusions and time controls that favor the contractor. You have the option to refuse their warranty, which might be better for you in terms of liability.

However, in other cases, general contracting warranties are full-proof and highly-desirable for a client. It can go both ways. For this reason, it is vital that you hire a dependable company with a good, honest reputation. Also, a lawyer can help you review your warranty to determine if it is a good fit.

Indianapolis General Contractors You Can Trust

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial construction and remodeling in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled 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.

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