Modern Wheelchair Accessibility Options for Commercial Properties

As a commercial property owner, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is something you need to fully appreciate and consider when it comes time to plan a major remodel or renovation, especially for multi-story buildings. ADA compliancy and adequate wheelchair accessibility are two key factors that must be addressed and incorporated into your commercial building in order to remain non-delinquent under the civil law requirements for public accommodation.

Not sure where to begin with your new ADA compliancy and wheelchair accessibility plan? Continue reading to learn some of the most popular options for commercial buildings, and how to get started on the right track in terms of planning and construction.

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

ADA Compliant Options for Disabled Individuals

There are plenty of options you can choose from to ensure your commercial property is adequately accessible to those in wheelchairs, as well as those who are disabled. Some of the most popular ADA compliancy and wheelchair accessibility options include wheelchair lifts, ADA ramps, and ADA elevators. Often times, commercial buildings owners will incorporate more than one method to achieve optimal accessibility. To learn more about ADA standards for accessible design, visit ADA.gov.

ADA Ramps

There are very strict and specific state requirements for ADA ramps. First, wheelchair ramps have to be at least 36 inches wide, and retain protective edges to prevent falling accidents. Furthermore, such ramps must be constructed with perfectly level platforms at both ends to ensure stability. These landing areas must be as wide as the ramp, and at least 5 feet long. Aside from width and length, ADA ramps are required to meet certain criteria for slope as well. Maximum slope allotment for wheelchair ramps are 1 inch of rise to every 12 inches of length. More commonly, ADA ramps are constructed with 1 inch of rise to every 20 inches of length.

Wheelchair Lifts

As you just learned, ADA ramps must have the correct slope and height ratio to deliver a safe and comfortable passageway for disabled individuals. But sometimes, a commercial building does not have the space to accommodate a ramp. In really tight quarters, such as spiral staircases or multi-story lobbies, commercial construction specialists will recommend using a wheelchair lift. Wheelchair lifts are similar to elevators in that they mechanically transport a wheelchair from one level to another. Such lifts are compatible with most high-level spaces, and do not require invasive construction. Best of all, they can be applied to interior staircases, exterior stairways, and even swimming pools.

ADA Elevators

When ramps and lifts are not a compatible solution to ADA compliancy and wheelchair accessibility, a great option are ADA-approved elevators. ADA elevators are different from standard elevator systems because they are designed with greater dimensions to allow safe and easy access for those in wheelchairs. Furthermore, their doors must remain open for at least 3 seconds prior to closing. ADA elevator compliancy also requires easy access to buttons and controls on the inside of the elevator and on the wall outside of the elevator, as well as, visual and audio cues that signal elevator availability and movement.

Indianapolis Commercial Construction Company You Can Trust

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

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

Signs That Suggest You Need Commercial Window Replacement

The overall efficiency of your commercial property ultimately affects your bottom line. If you want to reduce your energy consumption while also promoting a functional and comfortable indoor environment, it is important to have a good window system. A key part to maintaining a quality commercial window system is knowing when to replace or update.

Continue reading to learn some common signs that suggest it is time to have your commercial windows replaced or updated.

Commercial Window Repair and Replacement
Commercial Window Repair and Replacement 317-253-0531

Chips and Cracks

If your commercial windows have visible cracks or chips, you are wise to have them repaired or replaced. Such surface defects can increase the rate of deterioration within the glass, thus leading to further fissures and eventual breakage, which can pose several safety hazards. Furthermore, window damage can waste energy by leaking conditioned air, and even attract certain pests, like termites and ants. In most cases, small cracks and chips can be repaired, but usually just on a temporary basis. Most often, damaged panels are replaced individually to ensure full security against future cracking and energy loss. Addressing any cracking, chipping, or similar glass damage right away can save you both time and money.

Window Jams

Windows are designed to serve certain functions; and opening is usually one of them. For restaurants, cafes, retail stores, schools, gyms, hotels, offices, and similar settings, the ability to open a window is quite important. So, if you have windows in your building that are supposed to open, but do not, you might want to consider having the entire system replaced. Whether they are jammed, stuck, broken, or painted over, your windows will require some professional renovation to ensure proper insulation and efficiency.

Irregular Indoor Air Environment

If your commercial building experiences an imbalance in heat and cool air, it could be due to your window systems. When a building is hot in some areas, but cold in others, or vice versa, it is often a sign that they are outdated or lacking in quality. Today, commercial window systems are designed with innovative insulating technologies that help promote a steady and efficiency indoor air environment. Not only can replacing your commercial windows increase energy efficiency and reduce monthly utility costs, it can also produce a more comfortable atmosphere for clients, guests, and staff, which can be highly valuable for certain businesses.

Professional Commercial Window Replacement in Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial window repair and replacement 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
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

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.

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

Factors to Consider Before Signing a Commercial Office Lease

Moving into a new commercial space is a serious undertaking. There are several complex steps to complete in order to get your business back to fully-operating at peak performance following a relocation. But first you must sign a new lease. Before you do so, there are various considerations to apply to your decision in order to protect yourself from entering into a contract you later regret.

Continue reading to learn which factors should be at the forefront of your mind when discussing a new commercial real estate lease prior to signing.

Space Planning and Tenant Improvements
Space Planning and Tenant Improvements 317-253-0531

General Commercial Lease Inquiries

With all new commercial real estate leases, there are basic questions that you must ask. These answers will give you the foundation of knowledge you need to decide whether or not to move forward with the lease agreement. Such questions include the following:

What is the Type of Lease Offered? There are different types of lease agreements for commercial properties, including net leases, gross leases, triple nets, and absolute triple nets.

What are the Terms and Conditions? You must read through all terms and conditions, and derive questions pertinent to your overall objectives and limitations.

Is the Lease Negotiable? Most often, lease agreements are flexible, and landlords will negotiate certain elements in the lease’s terms and conditions.

Will Rent Increase? Rent escalation is common in commercial real estate, like stepped increases that periodically increase in fixed amounts, or increases tied to Consumer Price Index.

Can You Sublease? Long-term leases might contain a subleasing and assignment clause that allows you to lease out all or a portion of your space to another tenant in the future.

Comprehensive Facility Touring

Always be sure to tour the facility as thoroughly as possible before signing a lease. You want your potential commercial space to have an inviting and functional atmosphere. When taking your tours, be sure to focus your attention on cleanliness, attractiveness, curb appeal, practicality, degree of remodeling or renovation needed, and amenities available, like parking, cafeterias, bathrooms, break rooms, lobbies, and more.

Neighboring Properties

Before entering in a legal contract that binds you to a commercial office space, it is wise to first check out your future neighbors. Consider the local businesses and buildings surrounding your potential space, including the actual proprietors and contemporaries you will likely encounter on a regular basis. This could easily thwart your interest in a new commercial space. For instance, if your business is a Zen spa, you wouldn’t want to lease a space directly below a dance studio or next door to a drum store.

Renewal Processes

It is wise to ask about the lease renewal process before making any agreements. Inquire about the terms and conditions of renewing or terminating the lease. In some cases, a tenant is required to notify the landlord within a certain time period that they wish to remain in a lease, while others do not. Communication guidelines and requirements for commercial leases vary from landlord to landlord. So, always be sure you fully understand your role when it comes time to renew or terminate your commercial lease.

Leasehold Improvements and Maintenance

Another important topic of discussion to cover prior to signing a new commercial lease are leasehold improvements. This includes facility maintenance. Questions to ask include, “Are you allowed to modify the space to meet your business’s needs?”, “Is the landlord willing to make tenant improvements before you move in?”, “Is the tenant improvement allowance enough?”, and “Is a maintenance program included in your lease?”

Professional Commercial Space Planning in Indianapolis

Call BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 to learn more about planning a new commercial space for your business. We provide full-service commercial space planning and permitting services in Indianapolis, and throughout Central Indiana for all businesses and industries. Whether you’ve already moved into a new space or still searching for one, our commercial construction management team has what it takes to meet your unique specifications. Call our office today to discuss your commercial space planning and tenant improvement needs, today.

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

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
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

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
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

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
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

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.

Restaurant Construction and Remodeling
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
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531