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.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contractors 317-253-0531

➀ Solar Power

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

➁ Wind Power

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

➂ Hydro-Electric Power

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

➃ Geothermal Power

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

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

Where to Get Expert Commercial Construction Management in Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial construction management services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our commercial general contracting team provides commercial construction services from the ground, up. We offer everything from space planning and design, to preconstruction, design build (DB), facility maintenance, and more. If you are interested in learning more about renewable energy applications for your business, we’ll be happy to schedule a consultation to review all your options. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

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

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

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.

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.

Indiana Food Service Restaurant Construction Pros 317-253-0531

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.

Why Construction Safety is So Important to a Commercial Project

Posted on April 9, 2020 by bafcorp20

It is quite obvious why safety is so important to commercial construction professionals. Companies are constantly focused on improving their internal safety standards to reduce overall risk and liability. Not only does this protect their workers, it allows them to ensure the quality of their work, which also safeguards a construction company’s reputation.

But does construction safety impact you as the client? The truth is that it has a significant influence on your business’s bottom line. Continue reading to learn how.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contractors 317-253-0531

Maximizes Productivity

Strong attention to detail and clear communication are crucial factors to maintaining a safe and hazard-free worksite. A commercial construction company that adheres to a strict, internal safety code is a company that can deliver superior results by maximizing productivity in all aspects of a project. This is why a steadfast safety record is an important credential to look for when hiring commercial contractors.

Ensures Job Quality

The quality of a commercial construction project is highly dependent on how a company prioritizes safety. When a company ensures their worksite is safe to both their workers and the surrounding public, and their resources are managed properly, the outcome of the project will be better. Furthermore, they will retain their skilled employees by reducing injuries and lay-offs as a result of unsafe conditions.

Reduces Costly Delays

As a client, one of the most important aspects of a commercial construction project is budget. When it comes to budget, time is of the essence. Clients want their projects to be completed on time and within budget, all without sacrificing quality. This goal is best achieved by maintaining and practicing strict, commercial construction safety. A safer worksite functions better, and limits the occurrence of costly delays and setbacks that result from injuries or accidents.

Protects Your Reputation

If word got around town that a serious accident or fatality took place while constructing your commercial property, your business could experience some backlash, or even develop a stigma that can eventually damage your bottom line. You do not want to public to think your business cuts corners, or does not care about the safety of others, which is just another reason why construction safety should also be important to clients.

Indianapolis Commercial Construction Professionals

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial construction and 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.

Modern Wheelchair Accessibility Options for Commercial Properties

Posted on March 27, 2020 by bafcorp20

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

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.

BAF Corporation is Your One-Stop-Shop for Commercial Design Build

Posted on March 12, 2020 by bafcorp20

Commercial design build service is a specialty construction approach that melds all phases of the commercial construction process into one, single source of responsibility. There are various advantages for taking this approach to building a new commercial property, all of which serve to increase business and overall profit. But who can a proprietor trust for precision, accountability, and superior craftsmanship when it comes to design build construction service in Indianapolis?

The answer is BAF Corporation.

Our Commercial Design Build Method

Commercial design-build contracting allows clients to avoid hiring 20 different contractors and professionals for a single project. As a commercial construction company that offers design-build services, we act as your sole point of communication and accountability, which in turn, ensures cost-savings, appoints liability, guarantees pricing, improves risk management, certifies performance-based quality control, reduces delivery times, and enhances the overall excellence of work. By collaborating together as a cohesive, multidisciplinary team, we bridge the gap of communication among all stakeholders involved in a project, including clients, designers, architects, contractors, supplier, and construction partners.

Top Benefits of Our Commercial Design Build Model:

✪ Saves Money
✪ Guarantees Pricing
✪ Reduces Delivery Times
✪ Reduces Client Risk
✪ Single Point of Accountability
✪ Reduces Setbacks and Delays
✪ Ensures Performance-Based Quality Control
✪ Enhances Overall Quality

Leaders in Commercial Construction Management

Our commercial general contractors fully understand and support the importance of accountability, owner needs and expectations, budget adherence, and scheduling, for every commercial construction project, regardless of size or complexity. We manage every element of your commercial build to ensure a streamlined construction process that meets all defined engineering and design specifications, procurements, schedules, and budgets. As a locally owned and operated company, our primary objectives are to maximize your business’s utility, function, and overall operational efficiency, while also visually bringing to life your business’s culture and creed.

Furthermore, our on-site teams protect your investment by always remaining mindful of the surrounding business operations while the construction process takes place, as to not disrupt daily workflow or potential earnings. By collaborating together as a team, you will feel confident in our ability to meet your expectations and deliver a burden-free construction process, from start to finish.

Best of all, our company maintains a deep commitment to client approval, which is why we integrate a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee in every project, regardless of size or scope. Simply stated: if you aren’t happy with the results, neither are we. We offer this guarantee because we are confident in our abilities, and can effectively apply our resources and skills to deliver the highest standards of excellence.

Talk to a Professional Construction Manager Today

BAF Corporation asks you to contact us at 317-253-0531 to learn more about our Indianapolis general contracting and design build services, including your options for getting started with a consultation. Our commercial contractors provide full-service general contracting and construction building services for commercial, corporate, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts.