The Importance of Utility Mapping for Commercial Construction Work

Posted on August 14, 2020 by bafcorp20

What is utility mapping? It is a way to view and organize the structures and system setups beneath the ground of your commercial construction site. This part of the commercial planning and build process is critical to the overall success of the project, regardless of size or scope. As a business owner or proprietor preparing to build a new commercial property, you need to familiarize yourself with the process and purpose of utility mapping to remain ahead of the curve at all times.

Continue reading to learn more about commercial construction utility mapping, and where to get the best general contractor advice near you.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contractors 317-253-0531

Commercial Utility Mapping Basics

Just because you cannot see it doesn’t mean that it is not there. This generalized platitude happens to apply to the commercial construction industry. Just because your project site does not appear to have any structures or impediments delaying the progress of work, it doesn’t mean you are in the clear to break ground.

It is vital to any and every commercial construction project to locate, identify, and map out the infrastructure that lies beneath the work site. This will ensure a streamlined construction agenda, and prevent unanticipated setbacks and superfluous costs. Most importantly, it protects workers and the surrounding community from dangerous accidents and hazards.

Locating and Identifying What’s Underground

As mentioned, a work site might be clear on top, but below the ground is guaranteed to have some sort of infrastructure. From electric and telecom cables, to gas mains, water mains, pipelines, sewers, and more, the possibilities are plentiful, and require forethought from a general contracting perspective.

To achieve proper utility mapping, a commercial construction team must retain the proper technologies, such as ground-penetrating radar. However, these are not always enough to develop an accurate underground map. Often times, construction managers have to rely on town records, building records, and similar resources to get a clear idea of what’s actually below ground.

Expert Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services 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 is a Mixed Use Space in Commercial Real Estate?

Posted on August 11, 2020 by bafcorp20

In today’s commercial real estate world, the options for space planning and design build are continuing to evolve. One such solution that many proprietors are trending towards, both small scale and large scale, is mixed use commercial space. Continue reading to learn what a mixed-use space is, what it can offer building owners in terms of benefits, and how to incorporate such space planning into your commercial build or remodel.

Mixed-Use Commercial Design Build Contractors 317-253-0531

Mixed Use Commercial Buildings

Mixed use commercial buildings are all the rage in the current commercial real estate construction industry. These are buildings that are specifically constructed to serve multiple applications, rather than just one. For instance, a standard commercial space for a restaurant is generally built to be solely a restaurant. This means it would be designed to have certain kitchen appliances, utility setups, and several other industry-specific features and amenities. Similarly, an office building is generally built to serve as a space for offices and business operations.

Oppositely, mixed-use spaces are typically designed and built to serve more than one application, such as retail and office space combined in one. There are several benefits to this type of commercial construction, which is why it is gaining such popularity at such speeds. Some mixed used spaces are entire buildings, while others are spaces within buildings. Either way, commercial business owners who are looking to build or design a space should know a few things about mixed-use spaces before coming to a final construction decision.

What You Need to Know as a Business Owner

Single-use districts in metro and city areas are becoming more of a thing of the past. During the day they are steady with the traffic of consumers, employees, and more. But at night, they clear out as businesses close and everyone goes home or to an entertainment-based district of the city. This pattern is beginning to feel like an inefficient use of space to many commercial real estate leaders. As a solution, mixed-use construction and space planning is being progressively introduced into the commercial real estate world.

What a Mixed-Use Building Might Look Like

A modern mixed-use building might have retail and restaurant stores on the ground level leading out to the streets and sidewalks, offices and corporate tenants in the mid-levels, and apartments and residential living at the top levels. This commercial building serves multiple functions, delivering full-optimization for building owners and leasers. Other mixed-use commercial buildings might combine retail stores, hotels, and condos all in one. There are infinite design possibilities with mixed-use commercial construction and space planning, all of which offer unique advantages in terms of a business’s function, efficiency, cost-savings, and overall success.

How to Learn More About Mixed-Use Commercial Space Planning

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial space planning and construction services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors are certified specialists who are well-versed in mixed-use space planning and construction. Whether you are launching, expanding, renovating, or relocating an office or professional space, our commercial construction and building contractors have the qualified expertise, first-class resources, and latest technologies to support your business’s objectives and generate long-term value. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial clients in Central Indiana.

What You Should Be Asking a Commercial Architect Before Hiring Them

Posted on July 27, 2020 by bafcorp20

When you’re planning a remodel or do construction build for a commercial property, at some point in time you will be faced with the responsibility of hiring an architect. But before you make any final contracting decisions, it is important for you to know exactly what you should be asking your architect in order to gauge their professional acumen, aptitude, and overall dependability.

Continue reading to learn a quick list of 5 questions you should be asking a commercial architect before hiring them to take on your needed commercial remodel or new construction build.

Indianapolis Commercial Design Build Contractors 317-253-0531

Interviewing a Commercial Architect

When preparing to meet with potential commercial architects, the three most fundamental basics are to clearly define your project, ask them any and all questions you have, and take all the information you receive from your interviews and compare them with one another. As for questions, here are the top inquiries you should include with your commercial architect interview:

Are You Qualified?

Of course, the most important aspect of hiring any commercial boulder or designer is their qualifications. Not only should they have extensive experience in the industry, they should also have formal training, hands-on training, a record of qualifications, and most importantly, superior skill.

Feel free to ask your potential architect to provide proof of work, proof of qualifications, and references of past clientele of projects. You can see their work as well, as most architects will provide a portfolio of the past work.

Do You Provide Visuals or Models Prior to Construction?

Another important aspect of hiring a commercial builder or architect is to learn how they communicate their plans to their clients before getting started with the actual construction phase of the project. Ask your potential architect tires whether or not they provide visuals, 3D imaging, models, or any other form of plans to show their work.

This helps to confirm whether or not the architect understood your vision, and was capable of translating it into real life. Keep in mind however, architectural drafting does take quite some time, so you may not be able to get this type of information in initial interviews.

Will You Be Hands-On with My Project, or Minimally Involved?

Some architects are very hands-on with the commercial build or renovation project, while others are simply there in the initial phases of drafting and planning, and then let a separate team of professionals complete the process.

Depending on your personal preferences and unique specifications of your commercial build or renovation, you might prefer an architect that is very hands-on, or an architect that is minimally involved following the drafting and planning phase.

It is highly beneficial to have an architect who prefers to stay on as a consultant until the project is complete to ensure top-quality results.

Do You Predict Any Difficulties or Setbacks With My Project?

Every commercial project, whether a new construction build or a remodel, is unique in its own way. An important question to ask your architect is whether or not they foresee any challenges or setbacks with your particular vision. This conversation can help you organize your thoughts and preferences, and plan for a more efficient and streamlined construction process.

How Busy is Your Schedule?

One of the most frequently asked questions in any type of commercial contracting interview is the question of time. When you have a commercial renovation or new construction build in mind, you are likely eager to get it started. After all, the quicker you start the quicker it’s done. However, many contractors and architect have current projects that they are fulfilling, which might interfere with the start and finish date of your particular project.

Be sure to discuss the schedule and timeline conflicts ahead of time with an architect, to ensure that your project will be kept a priority over time.

Commercial Construction Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

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

BAF Corporation is a Certified Minority Business Enterprise Company in Indianapolis

Posted on June 30, 2020 by bafcorp20

Here at BAF Corporation, we are a licensed and insured commercial construction company based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. As a highly-advanced and reputable company, BAF Corporation has continued to grow and excel since our inception back in 1997, and continues to be highly-motivated in pursuing excellence and distinction in all facets of the commercial construction and facility maintenance industry. In addition to various other benevolent organizations and associations, BAF Corporation is especially proud to be a Certified Minority and Women’s Minority Business Enterprise (WBE) Company with the City of Indianapolis. This is an impactful and important aspect of our business for many reasons, but most of all, because we believe in equality and fairness for every employee in any industry.

Continue reading to learn more about BAF Corporation, and what it means to be a Certified Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise Company in Indianapolis, Indiana.

A Women’s Business Enterprise Company

In 2018, founder and President, Barb Fleming, was featured in Indianapolis Business Journal in the 2018 Women of Influence segment. The article covers her achievements as a successful, self-made woman in business, and describes how she founded a commercial construction company that has shown exponential growth since our inception. In fact, since our launch, we’ve experienced unprecedented success, growing from just one employee to now three team leaders, including revenuers starting at $75 thousand to over $5 million! Not only does BAF Corporation provide exceptional commercial construction and facility maintenance services on all scales, our skilled commercial general contractors and design teams are also strongly dedicated to promoting equivalence among all genders and ethnicities within the company.

As a certified WBE (Women Business Enterprise) with the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana, we fully understand and support the importance of accountability, owner needs and expectations, budget adherence, and scheduling, for every building project, regardless of size or complexity. This professional resolve, combined with our extensive skill and proven track management record, sets us apart from our competitors. Here at BAF Corporation, we have a simple philosophy. We have chosen to approach construction holistically, acting as part of the team including the architect, designer, owner, and tenant to make sure we are all working in the same direction to fulfill both owner and tenants needs.

Staying in Tune With the Local Communities

Not only are we a certified Minority Business Enterprise company, we are also active members of Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis, Design for a Difference, and Outside the Box, which is an Indianapolis-based organization that works with young adults with developmental disabilities. We also correspond with similar organizations, including the Village of Merici which is a Fort Ben neighborhood for adults with developmental disabilities, as well as the Dove Recovery House, which is a rehabilitation program for women recovering from addiction. BAF Corporation is the commercial construction company to trust for the highest standards of excellence, every time.

Commercial Construction Company in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call BAF Corporation today at 317-253-0531 for more information about our commercial construction and design build services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide full-service commercial construction, TI improvements, and facility maintenance for all industries, including hospitals, office buildings, restaurants, gyms, schools, stadiums, retail stores, government buildings, grocery stores, apartment and condominium complexes, roller rinks, movie theaters, and much more. Whether you are looking to start a new fitness center, remodel an existing restaurant, or simply move locations, our commercial general contractors have the economical workable solutions to get the job done right, the first time, on time, and within budget. Contact us today to get started.

Will a Remodel Improve My Business?

Posted on June 23, 2020 by bafcorp20

In the current economic climate, proprietors in varying industries are looking for ways to keep their businesses alive. From scaling back and cutting costs, to changing vendors, hiring new staffs, readdressing budget plans, and more, business owners everywhere are searching for new and effective ways to improve their profits. In fact, many wonder whether or not a commercial remodel would help bring back lost business, and ultimately increase their revenues. The problem is, not all business owners are confident enough to find out because interior or exterior remodels can be serious investments. Fortunately, with a little knowledge, any business owner can feel good about moving forward with a commercial remodeling project.

Continue reading to learn how remodeling your business can improve traffic, margins, staff morale, and more.

Indiana Commercial Remodeling 317-253-0531

Short-Term Commitment With Long-Term Benefits

Although the thought of remodeling your business can feel overwhelming, especially during a time when finances are delicate, with the right construction management company on the job, you won’t have to worry about organizing all the moving parts of the project. A commercial construction company handles all aspects of a remodeling job, from the initial stages of planning, to the final, post-construction white-glove inspection. They will even stay on as your facility maintenance provider. You can consider this industry attribute as one of the various ways a remodel can improve your business. See our blog, “What Facility Maintenance Services Can Do for Your Business’s Post-Construction Needs” to understand why.

Additional Benefits of a Commercial Remodel

➤ Modern Culture. Businesses must stay up-to-date on current trends among consumers. This can greatly expand their target market and retain past clientele.

➤ Technology. It is important for businesses to stay attuned with the evolving technological options and innovative advancements being made, not only in their own industry, but among all of society as well.

➤ Employee Satisfaction. A fresh update can give employees a morale boost, and reignite their interest or role within the company.

➤ Staff Productivity. With a fresh look and boosted morale, employees are likely to be more productive and deliver higher quality work.

➤ Function. A remodel can be a lot more than just an updated look. Remodels can also improve a business’s operation or function, which can increase efficiency, and therefore, profit margins.

➤ Distinction. Especially for businesses in an industry that is highly saturated or competitive, a remodel can help make a business unique, and stand out from the rest.

Commercial Construction Management Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

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 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.

Common Roofing Systems for Commercial and Industrial Buildings

Posted on June 19, 2020 by bafcorp20

When it comes to commercial roofing systems, there is a large variety of materials used on the market today. The type of roofing system you choose for your building or business will depend on several factors, including square footage, cost, structural condition, regional climate, personal preference, and more. It is wise to consult a trusted commercial general contractor for help deciding on a roof system that is right for your property. They have the experience, knowledge, and skills to assess your roof and determine the best solutions for installation.

Whether you are designing and building a new space from the ground up, or in need of a full roof replacement, it is important to choose a quality commercial roofing system that will endure and perform well overtime.

For a better perspective of the market, continue reading to learn which roofing systems are the most common in the commercial and industrial construction industry.

Indianapolis General Contracting and Facility Maintenance Service 317-253-0531

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Although mostly seen in the residential market, asphalt shingle roofing systems are being applied more frequently among commercial proprietors. Not only is this type of roofing material the least expensive on the market, it is available in a wide variety of grades, textures, colors, sizes, and styles. Another revered feature of asphalt roof shingles is their durability. They are installed in 1 to 2 layer constructions and reinforced with fiberglass. This makes them highly suitable for steep slope applications. The lifespan for shingle roof systems range between 20 and 50 years.

Metal Roofs

Metal roof systems are a popular choice for commercial and industrial properties because of the many advantages they offer for such industries. The common metal roof materials used in the industry today include aluminum, steel, and even copper, making them environmentally sound. Metal roofs are resistant to mold mildew, fire, corrosion, and inclement weather, and provide long-lasting durability for up to 50 years. Best of all, they can be recycled and repurposed, infinitely, making a metal roof a Eco-friendly and sustainable option.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are any roofs with slopes less than 10 degrees. They are not well-suited for traditional roofing systems like shingles or tile. These will most certainly lead to a decade of frustrating and costly roof leaks. Fortunately, there roof systems available on the commercial market that are specifically designed for flat roofs. Although there are more than a handful to choose from, the 4 primary kinds include built-up roofing, modified bitumen, rubber roofing, and single-ply membranes (PVC, TPO, etc.).

EPDM Rubber Roofs

EDPM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) roofing systems are referred to as rubber roofs. They are popular choices for both industrial and commercial properties because they are lightweight, quick and easy to install, highly durable, long-lasting, and inexpensive. Rubber roofs are also low maintenance, and if damages occur, repairs are easy and inexpensive.

Additional Types of Roofing Systems Available:

Wood Shake – Usually made of cedar, pine, or redwood, wood shake roofs are shingles that are a bit thicker at the butt end compared to asphalt shingles. They are treated with chemicals to make them fire-retardant and preservatives to prevent wood rot. They give a building a warm, natural, outdoorsy look. They can last 8 to 125 years.

Slate – Slate roofs are a shingle roofing system made from naturally occurring slate materials. Although they can last up to 100 years, they are more fragile than other shingle roofing systems, so they require bi-annual inspection to ensure ongoing structural integrity.

Tile – Clay or concrete tile roofs are another form of shingle roof system. They come in an endless selection of colors, styles, sizes, and textures. Although expensive, heavy, and tricky to install and repair, tile roofs offer a level of aesthetic appeal unachievable by any other type of roofing system on the market.

Choose BAF Corp as Your Trusted Indianapolis General Contractors and Builders

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for superior commercial general contracting and construction management services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors can help you decide which roofing option and course of action is best for your office or building. We serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

Who Pays for the Cost of the Tenant Improvements?

Posted on June 12, 2020 by bafcorp20

Tenant remodels and leasehold improvements are much different from conventional commercial construction projects since they are intended to be an investment for a business owner. With that being said, when it comes down to who pays for what in a tenant improvement project, the answer can be more complex than you would expect.

Continue reading to learn more about who pays for the cost of tenant improvement (TI) projects, as well as, where to get trusted TI construction work near you.

Indianapolis Tenant Improvement (TI) Contractors 317-253-0531

TI Cost Planning

Generally, TI costs are considered by the landlord of the property when they agree to a rental rate among tenants. Most often, a portion of a tenant’s monthly rent will reimburse a landlord for the cost of TI construction work, however, this is not always the case. In the case of a turn-key tenant improvement project, it is necessary for the landlord to know specific details on the work being performed, including which areas or spaces are being remodeled. Another reason why a turn-key project requires upfront information for a landlord is so that they know how much the costs are going to be for all the work.

TI Allowances and Lease Signings

At the time of the lease signing, both the tenant and landlord should come to an agreement regarding 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 usually stated on a per-square-foot basis, and 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.

Furthermore, if the total cost of a tenant improvement project exceeds the original, agreed-up allowance, the tenant is responsible for paying the remainder. Although rare, it is possible for the landlord to take on the excess costs themselves, but they will only do so to a certain capped amount, plus increase the tenant’s rent accordingly.

If a tenant decides to take on the TI work themselves, they risk being subjected to delays and unanticipated setbacks, which can hurt them financially since their rent will still be due on the date in the lease contract, regardless if they can move into the space yet or not. In this case, the tenant takes on all of the risk, and might have to pay more for construction, while also paying rent at the same time, without any revenue coming in.

To avoid this hassle, always hire a professional commercial construction company that specializes in tenant improvement work. You see, commercial building teams use a client-centered partnership approach to accurately understand our client’s business objectives and tenant’s needs, and deliver results that maximize their profitability by driving greater value.

Indianapolis Tenant Improvement Construction Contractors

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted tenant improvement 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 commercial office space or business. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.