If you’ve recently acquired a new commercial space for your business and are starting a construction or remodeling project, you likely have big ideas for the design of your new space. You may have already discovered that there is an age-old industry gap between the design and construction processes, and you may think because you don’t yet know what to tell your contractor to build, they won’t be able to offer any value at this stage. However, if you embark on a space design before having a contractor evaluate the space, you may later get stuck with hidden costs when it turns out to be cost prohibitive to implement within the space’s construction constraints. Will you have to trench through a neighbor’s property in order to put a sink right there? Is there mold or asbestos lurking in that feature that will force you to later tear it down? Making these changes later on will cost you time and money.
The architects, engineers, interior designers and draftsmen on your pre-construction team are the visionaries that should be introduced to the design of your space with as many building elements known as possible. If your contractor, or (if you aren’t working with one yet) any general contractor offering site analysis, visits the property and performs a thorough investigation before others on your pre-construction team, there’s a much higher likelihood that your design concepts and ultimately your final plan will reflect awareness of actual building conditions.
The first person to see your space should really be your trusted DBGC (design build general contractor). They can reveal the invaluable implications about the design of your space before the first steps of design take place. This means you can bring all the limiting factors to your design team ahead of time, and it will also help you determine where you are already ahead in the design and construction process by noting what infrastructure (electrical, mechanical, appliances, etc.) is already in place in your space, and what existing materials and finishes could be salvaged to utilize in the new design or sell to save money (and make your project more green).
Our recommendation? Work with a DBGC for real-time feedback and budget analysis on your design concept from the pre-construction stage. In fact, see why it’s a good idea to have a general contractor on site before you buy/sign the lease. Check out the pre-construction services we offer, and call us with questions!
Further Reading:
APSGC: The Big 3 Before You Sign the Lease
APSGC: Evaluating Hidden Costs on Your Commercial Property
APSGC: Engaging A General Contractor During Due Diligence (And the First 5 Things to Assess)
APSGC: Green Building, The Paper Straws of Construction
APSGC: Services
