Wondering how the commercial construction process works? For many business owners, the construction or renovation process can feel complex and overwhelming.
The design-build process in commercial construction typically follows five main steps:
- Phase 1: Pre Construction & Discovery
- Phase 2: Design & Engineering
- Phase 3: Construction
- Phase 4: Project Management
- Phase 5: Post-Construction
At Matick Construction, our construction management company specializes in commercial projects for Southeast Michigan businesses. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Commercial Construction 101: A Guide to the Design-Build Process
Working with an experienced construction company can simplify the design-build construction experience. Rather than dealing with separate contracts for architects and subcontractors, a professional company will act as your single point of contact.
They’ll coordinate with all relevant teams, ensuring the project stays on schedule and budget. Their goal is to keep your vision technically and financially possible at every stage of the project.
There are five main phases of commercial construction:
Phase 1: Pre Construction & Discovery
Commercial construction starts with the discovery phase. This involves a deep dive into the project’s goals and budget, as well as identifying any site constraints. At this step, you’ll work primarily with architects, who will assess three main factors:
- Site Evaluation: The building’s existing infrastructure will be assessed. Zoning requirements and environmental factors are also considered.
- Budget Alignment: Contractors provide real-world cost estimates during the conceptual stage. While costs can change, they create an accurate initial estimate that you can use to help you determine a budget.
- Goal Setting: To prevent “scope creep” and surprise costs, the contractors will sit down with you to understand your goals. They’ll identify which items are must-haves, and which are just nice-to-have.
Based on this data, official blueprints will be created for the project.
Phase 2: Design & Engineering
During this stage, the architect and construction team will work together to discuss the design and engineering possibilities.
The commercial construction team will provide feedback on material costs and availability. That way, you can make sure the project is realistic and doesn’t go over budget.
The builder can also identify potential issues with the structural design and mechanical systems before work actually begins.
Phase 3: Construction
Once the design is finalized and approved by all parties, the commercial construction phase will begin. The builder will order the required materials early on in the process in order to avoid shipping delays. This is particularly important for specialized materials like HVAC units or structured steel.
From there, they’ll manage the scheduling of different teams, such as electricians, plumbers, framers, and other subcontractors.
These teams often can’t work at the same time, so coordination is crucial. An experienced company will ensure work happens in a continuous flow.
Phase 4: Project Management
Throughout the project, transparency and management is essential. Modern commercial construction uses integrated technology to keep you updated on daily progress.
Construction management software can be used to create logs, provide photo updates, and archive documentation. It also makes it easy to monitor the project from anywhere, on any device.
Phase 5: Post-Construction
The project doesn’t end when construction is over. Instead, this is often the busiest time of the process.
During this phase, inspections will be performed to ensure the building is up to code. The construction team will also test all mechanical systems, including HVAC, fire suppression, and electrical.
Before the keys are handed over, they’ll perform a final walkthrough and address any minor issues. If everything looks good, they’ll give you all the warranties, operation manuals, and blueprints for future maintenance.
Work with Our Southeast Michigan Construction Management Contractors
If you need professional construction management in Southeast Michigan, look no further than Matick Construction. Our team handles interior and exterior construction services for commercial businesses across a range of industries.
With over 20 years of experience, owner Jim Matick and our entire team are dedicated to providing high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. You can count on us to keep your project on track and on budget.
Ready to get started with a construction or renovation project? Call (734) 838-5900 or contact us online today to get an estimate.