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Commercial Construction FAQs

Jul 14, 2022

Over the years of working with clients here in the Greater St. Louis area, we’ve discovered one thing to be true about every commercial construction project we tackle: Planning is crucial for success. Knowing which questions to ask about the process and when to speak up helps you better plan for (and mitigate) challenges that arise. Start your research here, with some of the commercial construction FAQs we answer down below. 


If you have more questions, we’d love to chat more so don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Wright Building Systems is a woman-owned (WBE certification pending) and family-operated general contractor. 


Our specializations include commercial construction and renovation, high-security construction, and construction consulting. You can count on the WBS team if you need a reliable general contractor to ensure your commercial construction project’s success. Our goal is to exceed your expectations on every level.


What are the different types of commercial construction projects? 


There are several different types of commercial construction. A commercial builder provides construction services for a wide range of buildings. These include grocery and retail stores, office buildings, apartment buildings, industrial and manufacturing facilities, hospitality and entertainment facilities, sports facilities, and institutional buildings. Our team also has the capabilities and experience to help improve your building’s safety and security.

Why shouldn’t I DIY commercial construction?


Now is not the time to cut corners, especially when it comes to your business. A commercial contractor or commercial builder provides comprehensive project management services. A contractor hires and manages subcontractors. They also communicate with the client and keep the project on time and within budget. We’d like to ask you: Do you have the time or resources on top of running a business to make that happen?


When creating a new space for my business, are there any alternatives to new construction?


It’s easy to assume that new construction is the only way to expand a business’s physical footprint, but renovation and adaptive reuse could also be feasible options. Whether renovating a currently occupied commercial building or buying one with the plans to renovate, this is generally the most cost-effective option for business owners to pursue. Between inflation, rising construction material costs, and growing talent gaps, it’s now more expensive than ever to build new construction properties.

There are some great historical buildings that I’d love to renovate for my business. Is that possible?


Absolutely! Adaptive reuse construction means our team will create a renovation plan that helps you leverage local opportunities to invest in your community. Not only can adaptive reuse breathe new life into the neighborhood around them, but they’re also more cost-efficient and sustainable. While not all construction companies are willing to tackle adaptive reuse construction, we are happy to take on the challenge. Perhaps you are trying to give an older commercial building new life, or maybe you want to modernize a historical building to preserve it and bring it up to code.


Which projects offer the most return on investment if I’m looking to improve the value of my commercial property?


There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this one. Even if it’s not in the budget to undertake a large-scale project, it’s a good idea to know exactly what it will take for property owners and managers to upgrade their buildings. Which office space should you select for your business? How should you begin pre-planning for new commercial construction? Should you renovate this building for your business? You need an objective expert and consultant to help you consider your top options. When you choose WBS, you benefit from working with knowledgeable professionals who do more than provide lip service.


What if I need to renovate a property with minimal disruption to my employees and clients?


When working on the same floor as tenants, our contractors seal off construction areas to prevent dust and noise from affecting them. When working on a different floor, our team is trained to be sensitive to those on adjacent floors and minimize disruption, ensuring minimal impact on those working above or below the construction area. A quality tenant improvement construction contractor prioritizes good communication – among clients, field staff, contractors, and suppliers. 

Tips for Office Renovations

10 Apr, 2024
How long has it been since you refreshed your office space? Choosing to rebuild entirely or renovate what you already have is a critical decision, and while rebuilding can yield excellent results, renovations may be more cost-effective and timely. We've helped business owners across the St. Louis region renovate their spaces and improve productivity. Let's discuss some tips that will help propel your office renovations and give your team the space they deserve. Assessing Your Needs and Setting Goals Before diving into the renovation process, it is essential to step back and evaluate your current workspace. Identify pain points, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. Are there bottlenecks in workflow? Is the layout conducive to collaboration and productivity? By pinpointing these issues, you can establish clear renovation objectives and desired outcomes. Business owners should consider budget constraints and timelines to ensure the team has realistic expectations from the outset. Envisioning Your Ideal Workspace With goals in mind, it's time to unleash your creativity and envision the future of your workspace. Draw inspiration from various sources such as design magazines, websites, and competitor spaces. Engage with your employees to understand their preferences and needs. What elements would enhance their work experience? Creating a mood board or vision board can crystallize your ideas and visualize the desired aesthetic and functionality. Finding the Right Contractor Choosing the right contractor is a pivotal step in the renovation process—research and vet potential candidates with experience in commercial office renovations. Ask for referrals and view past projects to assess quality and reliability. Obtain multiple quotes and compare services, timelines, and pricing to make an informed decision. Remember, communication is key—select a contractor who listens to your vision and collaborates effectively. Collaborating with Your Contractor Once you've chosen a contractor, establish open lines of communication and set clear expectations. Communicate your vision, goals, and budget constraints. Collaborate on establishing a timeline and project milestones to track progress effectively. Throughout the renovation, maintain regular communication to promptly address any concerns or changes. A collaborative partnership between you and your contractor is essential for a successful outcome.

Commercial Roofing Project Tips

07 Mar, 2024
While unseen to the average patron, a commercial building's roof is a critical and complex infrastructure that must be tended to regularly. Precision, planning, and attention to detail are paramount for city commercial roofing projects. Whether you're working on a contemporary skyscraper or a historic landmark, the challenges and requirements can vary significantly. This blog explores some valuable tips to ensure the success of your next commercial roofing project. Thorough Assessment and Planning Before embarking on any roofing project, a comprehensive assessment of the roof's current condition is crucial. Identify structural issues, drainage problems, and insulation needs to form the foundation of your project plan. A detailed plan that outlines the scope of work, timeline, budget, and required resources is essential for streamlining operations and minimizing disruptions. Choose the Right Materials Selecting the appropriate roofing materials is a critical decision that directly impacts the durability and longevity of the structure. Consider weather conditions, building design, and energy efficiency when selecting materials. In metropolitan areas, where pollution and urban environmental factors can pose additional challenges, opting for materials with enhanced resistance can prolong the roof's lifespan. Compliance with Building Codes and Regulations Navigating the maze of building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards is non-negotiable for any commercial roofing project. Ensure your team obtains all necessary permits and approvals before commencing work to avoid delays and legal complications. Compliance safeguards your project and enhances your reputation as a responsible contractor.

Historic Building Preservation: Do's and Don'ts

16 Feb, 2024
As stewards of our architectural heritage, commercial construction companies specializing in historic building preservation play a vital role in ensuring that these treasures of the past continue to enrich our communities for generations to come. However, navigating the complexities of historic preservation requires a delicate balance between honoring the past and meeting the present needs. Here are five essential "Do's" and "Don'ts" for historic building projects to guide you on this journey.  The Do's Research and Understand the Building's History Every historic building has a story to tell, and understanding its history is paramount to successful preservation. Before embarking on any project, take the time to research the building's architectural style, original materials, and historical significance. By uncovering the building's past, you gain invaluable insights that will inform your preservation efforts and ensure that your work respects its unique heritage. Engage with Preservation Experts Historic preservation is a multidisciplinary endeavor that requires expertise in architecture, history, conservation, and construction. Collaborate with preservation architects, historians, and consultants specializing in historic buildings. Their knowledge and experience will help you navigate preservation regulations, address technical challenges, and make informed decisions that balance preservation goals with modern requirements. Document and Preserve Original Features Historic buildings are repositories of craftsmanship and architectural detail, each element bearing witness to the past. When undertaking a preservation project, prioritize documenting and preserving original features and materials. Whether it's intricate woodwork, ornate plaster moldings, or handcrafted masonry, these historic elements contribute to the building's character, and the team should conserve them whenever possible. Adapt with Sensitivity While historic buildings provide a link to the past, they must also meet the needs of contemporary users. When making updates or additions to a historic structure, approach the design process with sensitivity and respect for the original fabric. Seek inspiration from the building's historic character and use materials, colors, and techniques harmonizing with its architectural style. By blending the old with the new, you can create spaces that honor the past while serving the needs of the present. Regular Maintenance and Monitoring Preservation is an ongoing process that requires proactive care and attention. Implement a regular maintenance schedule to monitor the condition of the building and address any issues before they escalate. Regular inspections, cleaning, and repair work can help prevent deterioration and prolong the lifespan of historic materials. Investing in proactive maintenance safeguards the building's integrity and demonstrates your commitment to its long-term preservation.
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