Blog Layout

Understanding The Commercial Construction Process

Sep 08, 2021

As a stakeholder in a commercial construction project, it’s important to have a comprehensive understanding of what the process entails. Knowing the ins and outs of what it takes to create reality from a vision helps to ensure that challenges are navigated easily along the way.



Stage One: Planning And Development

Location, location, location: When it comes to real estate, location is the first and possibly most important decision to make when planning a commercial construction project. These are a few factors to take into consideration when choosing a location:


  • Access for clients and employees and proximity to neighboring businesses
  • Zoning allowances or restrictions for use of the newly constructed property
  • Infrastructure support in the area surrounding the new job site to ensure traffic convenience 
  • Environmental testing and protection for building and post-construction
  • Survey of the property to have a better understanding of easements


Stage Two: Pre-Design

This is the stage of the commercial construction property where you should partner with a contractor that can follow the project from start to finish. Do your research to find a commercial construction team that can submit bids for you, collect estimations, and tap into a network of qualified, experienced subcontractors. Doing this helps offer stakeholders peace of mind that the workflow will be streamlined, and sets a sturdy foundation for the remaining stages of the project.



Stage Three: Design

This stage is like a meeting of the minds of all the team members and stakeholders involved in the construction project. The end result of this phase produces full specs with costs and timelines which will be used by construction professionals to finish the project. Besides the architect and the builder, these are the professionals involved in the design phase:


  • Structural Engineers
  • Mechanical Engineers
  • Electrical Engineers
  • Civil Engineer
  • Threshold Inspector



Stage Four: Pre-Construction

This stage is nearly as important as the actual construction of your commercial project. Building permits need to be obtained -- plans are submitted to the building department, which will then issue a permit. The next step is obtaining the proper insurance policies to keep the jobsite safe, including builders’ risk and workers’ comp coverage. Next, bid proposals from vendors will be collected and a construction team will be assembled — that consists of a project manager and other key team members that will keep work on track and on budget. Once those steps are taken, construction materials and services are proceeded and procured.



Stage Five: Construction

Before building can begin, the worksite must be prepped to support the project:


  • Use building code to implement drainage
  • Excavate site and lay utilities
  • Arrange power, water, and sanitation networks
  • Remove vegetation on the building site
  • Create temporary storage on-site for materials and tools
  • Begin structural, building code, utilities, HVAC, and electrical inspections


From there, the foundation is built and major systems are added before the exterior, interior, and landscaping are finished to spec.


Stage Six: Post-Construction

After construction is complete, contractors and stakeholders perform a walk-through, making a list of any issues that need to be addressed before the project can finally be considered fully complete contractually. Once those tasks are finished, the building secures a Substantial Completion certificate and completes a final inspection. 


Because commercial construction projects involve plenty of moving parts, it’s crucial for stakeholders to fully understand how each phase contributes to the overall success of the finished property. Choose to work with a commercial construction contractor that is prepared to tackle so many of the challenges involved. This, in turn, saves you valuable time and money.


Wright Building Systems may have only been around since 2018 but don’t be fooled by that number. The project manager has been an experienced journeyman union carpenter for over 20 years, managing jobs both big and small.


We are a proud, family-owned company whose employees all share one thing: the passion to deliver quality and profitable projects on time and on budget. Through hard work and determination, we have built a reputation for being the contractor of choice for value-minded clients who want the job done right the first time.


We are highly experienced in all aspects of a build: estimation, construction, project management, preconstruction services, and construction and can bring any project from idea to completion at a fair price and a reasonable timeframe.


For a job done right, call Wright Building Systems!

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.
More Posts
Share by: