When planning a building project for your business, professional commercial construction services in Philadelphia go a long way to making things easier- but there is more to it than that.
It can be pretty daunting facing the many ins and outs of building an entire home, office, or other property- from gaining approval to passing the final safety check. Commercial construction projects can be taxing to get through- especially if things don’t go exactly as you expect them to. It helps to have a few tips before you begin.
General contractors and skilled craftsmen can offer plenty of great advice- but who knows the challenges better than those who have already faced them?
The following advice comes directly from the past clients of commercial construction contractors in Philadelphia, PA- they have been through it- so they have the best first-hand advice for potential future customers.
Five Construction Project Management Tips from Business Owners in Philadelphia, PA
Here are five top tips for managing your commercial construction project based on the feedback of other Philadelphia business owners.
1. Prioritize Communication in Your Construction Projects
If there is one thing all business owners agree on regarding their past projects in commercial construction in Greater Philadelphia, it is the importance of communication every step of the way.
Without communication, there is ample room for error in the planning and execution of the property development or renovation.
Your entire team needs to work as one- and there has to be a system in place to make it possible. Don’t rely on messages being passed along- use technology to make it easier.
Arrange regular meetings to keep everyone on the same page and touch base between teams as often as possible.
A simple missed message can cause all sorts of delays- so don’t take the chance.
2. Plan In Advance
Before starting any work, make a plan to discuss with your general contractor- including a time frame, budget, and other important goals.
Do your research on the complete range of works, permits, and services required for your commercial construction to give yourself a realistic picture of what lies ahead. Based on the information you gather, prepare what you can before breaking ground on your commercial property.
3. Make a Schedule You Can Stick To
Do you have a date you need things to be ready for? If so, work out a schedule that makes it possible. Decide how long to dedicate to demolition services, building preparations, finishing touches, and everything in between.
It is important to be realistic and discuss the proposed schedule with your general contractors to keep the project on course and weed out any potential issues with the timing.
4. Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Even with the best construction management, things can happen unexpectedly- and it helps to be prepared for the unknown.
Weather, bureaucracy, and safety precautions are just some of the things that can come out of the blue to slow things down or change your course- be ready to take them in your stride.
5. Trust Your Commercial Construction Companies and Contractors- but Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
The best commercial construction companies and professional contractors can help large and local businesses bring their commercial project to life- and they expect you to have questions along the way.
You are not expected to know everything, and it is normal to ask questions to solidify your understanding and peace of mind surrounding the entire project.
It is important to ask questions early in the process to avoid misunderstandings, delays, or confusion. Things such as ‘should I expect addition fees?’ and ‘what does the approvals process look like?’ are worth asking.
In summary, commercial and residential construction projects require planning, flexibility, and- above all else- communication to be a success. Construction of any commercial property can be complex- but taking this advice on board can make things easier for project managers to handle.
