What Is a Commercial Remodel?

A commercial remodel can be an extensive project that many businesses choose to undertake instead of building an entirely new facility. A business that doesn't have the property to expand may choose a remodel to maximize the efficiency of the space they have available. This can be a lucrative move for a company that needs to grow but does not have the financial means to invest in an entirely location and building.

What Are the Stages of a Commercial Remodel?

Just like a new build, a commercial remodel has several stages. In most cases, the following stages are used in a commercial remodel project:

Planning and design
Pricing and bidding
Engineering and purchasing of materials
Structural repair and re-design
Rebuilding
Finish out process
Clean up and removal of debris

Companies that choose to undertake a commercial remodeling project need to hire a general contractor who has experience with this type of construction. Unlike a new build, the framework already exists. They must know how to alter existing structures and maintain structural integrity. The contractor must be able to work with all types of sub-contractors who specialize in various parts of the construction process.

The complexity and duration of a remodel is greatly impacted by whether all of part of the building will remain occupied during construction. Working around employees, customers, students, etc. often involves multiple phases of moving people, furnishings, etc. Getting your design and construction team in place early in planning where a building will remain occupied produces creative ideas on how to sequence demolition, renovations, utility relocations, etc.

A commercial remodeling project can take a simple structure and turn it into a glamorous showcase, depending on the desires and the budget of the client. The first thing the owner must do is come up with a general idea of what they want the property to look like. This will give designers an idea of what needs to be done, the amount of materials that will be needed, and what the estimated cost of the project will be.

New Build vs. A Commercial Remodel

One of the biggest decisions a business owner must make is to decide on building a completely new structure or re-designing and remodeling an existing one. Not only will budget play a role, but also the deadline chosen for completion. A new build may require the demolition and removal of the existing structure, excavation, design and construction of a new structure. If the business is being moved to a new location, the purchase of property would also be required.

With a commercial remodeling project, the existing structure is kept in place and a new design is incorporated to create an updated and renovated structure. The time frame for a commercial remodel may also be much shorter than if a new structure is built. This means less down time for the business and fewer costs in the long run. A remodel not only improves the look of the property and allows the business owner to express themselves architecturally, it also increases the value of the property and the business.

Before you hire a contractor for commercial construction in Florida, it’s important to know exactly what type of Florida construction services you need. Not all commercial contractors and commercial builders are alike. Some specialize in design build projects while others might have a great history as shopping center builders. There are great differences. Design build projects can greatly differ from projects like remodeling a shopping center into something completely different like apartment buildings.

Of course, it’s also important for you to understand the terms. You need to know exactly what you want when taking bids and hiring a construction management team in Florida. The following is a look at the three most common types of projects and the differences between them:

NEW COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

This type of project is pretty straightforward as it is exactly what it says, it’s the building of a new building from scratch. In other words, taking an empty lot and completing all the necessary work to create something like a car dealership. While simple in definition, this type of commercial project is the most complex in terms of planning, hiring, and completing.

There are a lot of steps to undertake when undergoing a new commercial construction. The following are the five broad phases that you’ll undertake:

Hire the primary architect
Choose from the available commercial builders or industrial builders
Tender contracts and documents
Construction process and tandem certification
Commission and final handover

If you are looking to hire one company for all of these phases, you will need commercial construction contractors who advertise themselves as full-on design build contractors. This designation notes that they have both the architects to design a construction and the resources and team to see that design through to a completed build.

COMMERCIAL REMODELING

A commercial remodeling is a project that goes beyond simply changing the drapes in an office building. At least when it comes to what a general commercial contractor expects and will deliver upon a project. Generally defined, a commercial remodeling project is a project undertaken that will permanently alter an existing structure’s interior, exterior, or both.

A few examples of commercial remodeling-type projects include:

Combining multiple rooms into one space by removing a wall or other type of barrier or partition structure
Adding to the interior or exterior of a building, such as adding an inside garden or creating multiple rooms from one large, existing space
Fully transforming the structure or layout of a commercial space

COMMERCIAL RENOVATION

A commercial renovation project is a project that seeks to restore or repair an existing construction. Generally, this type of construction makes old construction look new again. Renovations are generally undertaken for one of two reasons:

To enhance the look and functionality of a space for those within
To increase the resale value for an upcoming sale

Of course, a building owner might undergo a commercial renovation in order to benefit from both of those reasons. Construction like an apartment building that is restored to what it originally looked like can offer immediate value for existing residents and increase the owner’s chances for a more favorable sale in the future. Good examples of industrial and commercial renovation projects include:

Installing new light fixtures while simultaneously replacing or upgrading any outdated and inefficient or even dangerous electrical system
Replacing or repairing exterior bricks or siding where it’s been worn and threatens the aesthetics and structural integrity of the building
Replacing linoleum tiles with more durable and higher-valued porcelain tiles or ripping up post-construction linoleum to restore the underlying wooden flooring

HIRING THE RIGHT CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS FOR YOUR NEEDS

In the end, while there is value in hiring a commercial general contractor who specializes in one of the above types of projects, it is also a good idea to look for commercial contractors who have experience in all three. The more experience a contractor has, the better they can assist you in determining what best suits your construction goals. Contact our team to learn more about our own expertise and how we can help with your Florida building needs.