The construction industry is a booming business, and the commercial sector, in particular, has seen a rise in recent years. But with a new building comes a hefty price tag; so, it’s important to be mindful of all your options for keeping that price tag from going through the roof.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can reduce costs on your commercial construction project without sacrificing quality or style. Here are eight things you can do to keep your bill down while still getting what you want out of your space:
1. Open-plan design
Having an open-plan office space can be a cost-effective decision when building a commercial construction project. If you are limited on space, it can be difficult to design an aesthetically pleasing interior. This is where open-plan design comes into play by creating versatile spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional.
2. Use local businesses
By using local businesses for your commercial construction project, you could potentially save money. With services such as custom furniture and acoustical paneling, you can choose local businesses to make your commercial construction space as beautiful as possible.
These services could be cheaper than they would be if you ordered them through another company that was based out of state or country. Plus, it gives opportunities to small businesses, allowing them to gain more clients.
3. Build on your property
Building something where you already own land is one of the best ways to save money on construction costs. Depending on your property, it might be difficult for builders to meet regulations while staying financially stable.
Builders may think that it would benefit themselves more to build on your property rather than go through the extra steps of obtaining land. This takes away the hassle of legalities and permits for building in another space, saving you money.
4. Be flexible with your design
It is important to be flexible with your budget and design when working with commercial construction companies. While it may be difficult for you to determine how much your final product will cost, it is important to change plans if necessary.
For example, you might want a specific material that the company does not offer. In this case, they may need to find another material and change their pricing plan accordingly. Furthermore, some companies may require that you pay a portion of your bill before beginning a project. This can be a risky move if you need to find a structural issue in the building after it has been constructed.
5. Choose contractors with industry experience
When getting quotes for your project, it is best to choose contractors with experience. While companies may be cheaper than others, they might not have the skills needed to complete your commercial construction project on time and within budget. Or you can hire general contractors with self-perform services.
With the proper training and background in this industry, commercial construction companies can ensure that their employees know what they are doing. Thus, you can rest assured that your commercial construction project will yield quality results.
6. Be mindful of extras and add-ons
While you might not think about it first, there may be extra costs on top of general construction costs. For example, if you want a specific material on the interior, such as wall-to-wall carpeting, you will have to pay for installation. This can be an extra headache to the company if they are not prepared, but it is something that you should think of beforehand.
Also, while some companies might offer extras on their services, others may charge extra. It is important to ask about these costs before signing any contracts so that you are not caught off guard when the final project is complete.
7. Install energy-efficient systems
Installing energy-efficient equipment for your commercial construction space can help to reduce energy bills over time. For instance, motion sensors in restrooms could keep lights on only when they are being used so that your business can save on its utility bills.
You could also look into installing solar panels on the roof of your building. This reduces energy costs while ensuring that you are helping to reduce your carbon footprint. And you can also add vending machines that only charge the customer if they turn their machine off when not in use.
8. Focus on the assets
Of course, saving money during construction comes down to a lot of planning and budgeting. The best way to save money is to focus on the assets you will want to gain from your commercial construction project. For example, if you are building a new warehouse for your business, think about the products you will be moving through the building.
You should also consider how many people will be working in the space and, more importantly, who those people are. Then you can focus on the features such as restrooms and reception areas that your employees or customers will need.
By focusing on these aspects first, you can save money during construction by choosing inexpensive materials for the less essential areas. But you can splurge on the important areas of your commercial construction project.
