It’s a huge milestone to be able to construct your own office building, regardless if it’s not an impressive skyscraper. Your business is growing and warrants its own space, and it’s your responsibility to make sure that this opportunity doesn’t go to waste.
Unfortunately, many of the important details in your construction choices could be overlooked simply because you’re too focused on the finished product. Just because you have a reputable contractor doesn’t mean you should let them call the shots for you. Immersing yourself in every aspect of the project lets you make decisions that can minimize risks and inconveniences that you may experience in your building in the years to come.
Selecting the Lot
Not every available lot in the market is suitable for the construction project you want. Your contractors would likely be used to working with tricky soils and subterranean conditions like those in Utah, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk about it. Different soils have different pros and cons, and the foundation of your building deserves attention. Before you bring in professionals in excavation, know the hazards you could face in the future. Does this soil tend to shrink and expand, and are you more at risk of things like radon exposure?
You’ll also benefit from probing details like sewage, utility hookups, logistics, and drainage. Utility hookups, for example, are cheaper where installations are easier. You’ll be surprised at the difference this will make to your overall cost when you ensure that utility hookups won’t require additional work for the contractor.
Sewage, too, should be at the forefront of your inquiries because it can cause big trouble if you find out too late that the hill you’re building on creates sewage problems. Another important factor is drainage, as water that pools in your foundation can compromise your entire infrastructure’s integrity.
When selecting the lot for your office building, discuss the details of your option with your contractor. Better yet, do your own research so that you’re not caught unaware when complications arise.
Selecting a Building Partner
Not all builders are equal. Some are flexible and cater to more building styles, while others specialize based on experience. You’ll want to know what skill sets and specializations your project needs beforehand so that you can select the right building partner. The ideal one’s expertise and capabilities should be congruent with those needs.
Additionally, it’ll be to your peace of mind to know about their relationship with their subcontractors. Ask them how long they’ve been collaborating and what projects they’ve worked on together. Do they have other subcontractors who can accomplish the same feat for your building, or are they operating with an exclusive contract within a limited few?
Inquiring about these things early on will help you determine a possible partner’s integrity and competence even before the project starts.
Choosing a Building Method
It should go without saying that a sustainable building method is the cleverest choice you can make. Not only will you be more accountable to the environment, but you’ll also gain the approval of climate change warriors, activists, and green shoppers.
Sustainability is another topic you’ll need to consider when selecting your building partner, as not all contractors are fully on the green train yet. It’s difficult to work with one that uses the same poor practices even if they can handle the unique materials you choose.
Finalizing Your Aesthetic Choices
Making changes to your aesthetic choices once the construction has begun can double your costs and delay the project’s completion. Before beginning the project, take a good long look at your draft and have a thorough discussion with your contractors and business partners. Get their insight on each part of the floor plan so that every inch of the building can be maximized and no important detail is overlooked.
Even minor details like outdoor rims and internal configurations can cause significant construction delays. By being as thorough as possible in your assessment, you can save costs and time that could’ve been spent to generate profit.
Minding the Details
Be fully aware of all the decisions that are being made in your office building construction. If it’s your first time and you’re not confident to ask questions, then do your research. Take the time to study other building mistakes and determine how you can avoid them. At the end of the day, you’ll want to get your office built not because ‘it’s possible,’ but because you’ve made the right choices that will guarantee no regrets now and in the future.
