Commercial Construction and Its Many Facets

By Ken Thomson

Commercial construction and building done right means comprehending several factors and keeping them straight. Most important, construction of commercial buildings must harmonize with the processes belonging to its particular industrial sector. Another factor consists of learning the owner's wishes that the building contractor and architects confidently ascertain the right materials and design methods to implore. Moreover, the contractor must stay within financial and building code boundaries.

Commercial building code construction usually consists of large, complex projects that test the mettle of a general contractor. The construction of a commercial building often calls for expertise in safety management, the latest developments in green technologies, and both concrete and steel framing. To accomplish this successfully takes a reputable contractor with years of experience.

Commercial and industrial construction is a highly specialized field. One finds such a wide variety of uses that requires diligent research of qualities that make the client's facility function properly. For example, the industry at hand could range from gas processing to medicine to recycling handling to telecom to utilities.

While many of our customers are private corporations, utility companies, municipalities and other agencies regularly and extensively was PEMB's. An example is a plant that processes refuse and recyclables. The facilities housing them must maximize efficiency and omit nothing inadvertently. Hence, construction management techniques are essential to keep all details straight and to maintain control of schedules and budgets.

Much is also involved beyond scheduling and budgeting in the successful design and execution of such large-scale projects. The contractor has to perform value engineering and constructability analyses in conjunction with determining availability of materials. He has to participate in environmental impact and feasibility studies, taking into consideration potential impacts to the public, permitting, subcontractor bidding, and construction site safety.

Under certain circumstances, commercial building construction entails extra CODE compliance and/or financial issues. For instance, there may be special zoning or building code requirements that must be met.

Good results are often obtained by using the Design-Build method, which allows early determination of costs constructability and accelerated scheduling. However, the contractor has to be capable of keeping track of all details while focusing on the big picture. He is responsible for assembling an architectural team that will reliably work with him closely.

The Design-Build approach generally falls under the umbrella of construction management. The emphasis falls more on up-front services prior to construction, such as collaborating with architects and owners to vet thoroughly the detailed specifications, arranging for permitting and proper site conditions, and setting up schedules and budgets.

At all phases of design and construction we maintain tight contact with our clients. There are two reasons why this matters. First, it is critical that the builder and owner are always on the same page in terms of requirements and preferences. Second, we know that plans tend to evolve and we want to help owners get as close to their ideal as possible, even if not fully perceived at the outset.

Facility Builders and Erectors has earned a reputation throughout industry, manufacturing, and commerce as the construction manager of choice. We always visit the site early and often, anticipating issues before they arise and strive to avoid having to correct problems after the fact. Our site assessments include evaluating the operation of neighboring businesses and how our buildings might affect that operation as well as the environment.

Over the years, FBE has developed strong relationships with a number of architecture teams, enabling us to find the best group of designers for any particular project. Invariably we find that a close collaboration with designers produces optimal solutions for the client, in terms of economics and efficiency.

What sets Facility Builders and Erectors apart are the close relationships we form with customers. These relationships often continue after project completion as friendships. This trait has resulted in scores of high-grade references and an unparalleled reputation throughout the commercial construction community.