Commercial construction projects come with high price tags. This does not mean a person should not look for ways to keep these costs down. The following measures can be helpful in achieving this goal, so a person should keep them in mind when planning any project of this type.
Avoid the Lowest Bidder
People often hear they should get a minimum of three quotes for any project they are considering.
While this is true, many people assume this means they should then go with the lowest bidder. This is not necessarily the case. A person gets what they pay for, and a good contractor is hard to come by. Carefully evaluate each quote to ensure the end result will be as expected.
Hire this contractor early in the process, as they need to be a part of the design process. This will help to keep costs down, as fewer changes will be needed as the process moves forward.
Get more information from FraserCon about the importance of hiring a contractor early by visiting the website.
Reduce Scope and Complexity
It’s always fun to dream big when planning a commercial construction project. When reality sets in, however, a person will probably find they need to reduce the scope or complexity of the project to bring it in within budget.
Establish a budget and make changes to the design to bring the cost down.
Begin by determining which items are essential. Once these are in place, add non-essential items until the budget amount is reached. Consider reducing the complexity of the project to stay within budget.
This might be the overall complexity of the project or it might involve changing certain elements of the design. An experienced contractor will work with the client to create a design that remains within budget while including as much as possible of the client’s vision.
Material and Product Choices
At times, a person can significantly reduce the cost of a commercial construction project by making changes to the materials or products used. They don’t need to sacrifice quality and style when doing so.
For instance, when choosing flooring for the project, look at different manufacturers and products. Determine which level of quality is needed with this material and then evaluate all options. A slight change in the flooring material can lead to major cost savings.
Move from an exotic hardwood to a domestic hardwood and spend considerably less on this portion of the project. Do this with all products and materials being used in the project and watch the savings add up.
Reduce Glass
Many people don’t realize that windows cost more than solid walls.
They want to benefit from natural light, thinking this will help them save money. While there may be some cost savings over the years, the owner needs to consider how the windows will affect climate control within the building.
Daylighting can lead to significant heat gain, depending on where the windows are placed within the building.
Choose windows in standard sizes so there won’t be any added fabrication costs, and carefully consider the placement of the windows in the design to avoid the need for tempered glass.
Contractors and clients need to remain in constant communication throughout a project. Doing so helps to resolve issues quickly while ensuring everyone is on the same page. Before any work is done, examine each aspect of the project to look for cost savings.
Working together, a contractor and client will find they can complete the desired project in a way that benefits all parties involved.