In a post pandemic economy, the need for commercial remodeling Houston couldn’t be more important to a property owner as a tool to combat revenue challenges in current times.
As the owner of a commercial property, you now may need to remodel the building for more than the common reasons of property maintenance and tenant changes.
These may include optimizing the use of space, expanding your present property, launching a new business venture, making cosmetic improvements to give it a new look, enabling better efficiency and sustainability, making it compliant with building regulations, or simply going for rebranding.
The time has come for commercial property owners to be creative and think out of the norm. With the steady decline nationally in occupancy, property owners need to get more creative in structuring term leases and making their properties more appealing to their tenant’s employee’s needs.
Irrespective of the reasons to undertake commercial remodeling, the process can be simply overwhelming, especially if you are doing it for the first time.
However, with the help of Houston contractors, you can transform your vision into reality.
By conducting remodel construction of your existing infrastructure, you can take a big step towards expanding your company and improving the value your offer to the end customers or other stakeholders.
It may be the case that your commercial property needs a simple facelift or something more in-depth, say an interior refurbishment or an external makeover, or both.
And to get a fresh perspective on the whole process you may get in touch with leading Houston building contractors.
Importantly, the first thought that may cross your mind is whether your property needs to be shut down during the process of a commercial remodeling Houston of refurbishment or not.
Well, it depends. If the changes to be made are pretty comprehensive in nature, then the building may have to be closed down, either for the entire period of remodeling or only for a limited period.
However, in many cases, the business does not stop as the people hired for commercial contracting can work in shifts – before or after customers/employees enter, during weekends when the business is closed, or behind curtains while the business goes not as usual.
In some cases, the business can be moved elsewhere temporarily to keep it running/operational while the refurbishment process is conducted safely.
In most cases the commercial remodeling Houston can be executed in staged phases while the business continues to operate. You may read our blog to know how to plan the commercial remodeling process.
Learn about the commercial remodeling Houston means and methods for a property owner’s advantage
Procedures and Process for Commercial Remodeling
Even though each remodel construction project is different, there are some key steps that you need to undertake alongside the commercial builders you hire.
Project Preconstruction Initiation
At the outset, the vested parties should clearly define the goals for the commercial remodeling Houston. In other words, list out the things you want to be completed during the remodel process.
If the owner is considering a change of use or increasing vacancy capacity, the contractor will verify the building’s occupancy and verify the parking requirements to comply with the current codes.
Also, take into consideration any future requirements that may have to be incorporated and design the plan accordingly. These are such items as timing the changing of the roofing membrane with the replacement of roof top HVAC equipment when possible.
There is no point in spending a fortune on remodel construction only to redo certain areas in a few months or years down the line.
So, should you want to remodel the property to run a different kind of business, say a cafe instead of a retail store, you will need to comply with the occupancy requirements.
If you are expanding the building, you have to check the local public planning service regulations to ensure the property does not violate any provision.
These need to be addressed at the beginning to prevent any nasty surprises later. If you want to know more about commercial construction, you may access our commercial construction resources.
Develop the Construction Documents
Once you are assured of the feasibility of the remodeling project, contact an architect or designer to prepare a design and relevant supporting documents for the project including the cost estimates and scope of work.
Finalize the plan and budget and reach out to Houston commercial contractors for quotes.
The experts for commercial contracting may offer different quotes depending on the materials and products they intend to use.
Hence, it is a good idea to explore your options before settling for one.
Construction Delivery Methods
There are two acceptable methods of design and construction delivery in remodel construction.
The traditional method to design and build is called “build to bid”. This method is where the property owner hires an independent design firm to prepare the construction documents.
These documents are then shared with a small vetted group of general contractors to prepare a formal proposal.
The second method of design and construction delivery is called “design to build”. This delivery method consists of the selection of a commercial contractor to design and build the project.
The general contractor facilitates the design of the remodel to a targeted construction budget and the specifications of the owner.
Once the design plan is complete and the construction cost verified, the owner has the commercial builder pull the permits and execute the remodel construction.
Obtain Permits
While making changes to your commercial property you may have to follow certain renovation rules applicable to your area. So, before any work begins, ensure the necessary permits and insurance requirements have been obtained.
Usually, the commercial contractor you hire will get the permits or you may have to contact the concerned person at the local government office.
Also, based on the scale or nature of the remodel construction, you may have to carry out an environmental impact study or a survey on hazardous materials, which can be pretty time-consuming.
The City of Houston requires all property owners to provide an asbestos certification that states that the remodel contracting will be free of asbestos or will properly remediate any found on the property.
Material & Labor Procurement
Ensure the materials, equipment, and labor needed for your remodel construction project has been arranged by the contractor.
Special attention should be planned for long lead time building components that either require shop drawing or engineering, such as casework, stair systems and steel fabrication.
Your commercial builder will develop the purchase orders to confirm the materials and products meet the project specifications and are within the estimated cost.
Commercial Remodeling Houston Construction Process Steps
Once the preconstruction items are in place as mentioned above, the contractor can begin remodel construction.
Preplanning for business operations should have been developed beforehand concerning whether you need to keep your business closed or running during the remodeling process as previously discussed in the above sections.
While the remodel construction process is underway, check up on the work frequently to ensure the project is running on schedule and the outcome meets your expectations. You may view our video on the role of a commercial contractor in construction.
Demolition
Some parts of your building (or in its entirety) may require interrupting the utility services, like during demolition or reconnection of existing fixtures.
During a major remodel construction project, it will require some degree of demolition before making space for expansion or add something new such as a new phalanx, hallway, room, etc.
This process is very labor-intensive and may require the general contractor to shut off the building’s power or water supply.
Also, during demolition, the air quality in and around the premises can be affected due to the dust particles generated from the debris.
Make sure to follow safety procedures as mentioned below to keep your employees and everyone involved in the construction process protected.
- Conduct a survey to evaluate the condition of the structure to be demolished
- Secure all utilities nearby – power, water, gas, etc.
- Prepare a prevention and evacuation plan
- Keep a first aid kit and on-hand medical emergency services
- Wear masks to prevent the inhalation of dust particles
Go Green for Sustainability
A commercial property consumes a lot of resources in terms of power and water. To ensure sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint, you can use environment-friendly equipment.
These may include solar panels for generating power or central heating to reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
Sustainability also applies to the selection of materials to use as well as the disposal in separating materials for recycling during demolition.
Make sure the design of renovation allows the maximum amount of sunlight into the building thereby reducing the consumption of electricity, especially during the day.
Construction Compliance Inspections
After the completion of each phase of remodel construction there should be an inspection by experts or building code officials for validation.
The phases may include foundation, electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, flooring, etc. If an inspector flags any issue during an inspection, make sure the contractor fixes the same promptly.
It is only after the finished the remodel construction work passes inspection that you can expect a new occupancy certificate. Thereafter, you are free to operate your business in the remodeled property.
Conclusion
The key to any commercial remodeling Houston project is selecting the right contractor from a host of Houston commercial contractors.
And an experienced contractor at that can relieve you of the stress of completing the project within time and budget.
Further, you may read the blog to know more about the commercial construction process.
