Commercial Renovation Checklist For 2023
Use these five tips when looking for a general contractor to complete a commercial renovation on your property
A commercial renovation, or fit-out, is generally defined as an update, remodel or reconfiguration of a building used for private sector businesses such as corporate offices, retail spaces, medical facilities, and practitioners’ offices.
One common goal for commercial renovations is to expand the existing property or to increase the ROI of the property’s value in order to boost rent or building sales.
Commercial renovations are significant investments for Property Owners. It is essential to research and select a qualified General Contractor that can deliver the highest quality of workmanship. Checking references of completed projects is highly suggested. The more informed you are, the higher the chance your project will be a success.
After you’ve decided to move forward with the commercial building renovation, you will need to determine a budget. The budget should include costs for materials, wages, projected timelines, and any additional factors that could add to the cost of your project. Working with a general contractor, GC, during preconstruction allows everyone to collaborate as a team to provide order of magnitude, estimates, value engineering, phasing and programming, scheduling and logistics plans. Resources, in-house estimating and historical cost data provide detailed budgeting and scheduling that lead to client savings and efficient client programming. This leads to a seamless transition from preconstruction to construction, whether the job is negotiated or a competitive bid.
As you review bids from general contractors, make sure you consider these five tips.
1. Experience
Experience is a key factor. Finding a GC with experience in renovating commercial spaces is extremely important. Certified General Contractors experience should include an extensive background of completed projects within commercial buildings. Selecting an experienced General Contractor provides the ability to address any issues that may arise during the construction process and be able to adjust for any unforeseen issues that could occur. Also, they should be in business for some time, and know what is required to complete a successful job.
2. Licenses
It’s equally important to find a GC that’s licensed in your state. A GC that’s unlicensed in your state might not be able to do certain projects without specific licenses required by law. It’s also important when working with a contractor in your state to ensure that their licenses are up to date.
3. Insurance
Making sure that the general contractors have adequate insurance to complete the job can’t be overstated. Liability protection is essential to protect against any accident on the construction site. Because there are various types of insurance policies that contractors can choose from, you need to know if the kind of insurance they have covers any accidents or damage to your property should they occur.
4. References
Good certified general contractors will be able to provide you with references from previous clients they’ve worked with. After all, speaking with someone who has already worked with the GC you’re considering is the best way to determine if they are the best contractor for your project. Find out if the client was satisfied with the contractor’s services, if the job was on schedule and/or on budget, and if they were satisfied with the final outcome.
5. Questions
Before saying yes to the general contractor, make sure you ask questions and feel satisfied with the answers before you sign a contract.
Learn more about the commercial renovations we’ve done.
Case Study #1
Client: Hotels & Resorts, 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Size: 10,600 SF
Project Scope
Erickson was tasked with undertaking extensive renovations to the existing hotel lobby, rotunda, and restaurant area.
Upon completion of the project, the rotunda boasted a new lounge with a sweeping semi-circular sushi bar, central fountain seating, lounge-style seating, and a separate sports-themed restaurant and bar area with high-end finishes. We also completed construction on the hotel’s main, street-accessible restaurant, Thirteen.
Case Study #2
Client: Blank Rome, Philadelphia, PA
Size: 22,000 SF
Project Scope
Having extensive experience in completing construction projects for this top Philadelphia law firm, Blank Rome trusted Erickson once again to complete their Corporate Cafeteria, Conference Facility and Training Space. We skillfully converted the former Morton’s Restaurant into a state-of-the art multi-purpose facility that included a 300-capacity cafeteria, extensive commercial kitchen and service area, along with a fully integrated sound, video and teleconferencing area with multiple drop-down screens, and a 20-person computer training area.
Case Study #3
Client: Milano’s Italian Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA
Size: 6,000 SF
Project Scope
As the general contractor, Erickson was tasked with constructing this restaurant, which also included a 1,200 square foot concrete and steel mezzanine. The finished restaurant also included a full-service bar and kitchen, and a unique mesquite wood-burning oven.
Case Study #4
Client: University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Size: 20,300 SF
Project Scope
Erickson was hired to perform the preconstruction and construction for exterior and interior renovations and restorations to the gallery, performance, convening spaces, as well as the installation of a new café and lounge in the old restaurant space.
Interested in performing a commercial renovation project on your property? Erickson is here to help. Reach out to us to learn how we can help you complete your project.
