July 2021
Maximize your Commercial Construction Dollars
In commercial construction and design, many owners dream big, only to be brought back to reality at the budgeting stage. Throughout our 90+ years in business, we have completed projects of all sizes and budgets, and have learned a lot about helping owners achieve their visions while keeping on budget. Here are a few ways we have found to control construction costs without sacrificing functionality and design.
1. Use a general contractor that offers a design-build or design-assist delivery method. Getting the whole team involved at the onset of your project ensures the architect, designer, engineer and general contractor are on the same page and understand the owner’s building goals. A general contractor who is experienced in providing a collaborative approach to construction can analyze your budget and make recommendations early on in the process. A GC’s professional estimator can help provide the best cost options for each element while staying true to the owner’s design intent.
2. Keep change orders to a minimum. One of the many advantages to good planning and a collaborative design-build approach is minimizing costly change orders. Of course, it is an owner’s prerogative to change their mind, but when all stakeholders are involved from the beginning of a project, major kinks and potential pitfalls should be identified and resolved upfront.
3. Tweak your design. Sometimes a small change in design can save you thousands. Look at the size of your project. Can you shrink some of the space to cut down on square footage? Keeping your design simple and avoiding complex features in your design (e.g. curved walls) also can help maximize your construction dollars. An experienced contractor can identify small changes in design, (e.g. moving or standardizing windows) that can have a big impact on budget.
4. Examine the “guts” of your project. Make sure “hidden” items like plumbing, electric and HVAC systems are designed to meet the needs of your structure: nothing more, nothing less. You may not need the latest and greatest these industries have to offer. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that an upfront investment in some of these systems can save you money over time. It’s important to balance long- and short-term savings.
5. Research materials. With a wide variety of materials available on the market today, there are many alternatives that can deliver a high-end look without a huge investment. Good estimators and designers can help you identify budget-friendly fixtures and finishes that deliver the look you seek. Rely on their expertise.
6. Schedule your project during the “off season.” There are many financial benefits to planning your project for a fall, winter, or even early spring start date. Subcontractors are move available. Contractors may be incentivized to offer better pricing in efforts to keep their staff busy. And, your project is likely to be completed more quickly with fewer schedule conflicts. If you can be flexible with your project’s start and completion date, and plan well in advance, do!
7. Research your general contractor. An experienced contractor who uses a collaborative delivery approach will help you maximize your construction dollars over the life of the project. Oftentimes the best contractor will not be the one who turns in the lowest bid. Ask for references, check their portfolio, and look at reviews. Like most other things in life, you get what you pay for. Be wary of the GC who promises the lowest bid up front. You likely will not get the value you seek.
The best advice we can give owners trying to balance their vision with their pocketbook is: Decide what is most important to you and put your dollars into that area. Then, cut back on items that mean less to you. That curved glass wall may be critical to supporting your image and thus, worth the investment. Then look for a less expensive flooring option or lower-cost brick façade. Being flexible with materials, design and timeline – along with proper planning with an experienced contractor – can help you realize your big dreams for your next project.
Project Profile: Taco Bell
This new 2160 square foot Taco Bell restaurant in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, was completed by Peter Schwabe, Inc. The building features full wood frame construction with "Blueskin" and Nichiha brick panels. A naturally rusting board wall showcases the Taco Bell logo. The two-lane drive thru was installed to facilitate faster service to better accommodate customer demand.
See more project photos.
Family owned and operated, and looking out for you!
Peter Schwabe, Inc., is a first-class, scrappy, people-focused commercial construction firm. We think forward for our people and our partners in business. Family owned and operated for more than 90 years, we understand the importance of investing in dreams. Because we are nimble, we can work with clients to meet their construction goals within their budget. To learn more about our proven performance, contact Michael Gilbert at 262.317.6678 or mgilbert@pschwabe.com.