June 2021
Six Reasons to Plan Your Construction Project for a Fall (or Winter) Start
It's construction season! Not only that, we (finally!) appear to have reached the light at the end of the COVID tunnel. Businesses that delayed construction projects during the past uncertain year are now armed with economic confidence (and perhaps stimulus dollars) and are excited to get started. There are several advantages to begin planning your project now to be ready for a start later this fall or during the winter.
1. The promise of a better-balanced supply chain. Decreased supply and increased demand has thrown the supply chain into disarray. Between skyrocketing materials costs and backordered supplies, building right now may cost you more and take longer to get what you want. That being said, the supply chain is projected to be better balanced later this year. Businesses that plan ahead now can schedule their materials for on time deliveries during construction later this year.
2. Better availability of manpower. In a typical economy, summer is the busiest season for general contractors and subcontractors. Add in the pent-up projects that were planned to start a year ago, and the demand for these services currently is even more amplified. Contractors will be more available to do your work if you plan your start date later in the year.
3. Less downtime. With less work starting in the fall/winter season, there is less competition for subcontractors’ time. That makes it easier for them to assist in value engineering your project and assuring a smooth schedule. It may even mean your project will be completed in a shorter timeframe!
4. Quicker permit approval. Slower construction seasons (i.e., not summer) equal fewer permit submittals, which means quicker approval by municipalities. Planning ahead for required permits, licenses, and inspections can significantly reduce the overall schedule of your project.
5. Less interruption to employees and customers. For many businesses, the winter months are quieter months. Scheduling your construction project during your slower months will minimize the negative impact on your customers and staff… and thus, on sales and productivity.
6. Possible price breaks. Finally, many contractors have built up their staff this summer to meet the current demand. They will want to keep their schedules full and keep their workforce busy. This motivation may result in price breaks for customers who are willing to be flexible with their scheduling.
Albeit, not all businesses have the option to plan for a later-in-the-year start. However, if you are able, plan your project well in advance and be flexible with the timeline. Like you, your general contractor wants your project to run as smoothly and efficiently as possible!
For more information about Peter Schwabe, Inc.'s design-build, remodeling and other construction services, please contact Michael Gilbert at 262.317.6678 or mgilbert@pschwabe.com.
Project Profile: Chase Retail Center
PJR Properties, LLC, selected Peter Schwabe, Inc. to complete the ground-up construction of this new 5,967-square-foot retail shell building on Chase Avenue in Milwaukee. Upon completion of the initial project, Peter Schwabe, Inc. was retained to complete building's first tenant build-out, an AT&T retail site, in spring of 2021. This retail center is located in the outlot of the Piggly Wiggly-anchored shopping center on the intersection of Oklahoma and Chase Avenues, in the Bay View community.
See more project photos.
Our Team is Expanding!
Peter Schwabe, Inc. is growing! Please join us in welcoming three new team members:
Robert Hinz, Superintendent
Angie Haizel, Project Assistant
Dan Crow, Senior Project Manager
Danielle Smith, Project Accountant
We are looking for additional motivated, people-focused individuals to join our expanding team. If you know of candidates interested in joining the exciting world of construction at a great firm, please have them contact Carrie Rajala, crajala@pschwabe.com/262.317.6675, for information on current openings. Make sure they tell Carrie you sent them!