Working process of installing plasterboard or drywall for making gypsum walls in apartment is under construction, remodeling, renovation, extension, restoration and reconstruction. Concept of home improvement or renovate

Differences: Commercial Construction, Remodeling, and Renovation

Before you hire a contractor for commercial construction in Florida, it’s important to know exactly what type of Florida construction services you need. Not all commercial contractors and commercial builders are alike. Some specialize in design build projects while others might have a great history as shopping center builders. There are great differences. Design build projects can greatly differ from projects like remodeling a shopping center into something completely different like apartment buildings.

Of course, it’s also important for you to understand the terms. You need to know exactly what you want when taking bids and hiring a construction management team in Florida. The following is a look at the three most common types of projects and the differences between them:

New Commercial Construction

This type of project is pretty straightforward as it is exactly what it says, it’s the building of a new building from scratch. In other words, taking an empty lot and completing all the necessary work to create something like a car dealership. While simple in definition, this type of commercial project is the most complex in terms of planning, hiring, and completing.

There are a lot of steps to undertake when undergoing a new commercial construction. The following are the five broad phases that you’ll undertake:

  1. Hire the primary architect
  2. Choose from the available commercial builders or industrial builders
  3. Tender contracts and documents
  4. Construction process and tandem certification
  5. Commission and final handover

If you are looking to hire one company for all of these phases, you will need commercial construction contractors who advertise themselves as full-on design build contractors. This designation notes that they have both the architects to design a construction and the resources and team to see that design through to a completed build.

Commercial Remodeling

A commercial remodeling is a project that goes beyond simply changing the drapes in an office building. At least when it comes to what a general commercial contractor expects and will deliver upon a project. Generally defined, a commercial remodeling project is a project undertaken that will permanently alter an existing structure’s interior, exterior, or both.

A few examples of commercial remodeling-type projects include:

  • Combining multiple rooms into one space by removing a wall or other type of barrier or partition structure
  • Adding to the interior or exterior of a building, such as adding an inside garden or creating multiple rooms from one large, existing space
  • Fully transforming the structure or layout of a commercial space

Commercial Renovation

A commercial renovation project is a project that seeks to restore or repair an existing construction. Generally, this type of construction makes old construction look new again. Renovations are generally undertaken for one of two reasons:

  • To enhance the look and functionality of a space for those within
  • To increase the resale value for an upcoming sale

Of course, a building owner might undergo a commercial renovation in order to benefit from both of those reasons. Construction like an apartment building that is restored to what it originally looked like can offer immediate value for existing residents and increase the owner’s chances for a more favorable sale in the future. Good examples of industrial and commercial renovation projects include:

  • Installing new light fixtures while simultaneously replacing or upgrading any outdated and inefficient or even dangerous electrical system
  • Replacing or repairing exterior bricks or siding where it’s been worn and threatens the aesthetics and structural integrity of the building
  • Replacing linoleum tiles with more durable and higher-valued porcelain tiles or ripping up post-construction linoleum to restore the underlying wooden flooring

Hiring the Right Construction Management and Commercial Contractors for Your Needs

In the end, while there is value in hiring a commercial general contractor who specializes in one of the above types of projects, it is also a good idea to look for commercial contractors who have experience in all three. The more experience a contractor has, the better they can assist you in determining what best suits your construction goals. Contact our team to learn more about our own expertise and how we can help with your Florida building needs.