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By Michael Carney Commercial Building • Construction • Fayetteville • General Contractors • General Information • Management • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

What is the Difference Between an Estimate and an Invoice?

Although they may seem similar, invoice vs. estimate are two very different terms. There are quite a few differences between the two. One is part of pre-construction services and the other is billing.

The experts at Commercial Building, Inc. (CBI) are here to help explain how estimates and invoices work for commercial construction.

ESTIMATE – EXPLAINED

An estimate is a document that is an important part of pre-construction services. This document tells you what a project will cost. It is a proposal of services that outlines each step and the amount of money it will require. It is recommended to speak to several companies in order to get a good idea of cost.

In addition, make sure to take into consideration the amount of experience and expertise with the cost estimate when choosing the company to work with.

INVOICE – EXPLAINED

An invoice is another word for a bill of services that have been completed. In construction, an invoice usually comes after certain work has been completed. Invoicing may be after a month or whatever set time is agreed upon.

An invoice will detail exactly what has been completed, the specific cost for work, the price, and the due date for payment. Invoices should be easy to understand in order for you to know just what you are paying for at each part of your commercial building project.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING EXPERTISE AT CBI

Commercial Building, Inc. has participated in over 125 commercial projects including upfits/renovations, medical construction, retail construction, industrial construction, new construction, and other commercial renovations in North Carolina. When you receive an estimate from us for a commercial construction project, you can be assured that thorough planning has gone into it to be as accurate as possible to the final price. The last thing you want is for costs to derail during a project and end up having to spend way more money than planned.

When you receive an invoice from us and have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your project manager can sit down with you and answer any concerns you may have.

Knowledge of invoices and estimates is a vital part of the construction process. At Commercial Building, Inc., we’ll partner with you to make sure that your project goes on without any problems. You will always know what you’re getting with us.

A COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST

Commercial building companies like Commerical Building, Inc. are key players when it comes to commercial building and understand the difference between mediocre and exceptional service. At CBI, we go above and beyond with our clients, and our reputation is strong because of it. See for yourself in our portfolio on our website. At CBI, understanding your goals for your project is the first step in our construction process. We’ll use this to inform everything we do, from pre-construction to project closeout.

Based in North Carolina, CBI has been helping business leaders transform their vision into reality. From blueprints to cutting a ribbon at a grand opening, our diligent construction contractor services double-check every logistical component. Our experienced team guarantees that your project does not run into delays or cost unnecessary cost overages.

At CBI, we can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to see how we can assist you with obtaining your building permits or anything else you may need.

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.

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By admin Commercial Building • Construction • Design • Fayetteville • General Information • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

DESIGN-BUILD: WHAT DOES IT MEAN IN COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION?

Design-build commercial construction offers an enticing alternative to the traditional bid-build method – due to its budget-friendly side and streamlined process.

The experts at Commercial Building, Inc. are here to help explain what design-build means and all of its benefits.

STREAM-LINED PROCESS

Design-Build is defined as the process of a system of contracting whereby one entity performs both engineering and construction services under one single contract (The Design-Build Institute of America).

You can either do a full design-build or choose to do a partial. In the latter, the process is only applied to just a portion of the project. As such, typically only the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are completed in the process.

PROJECT TEAM

Due to construction projects being large and complex, it can lead to confusion and frustration. It is best to have a single point of contact or accountability.

There have often been arguments between designers and construction firms or between contractors.
Having a single point of contact or design-build agreement ensures that there is one entity responsible for all aspects of the project – making one project owner responsible. This gives the best possibility of your project staying on time and within budget.

REDUCED RISK AND ADDED VALUE

When it comes to large commercial projects, there comes a significant level of risk. However, when you work with a design-build firm, you not only reduce your risk but bring added value to your project as well. A skilled design-build construction contractor knows how to work with you to maximize your project’s budget to eliminate any cost-related surprises that can come with a traditional build.

OVERALL SAVINGS

Time savings come from the increased level of coordination that the process offers. The centralized point of contact eliminates the coordination and communication problems common between engineers and contractors.

As timelines and budgets are established earlier in the project, both time and costs can be reduced compared to a traditional build. A design-build general contractor is able to work with pricing in the preliminary pricing phase in order to keep within the budget rather than have surprises for the owner. In comparison – in a traditional build an owner does not know pricing until everything has gone through the design and bid process.

A COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST

Commercial building companies like CBI are key players when it comes to commercial building and understand the difference between mediocre and exceptional service. At CBI, we go above and beyond with our clients, and our reputation is strong because of it. See for yourself in our portfolio on our website. At CBI, understanding your goals for your project is the first step in our construction process. We’ll use this to inform everything we do, from pre-construction to project closeout.

Based in North Carolina, Commercial Building, Inc. has been helping business leaders transform their vision into reality. From blueprints to cutting a ribbon at a grand opening, our diligent construction contractor services double-check every logistical component. Our experienced team guarantees that your project does not run into delays or incur unnecessary cost overages.

At CBI, we can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to see how we can assist you with obtaining your building permits or anything else you may need.

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.

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By admin Commercial Building • Construction • Fayetteville • General Contractors 0 Comments

HOW TO SELECT THE BEST CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Choosing a construction company to complete your project is a huge decision. The right choice means the project runs smoother, faster and can be more affordable. However, the wrong choice could end up costing countless hours of your time and more money than you should have to spend.

When considering your options, it may be tempting to go with the company that offers the best price. It is important to understand that there are so many different demands a construction project will place on a construction team and other factors to take into consideration other than price.

The experts at Commercial Building, Inc. are here to help you select a construction company for your next project and have outlined different things to look for.

EXPERIENCE AND SUCCESS

One of the best measures a company can show is past success. If a commercial building construction company recently and successfully completed a project with many similar elements as your own, there’s a good chance they can and will do it again. They’ll have learned how to approach the project successfully and what types of issues can potentially arise.

To determine which company has the most relevant experience for your project – first determine what specific elements your project will involve. Look at your project scope, square footage, and possible conditions the project will take place. Some questions to ask are – Is this new construction or is the project going to take place in an occupied building? What types of rooms or spaces are in the building? How big is the project?

It is important that you make a list of your essentials and ask all of the companies you’re considering to provide examples of projects that fit those qualifications. Remember however, that their experience may not be identical but can still be relevant.

PROJECT TEAM

The experience of the individuals on the construction contractor project team can be more important that the experience of the overall company.

When choosing a commercial building construction company for your project, you’ll want to know who will be leading your project on a day-to-day basis. It is important to ask them to provide resumes for the key people they plan to lead your project. The resumes and work history should include the past projects they’ve worked on, as well as any education or professional designations. Having detailed resumes which outline their experience, you’re able to evaluate and decide which team has the best experience for your project.

TESTIMONIALS AND REFERENCES

A very important step in considering your options for contractors and commercial building companies is to see what past clients and other business partners are saying about them. Taking the time to ask for testimonials and references gives you insight into what it’s really like to work with the company.

BUDGET

As mentioned before cost should not be the only factor when making a decision.You need a commercial construction team that is not only committed to working within your budget but will do so while considering overall quality.

When evaluating proposals, it’s important you look at them from a total view and not only the bottom line. It is important to weigh costs right alongside experience, quality, reference, etc.

LICENSING, BONDING, & INSURANCE

When working with any commercial builder you want to be sure they are fully licensed to do work in your state. You can easily check this by asking for them to provide a copy of their license in their proposal.

Additionally you also want to make sure the construction company is bonded and insured. Bonded helps protect you in the event that the company is unable to complete the project or executes it poorly. You should be sure they have the proper amount of liability and property damage insurance, as well as worker’s compensation. Ask for insurance certificates in your request for proposal.

SAFETY

You can’t have a successful project if your construction team isn’t working safely.

Before deciding on a commercial building construction team, it is imperative that you get a clear picture of their commitment to safety. For a deeper look, you can ask for a copy of their OSHA 300 and 300a forms. These standardized forms list any recordable, work-related injury or illnesses.

Even if a company is steadfast in its commitment to safety, accidents can happen. If there are a couple of accidents on their safety reports, they could certainly still be a safe construction company that can deliver a great project. However, if you see accidents happening frequently, or the same types of accidents are happening, it is not the best sign.

Feel free to ask for information a company for their safety policy and if they have a full-time safety officer. This is often a sign that the company takes safe work practices seriously, and they’re taking steps to educate their employees and implement effective safety programs.

A COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST

Commercial building companies like CBI are key players when it comes to commercial building and understanding the difference between mediocre and exceptional service. At CBI, we go above and beyond with our clients, and our reputation is strong because of it. See for yourself in our portfolio on our website. At CBI, understanding your goals for your project is the first step in our construction process. We’ll use this to inform everything we do, from pre-construction to project closeout.

Based in North Carolina, CBI has been helping business leaders transform their vision into reality. From blueprints to cutting a ribbon at a grand opening, our diligent construction contractor services double-check every logistical component. Our experienced team guarantees that your project does not run into delays or cost unnecessary cost overages.

At CBI, we can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to see how we can assist you with obtaining your building permits or anything else you may need.

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.

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By admin Construction • Fayetteville • Renavation • Renovation 0 Comments

BUILDING NEW VS. RENOVATING: WHICH IS BETTER?

When it comes to a building project, there are two main choices – build new or renovate your current space. Deciding between these options has a huge impact on your project’s budget and schedule. The option that’s right for your project will depend on your goals and the building or property itself.

The experts at Commercial Building, Inc. are here to help you determine when it might be better to build new versus when it is best to renovate.

COST

Cost is one of the most driving factors in any construction project. It is important to get the most quality of the money being spent. When it comes to choosing whether to build new or to renovate, the decision often comes down to which one makes more sense financially.

NEW – Starting with land and building new can be the more costly option. With this choice, you’ll be responsible for all from start to finish – site-work, installation of utilities, and construction of the structure, including the foundation and inside and outside finishes.

Building new buildings generally includes a complex scope of work, more man hours, and more materials – it ends up being more expensive than renovation. However, there can be some cases where renovations can become more expensive than a new build.

RENOVATE – When it comes to renovating, you are responsible for all of the costs of changing the structure to suit your needs. Per ADA regulations and health and safety codes, some of the features of the existing building can be left as-is, depending on how extensive the renovations are.

In general, the older the building, the more it will cost to renovate. When it comes to renovating, there are always the costs of the unknown. You cannot be sure of what conditions will arise once construction begins, which could potentially add cost and time to your project. If the property you are looking to renovate was constructed or updated in the past few decades, renovations will likely be the more affordable option.

QUICKER PROJECT DURATION

The duration of the project is going to vary based on the scope of the project; if renovating – the condition of the existing building; and whether or not your organization’s operations need to continue while construction takes place.

New construction project duration will often be greater than renovation project duration due to the amount of work that needs to be completed. With new construction, the timeline to build the entire structure from the ground up and complete with all finishes.

Due to a renovation not starting from scratch, it can often be a quicker option. Many of the necessary building elements are already in place and can be integrated into the renovated building, your construction team will have much less work to do. However, there are some instances where this won’t be the case. In particular, with older and historical buildings, project durations can take much longer than building new.

The important factor to take into consideration is the impact it would have on your operations. If you’re renovating the facility you’re currently operating out of, you may have to adjust your operations to safely work alongside your construction team.

UNDERSTAND YOUR GOALS: NEW CONSTRUCTION VS RENOVATIONS

The right decision between renovating and new construction depends on the scope of your project.

Overall, building new will give you more control over the project. However, new construction can end up taking longer than renovating and costing more. With renovating a facility, you are bound to the existing structure. However, it can be the less costly option.

Deciding between renovating an existing building or starting with new construction is a difficult decision, but it’s an important on

A COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST

Commercial building companies like Commercial Building, Inc. are key players when it comes to commercial building and understanding mediocre and exceptional service. At CBI, we go above and beyond with our clients, and our reputation is strong because of it. See for yourself in our portfolio on our website. No matter what stage you are in with the construction process of your building, feel free to ask us questions about what makes our post construction process different from the rest of those in North Carolina.

Based in North Carolina, CBI has been helping business leaders transform their vision into reality. From blueprints to cutting a ribbon at a grand opening, our diligent construction contractor services double-check every logistical component. Our experienced team guarantees that your project does not run into delays or unnecessary cost overages.

At CBI, we can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to see how we can assist you with obtaining your building permits or anything else you may need.

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.

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By admin Commercial Building • Construction • Fayetteville • General Contractors • pinehurst 0 Comments

ACQUIRING PROPER PERMITS: THE IMPORTANCE OF AN EXPERIENCED GENERAL CONSTRUCTION FIRM

If you’re like many North Carolina business owners, you know from experience that acquiring a permit for a commercial building is not only legal, it’s the right thing to do. Having a building permit secures your building in process, so that it is constructed with quality work, will withstand natural elements, and is safer for patrons. Permits also come into play for insurance claims should you need them.

When it comes to commercial building projects, it is recommended that you have your builder acquire the permits necessary. Should a contractor say you can “keep costs low” and get the permits yourself, they could have a shady reputation they’re trying to hide.  A contractor in good standing will remain transparent and have no problem acquiring it themselves. If the contractor is part of an experienced construction firm like CBI that’s even better.

THE COMMERCIAL BUILDING COMPANY IS IN CHARGE OF HANDLING RISKS

Any person or party who applies for and obtains a building permit takes the responsibility of completing the project. When you have an experienced and professional construction building company that knows its way around building codes, you can rest knowing that the job will get done the right way at the right time.  Whether anything comes up along the way from plumbing, electrical, structural, wiring, sound barriers, or anything else — an experienced contractor will be able to handle the unexpected that may pop up.

LESS TIME TO PROCESS PERMITS

When working with a commercial builder, they speak on your behalf and there is less time to process permits.  A knowledgeable contractor can streamline the process to get plans approved much faster while still maintaining quality designs. As professionals in the trade, they’ll save the hassle of trying to do it all on your own.

PLANS COME PERMIT-READY

When you’re working with a commercial builder, the designer and contractor work with you to draw up the plans and conduct follow-up meetings from concept to completion.  Because of this setup, the designs are more cohesive and structural integrity is always in the forefront. The contractors are the ones who will know which plans are more likely to be approved for permits than others, saving valuable time on a project.

It’s a no-brainer to see why experienced Commercial Building Companies like CBI are key players in handling the proper permits for construction. We are not only a one-stop-shop for your structural and design needs but also your advocate who will go to bat for you with any other parties involved in the construction process.

A COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST

Based in North Carolina, CBI has been helping business leaders transform their vision into reality. From blueprints to cutting a ribbon at a grand opening, our diligent construction contractor services double-check every logistical component. Our experienced team guarantees that your project does not run into delays or cost unnecessary cost overages.

At CBI, we can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to see how we can assist you with obtaining your building permits or anything else you may need.

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.

By admin Commercial Building • Fayetteville • General Contractors • pinehurst • Renovation • Upfit 0 Comments

Why Commercial Building Is The Right Choice For You

Business owners considering commercial construction in North Carolina face significant challenges, should they decide to negotiate the process alone. Construction management for projects of any size requires experience and years of experience to handle unforeseen obstacles.

A business owner can hire many subcontractors in order to piece together a project. However, this can bring about unanticipated issues such as — design flaws, work stoppages, and delays which often drive up costs. Bear in mind, no one can occupy a proposed space until a project is completed and passes inspection. That’s why CBI delivers North Carolina construction services that help developers and business owners complete projects on time and within budget.

When working with an experienced construction firm like CBI, you can be certain that your project will follow a general timeline, stick to a budget and you will be given the very best options for materials.

THE ROLE OF A GENERAL CONTRACTOR

As experienced commercial building general contractors, the team has the ability to completely oversee a project. Construction management in North Carolina often requires rigorous oversight of expenditures, scheduling, and coordination between local officials.

These are important moving parts that a commercial general contractor manages:

  •   Pre-Construction: Before ground-breaking, a quality construction company takes a comprehensive review of the blueprints, building codes, budget, and potential issues. An experienced commercial general contracting company can take this information and potentially eliminate problems early on in order to stay on budget and time.
  •   Materials: A construction contractor guarantees that all subcontractors have all of the materials they need for each project. An experienced general contractor knows if/when to substitute materials, if necessary.
  •   Subcontractors: One of the roles of a general contractor is to manage and oversee subcontractors on a project.  It is the main role to make sure that a project stays on course, budget and time and managing the subcontractors for electric, plumbing, cement and anything else to avoid any delays.
  •   Logistics: Currently a large issue facing construction contractors is supply chain delays.  Items can come from any area in the country and weather or shipping can cause delays. Staying on top of logistics is a role of the general contractor.

Working with a seasoned commercial general contractor avoids delays, keeping the project on time and budget.

TYPICAL PROJECT OF COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS

It is often asked when it is good to bring a construction contractor on to manage a building project.  It is best to engage a commercial construction firm early in order to avoid problems. One of the integral reasons that some projects fall into bankruptcy is the lack of determined oversight. CBI is a leading commercial general contracting company in North Carolina that investors have worked with in the following capacities:

  •   Office building construction
  •   Hospital construction contractors
  •   School construction
  •   Church construction
  •   Manufacturing building contractor
  •   Design builders & design build contractors
  •   Medical office construction
  •   Renovation

A COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST

Based in North Carolina, CBI has been helping business leaders transform their vision into reality. From blueprints to cutting a ribbon at a grand opening, our diligent construction contractor services double-check every logistical component. Our experienced team guarantees that your project does not run into delays or cost unnecessary cost overages.

At CBI, we can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to learn more about who we are, what services we offer and how we can help you. 

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.

Choose The Right Flooring
By admin Commercial Building • Construction • Fayetteville • General Contractors • Renovation 0 Comments

COMMERCIAL BUILDS – HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FLOORING

When you walk into a business, do you take the time to notice the flooring?  You probably only do if there is a problem or if it is a crazy color.

When planning a project, it is important to choose the right flooring that can last many years. You want to make sure the flooring can withstand the commercial day-to-day foot traffic and be easy to maintain; all while staying within the project budget. Additionally – it is important to remember that different areas may require a different type of flooring.

When working with an experienced construction firm like CBI, you can be certain that your project will follow a general timeline, stick to budget and you will be given the very best options for materials. Here is a list of things to consider when choosing the right flooring for your project.

FUNCTION AND SPACE

When figuring out the best flooring, one of the most important factors to consider is how the space will be used. If the space will have a great deal of foot traffic, it is important that the flooring is durable and easy to maintain.  For apartments, hotels, and restaurants, the flooring that you choose should be able to withstand spills and stains in addition to the heavy foot traffic. However, medical facilities need durable flooring that can withstand foot traffic, rolling equipment, beds, and can be easily cleaned. The function of the space will greatly determine whether the flooring can withstand the intended use and help with choosing the materials.

MAINTENANCE

Many commercial facilities require a hard floor surface for easy maintenance.  However, some buildings do need carpeting. Carpet can require more maintenance for cleaning — but there are some good options when it comes to. Some hard floor options require more maintenance beyond sweeping and mopping — some need to be buffed or waxed.

There are flooring options for any maintenance level you are looking for.  It is important to know your budget and then decide what is important for you as far as maintenance and upkeep for your floors. 

BUDGET AND FINANCING

Flooring can easily become your highest expense in your commercial build if not planned out.  You want to make sure you set the budget at the beginning, choose the look, maintenance level, and durability. 

That said, durable, attractive flooring can often come at a premium price, and your ideal option may not work with the project’s budget. Consider how much money is available for your flooring and let it guide you when selecting your materials.

FLOOR OPTIONS

When it comes to flooring options it can become overwhelming as there are many types available to choose from. These include solid wood, engineered hardwood, terrazzo, laminate wood, luxury vinyl tile, modular carpet tile, epoxy, and quarry tile — and more.

All options are relatively durable and low maintenance; however, they each have their own advantages and disadvantages that will impact your facility in their own way.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLOORING

Flooring is something that takes careful consideration in any construction project.  It is a considerable investment and is meant to last for many years. Choosing the wrong kind of flooring may end up in expensive maintenance or replacement costs in a few short years.

CBI can help advise you of your choices and options that make the most sense for your specific project needs and budget.

At CBI, we can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to learn more about who we are, what services we offer and how we can help you. 

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.

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By admin Commercial Building • Construction • Fayetteville • General Contractors 0 Comments

COMMON QUESTIONS WHEN HIRING A CONTRACTOR

When planning a commercial building project, it is important that you are working with the best general contractor. An outstanding contractor ensures that a project is up to standard, on time, and within budget. Choosing a leading commercial contractor isn’t as easy as picking a name from search engine results.

When working with an experienced construction firm like CBI, you can be sure that your project will be up to standard at completion, on time and within budget. Here are the most common questions to ask when deciding who will be your commercial construction contractor.

DO YOU HAVE PROOF OF LICENSE AND INSURANCE?

No matter the size of the project — proper licensure and insurance is vital. Without these documents, your property and organization are at a significant financial risk. It is important to take time to ensure the name on the license is the same as on the contract and that the license number is also listed. Additionally important, is to make sure that the insurance is enough to cover the scope of the project.

WHAT IS YOUR METHOD FOR COMMUNICATION?

Understanding how your commercial building contractor plans to handle communications is the key to a successful and efficient project. Throughout the process, there will be questions and changes made. The contractor needs to thoroughly communicate about issues and changes. Most importantly, they need to communicate with the builders and the team.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES?

Experienced commercial building contractors have a list of problems that may arise before starting any project. They are able to use this knowledge to tell you what challenges they anticipate with your project in the planning stage. This allows you to know what to expect in the building process as well as build report with the contractor and trust their knowledge.

PREFERRED CONTRACT DELIVERY METHOD?

How the contractor estimates the cost of the project and how they prefer to be paid is what is meant by contract delivery method. This can happen in three ways:

Fixed Price or Lump Sum – The contractor provides a final/full payment amount without the breakdown for each individual cost. The caveat with this method is that if the project is completed under budget, the contractor keeps the remaining balance.

Cost Plus – This sum includes the total cost of the work plus overhead and profit. With cost plus, the contractor makes more if he goes over budget.

Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMAX) – With GMAX, the contractor shows the breakdown of costs. This method ensures the project will not go over budget, and if it does, the contractor pays for it out of pocket. In the event, the project comes under budget, the savings are split between the contractor and owner.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE LOOK LIKE?

North Carolina construction services can vary in final completion dates due to many reasons. It is important to ask your construction contractor about key milestones as well as the expected completion date.  Additionally, another consideration to ask is how a plan will be updated when a task does not go according to plan or timeline.  What will move in the timeline or what deadlines may shift?

At CBI, we can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to learn more about who we are, what services we offer and how we can help you. 

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.

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By admin Commercial Building • Construction • Fayetteville • General Contractors • Renovation • School Renovation 0 Comments

AN OVERVIEW: STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION IN COMMERCIAL BUILDING

Construction of any kind is a very detail-oriented process. If you are constructing a school, medical facility, or office building there are steps that must be taken to ensure the safety of construction workers, and users of the completed building. While permits, licenses and specifications vary with each project the general order of operations remains the same.

When working with an experienced construction firm like Commercial Build Inc. (CBI), you can be sure that your project will follow this general timeline, handle any scope of project and be completed in a timely manner. Here is a general overview of the stages of construction and what can be expected at each stage. 

CONCEPT AND DESIGN

The beginning of every construction project is concept and design.  Starting first with a concept, followed by a design and blueprints. This can be done with the help of an experienced architect to make sure everything is structurally sound and up-to-code. We take great care working with our clients to ensure that each building will suit their needs and continue to for years to come.

OBTAINING BUILDING PERMITS AND LICENSES

Once the blueprints and construction plans are finalized, the next step is to obtain the correct building and construction permits. This process is not always complete immediately and will be ongoing throughout the construction project. Some permits are needed to obtain different permits at different times. Working with an experienced construction company such as CBI helps this process. Our experience in obtaining the proper permits at the right time helps our process in a timely manner.

CLEARING THE LAND AND FOUNDATION

After you have the initial building permits, your construction project will begin by clearing and excavating the land you want to build. Clearing includes removing any trees, rocks, and/or other obstacles that are in the way of the building. This also includes any leveling or grading the ground that is necessary.

Once the land has been cleared and excavated, the foundation can be poured. Depending on the size of your building and the stability of the land, preparing the subsurface may need to be done prior to the foundation being poured.

FRAMING

Once the foundation has been poured and cured, framing begins on your building. This may include installing wood frames or steel beams. This process does take a while and it is important that everything is done correctly so that it is structurally sound. This stage sets the groundwork upon which all the other aspects of your building will follow.

ROUGH ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING

After a building has been framed out, a specialty contractor will come in to complete rough electrical and plumbing. This means that pipes and wires are installed where they need to go. This job is not completed at this point, however, it helps to get the rough work in place so that insulation, drywall, and ceilings can go in.

ROOF

Concurrently with the rough electrical and plumbing work, roofers come in to complete the roof on the building. This is important so that any further work inside of the building can take place, due to rain and outdoor elements damaging the work in the remaining steps.

INTERIOR

Once the exterior walls and roof are complete, the heating and cooling needs are addressed. Vents, ductwork and the heating and cooling unit are all installed. 

As soon as the heating and cooling is complete, the interior is completed. This includes finishing insulation, putting up drywall and adding ceilings. An electrician often comes out during this stage and finishes up adding outlets and lighting fixtures. 

Once the interior walls are up, the fixtures inside of a space can be finalized. This includes things like cabinets, windows, toilets, doors and elevators (if an office building).

FINAL STAGE

The final stage of construction involves putting the finishing touches on the building. This involves painting walls, installing countertops and flooring, and adding faucets.  Once this stage is done, you will have a final inspection and you will have a beautiful building to last many years.

At CBI, we are proud to be experienced contractors that can assist you with all aspects of construction. Our team can help you with every step of your building project. Contact us today to learn more about who we are, what services we offer and how we can help you. 

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.

General Contractor for commercial building fayetteville
By admin Commercial Building • Construction • Fayetteville • Renovation 0 Comments

RENOVATE, REMODEL, OR REBUILD? WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR YOUR OLDER BUILDING?

If you have an older building you may be learning that it is no longer energy efficient or you are running into other issues as it ages.  It may be starting to be worn down, be out of building or fire codes, or not meeting your business needs.  If the time has come to decide what to do to ensure it remains functional, useful and atheistically pleasing — how will you decide what to do — renovate, remodel or rebuild? 

Many people are not aware of the differences in these three options or which is right for them. CBI can help explain the differences and help you make the best decision.

RENOVATION

A renovation is when the building is restored to a good state. Renovating is the least invasive choice out of the three options. When renovating, it typically involves small fixes to a building that help to repair and improve the overall aesthetic of the building.

Renovation may be the best choice for you if the building is in need of repairs, such as patching drywall and updating paint, replacing or updating floors,  or updating electrical work. When you renovate, the overall design and layout remains unchanged and only the building is repaired and updated with a new “face” to be in good working order. Renovations are generally undertaken to enhance the functionality of a space or to increase the resale value.

REMODEL

A remodel consists of changing the layout or structure of the building.  The structure of the space may change, walls may move or the layout/flow of the building is changed.

Some examples of remodel projects are:

  •   Fully transforming the structure or layout of a commercial space
  •   Creating space needed that is in compliance for COVID-19

If your building is older and is not ADA or COVID compliant, remodeling the structure may be needed to ensure it meets code and is safe for occupants.  Additionally if you have an office building and it is older and was designed to have smaller offices but now you need a larger layout, remodeling can help move walls and have a move open floor plan.

REBUILDING

Rebuilding consists of tearing down the existing building and constructing a new one.  This is the most costly choice of the three options.

When remodeling or renovating become more costly that rebuilding, that makes rebuilding the best option.  Additionally if the building itself is no longer structurally sound, it may be best to tear it down.  If you want to change every aspect about the building, or change the size of the building, removing the current building and rebuilding becomes the obvious choice.

FITTING YOUR NEEDS

If you have an older building that is in need of new life with improved functionality, or to be compliant with building regulations, CBI can help you. CBI can help you decide

whether to renovate, remodel, or rebuild with design, administrative, project supervision, project management and expert technical services. With a team of general contractors, construction managers, and engineers, we can help you with your construction project no matter the scope.

We offer services in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Lumberton, Sanford, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and many other cities in North Carolina. For more information, give us a call at 910-818-6811 or you can email us at cbi@commercialbuildingnc.com.