Commercial Construction Resource Center
Commercial Construction Resource Center: A Complete Guide for Business Owners
A commercial construction project involves far more than hiring a contractor and beginning construction. Business owners and property owners must consider budgets, schedules, permits, design decisions, contractors, materials, site conditions, inspections, financing, and dozens of other factors that can affect the success of a project.
The ABS Services Commercial Construction Resource Center is designed to help you better understand the commercial construction process before your project begins. Whether you’re considering new construction, renovating an existing facility, expanding your business, or completing a commercial build-out, these resources can help you ask better questions and make more informed decisions.
Need a commercial construction partner? Contact ABS Services today to discuss your project.
Commercial Construction Resources
Whether you are planning a new commercial building, renovating an existing property, expanding your facility, or considering a future construction project, the resources below are designed to help you make more informed decisions throughout the process. Explore the topics that are most relevant to your project, from planning and choosing the right commercial contractor to understanding costs, financing, construction timelines, and important project decisions. Each section includes helpful articles that answer common questions, explain key construction concepts, identify potential problems to avoid, and provide practical information you can use before and during your commercial construction project.
- Planning & Preparation
- Choosing a Contractor
- Costs & Financing
- Construction Process
- Construction Decisions
- Avoiding Problems
- Industry Insights
→ How to Choose a Commercial Contractor (coming soon)
→ Questions to Ask a Commercial Contractor (coming soon)
→ How to Compare Contractor Bids (coming soon)
→ Understanding Commercial Construction Costs (coming soon)
→ Cost-Per-Square-Foot Guide (coming soon)
→ Commercial Construction Financing (coming soon)
→ Commercial Construction Timeline (coming soon)
→ Permits & Regulations (coming soon)
→ Change Orders (coming soon)
→ Inspections & Project Closeout (coming soon)
→ Design-Build vs. Design-Bid-Build (coming soon)
→ Renovation vs. New Construction (coming soon)
→ Tenant Improvements & Build-Outs
→ Common Construction Mistakes (coming soon)
→ Causes of Construction Delays (coming soon)
→ How to Control Construction Costs (coming soon)
→ Commercial Construction Trends (coming soon)
→ Building Technology (coming soon)
→ Energy Efficiency & Sustainability (coming soon)
Latest Commercial Construction Tips
Pre Construction Planning: The Complete Guide to Starting Your Commercial Project Right…
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How to Choose the Right Healthcare Construction Contractor for Your Medical Office or Hospital Project…
The healthcare industry in the United States is experiencing rapid growth, with six out of ten Americans suffering from at least one chronic disease, according to the CDC. As the demand for healthcare facilities continues to rise, it becomes crucial to renovate...
What Every Church Leader Should Know Before Hiring a Construction Company for Churches and Other Buildings…
The right construction company for churches can determine whether your building project strengthens your ministry or creates lasting complications. Churches have unique architectural and functional requirements that general contractors may not fully understand. You'll...
General Contracting FAQs
Choosing the Right Contractor
What questions should I ask during the interview process?
Ask about their experience with similar projects, request references, inquire about their subcontractor relationships, discuss their typical project management approach, and ask how they handle unexpected issues.
How many quotes should I get before choosing a contractor?
For most projects, obtaining 3-5 quotes provides a good balance of options without overwhelming yourself. Ensure all contractors are bidding on the exact same scope of work for fair comparison.
Licensing & Qualifications
What licenses and certifications should a general contractor have?
A qualified general contractor should have a state contractor’s license, which typically requires passing an exam and demonstrating experience. Additional certifications may include EPA lead certification, OSHA safety training, and specialized certifications for specific types of work (electrical, plumbing, etc.).
How do I verify a contractor’s license?
Most states have online databases where you can verify a contractor’s license status. You can also request to see physical copies of licenses and insurance documents before signing a contract.
Insurance & Liability
What types of insurance should a general contractor carry?
A reputable general contractor should have general liability insurance (minimum $1 million), workers’ compensation insurance, and possibly a surety bond. For larger projects, they may also have builder’s risk insurance.
Who is responsible if a worker gets injured on my property?
If the contractor has proper workers’ compensation insurance, this should cover worker injuries. This is why it’s critical to verify insurance coverage before hiring a contractor.
Warranties & Follow-up
What kind of warranty should a contractor offer?
Most reputable contractors offer a 1-year warranty on workmanship. Materials typically carry manufacturer warranties that may last longer. Get all warranty information in writing.
How quickly should a contractor respond to warranty issues?
Contractors should respond to warranty claims within 1-2 business days and address legitimate issues promptly, typically within 1-2 weeks depending on the severity and scope.
Project Planning & Estimates
How detailed should a contractor’s estimate be?
A proper estimate should include line-item breakdowns for materials, labor, permits, and other costs. It should also specify payment terms, project timeline, and scope of work. Beware of vague estimates or contractors unwilling to provide written details.
Is the lowest bid usually the best choice?
Not necessarily. Unusually low bids may indicate the contractor is cutting corners, using inferior materials, or may add unexpected charges later. Focus on value rather than just price.
How much should I expect to pay as a deposit?
Industry standards typically suggest 10-30% of the total project cost as a deposit. Be wary of contractors asking for more than 50% upfront or demanding cash payments.
Contracts & Agreements
What should be included in a contract?
A thorough contract should include: detailed scope of work, complete cost breakdown, payment schedule, timeline with milestones, change order procedures, warranty information, and termination clauses.
What is a change order and how does it work?
A change order is a written document that outlines modifications to the original contract, including changes to scope, materials, or costs. All change orders should be in writing and signed by both parties before additional work begins.
Project Execution
How often should I expect communication during my project?
Good contractors typically provide weekly updates at minimum. Establish communication expectations upfront, including preferred methods (email, text, calls) and frequency.
How are delays typically handled?
Weather, material shortages, and permit issues can all cause delays. Your contract should address potential delays and how they’ll be communicated. Reasonable contractors build some flexibility into their timelines.
Who pulls permits for the project?
Generally, the general contractor should handle all permitting requirements. Be cautious of contractors who ask you to pull permits yourself, as this might indicate they’re not properly licensed.
Payment & Financing
What payment schedule is typical for construction projects?
Most contractors use a milestone-based payment schedule, with payments due upon completion of specific project phases. Final payment should only be made after all work is completed to satisfaction.
Should I hold back some money until the project is complete?
Yes, it’s standard practice to withhold 10-15% of the total project cost until final completion and inspection. This retention helps ensure the contractor addresses any remaining items.