Our Blog - DCJ Development LLC

February 25, 2023

Why To Hire Commercial Contractors

Commercial construction projects are a significant undertaking that requires extensive planning, expertise, and resources. Whether you are renovating an existing commercial building or constructing a new one, it is important to hire a professional commercial contractor. Hiring a commercial contractor provides numerous benefits, from ensuring the project’s timely completion to guaranteeing quality workmanship. In this article, we will discuss why it is essential to hire commercial contractors for your construction project.

Expertise
Commercial contractors have the necessary expertise to manage and execute construction projects of any size and complexity. They have extensive knowledge and experience in the industry and can provide valuable insights and advice on different aspects of the project, from design to construction. They have a team of skilled professionals, including architects, engineers, and subcontractors, who work together to ensure that the project is completed successfully.

Time Management
Commercial construction projects have strict timelines, and any delay can be costly. Hiring a commercial contractor ensures that the project is completed on time. They have the necessary resources, including manpower and equipment, to execute the project efficiently. They also have the expertise to anticipate and mitigate potential delays, ensuring that the project stays on schedule.

Budget Management
Commercial construction projects can be expensive, and managing the budget can be a daunting task. A commercial contractor has the expertise to manage the budget effectively, ensuring that the project stays within the allocated budget. They can provide accurate estimates and cost projections, and they have the experience to identify potential cost overruns and take steps to avoid them.

Safety
Construction sites can be hazardous, and safety is a top priority. Commercial contractors have the necessary safety protocols and measures in place to ensure that the construction site is safe for workers and visitors. They have the required safety equipment and training to mitigate potential risks and accidents. They also have insurance coverage to protect against any accidents or damages that may occur during the project.

Quality Workmanship
Commercial contractors have a reputation to maintain and ensure that the work they deliver meets the highest quality standards. They have the necessary expertise and resources to ensure that the project is completed to the highest quality. They also use high-quality materials and equipment, ensuring that the building is durable and long-lasting.

Permits and Regulations
Commercial construction projects are subject to various permits and regulations. Commercial contractors have the necessary permits and licenses to ensure that the project is compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. They are also familiar with the different codes and regulations, ensuring that the building meets all the necessary requirements.

Warranty
Hiring a commercial contractor provides peace of mind as they offer a warranty on their workmanship. If there are any defects or issues with the building, the contractor will fix them at no extra cost. This ensures that the building is in excellent condition and that any issues are promptly addressed.

In conclusion, hiring a commercial contractor is essential for any commercial construction project. They have the necessary expertise, resources, and experience to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. They also ensure that the construction site is safe and that the building meets all the necessary codes and regulations. If you are planning a commercial construction project, it is recommended to hire a commercial contractor to ensure the project’s success.

February 19, 2023

Tips To Improve The Construction Proficiency

Keeping the construction projects running on time and under the provided budget is a challenging task for many general contractors. Even with excellent planning, sometimes unforeseen challenges often cause the construction project to incline off course. If the projects are consistently going off schedule, it may damage the reputation and negatively affect the organization in the long run. Here’s how to improve construction proficiency and keep the projects running efficiently.

Deep Construction Project Planning

Planning the project in meticulous detail is the first key step to a successful construction project. Before you start any work, plan every aspect of the project from materials to budget to the timeframe. A detailed construction plan is something you will refer to throughout the project to stay on track and to check where the project has reached.

When planning, always focus on accurate estimates, over or underestimating in the planning can cause problems in the later stage.

Leverage Technology In The Planning

Modern technology helps in preventing many of the mistakes and inefficiencies associated with construction projects. Incorporating modern software programs and mobile apps in the construction process can help in avoiding costly delays and stay under budget.

Construction management software programs such as JobProgress and Fieldwire have features to help you track the budget, materials, schedule, and more all in one place. Additionally, your team can use the mobile app to track the progress more accurately at the construction site.

Get Feedback from Time To Time From Your Team

Team members that are at the construction site are a very valuable asset. Effective communication can avoid many construction issues before they even happen. Visit your construction site regularly and encourage them to share what is and isn’t working onsite. Then, ask them what they need to do at the project to succeed and provide them with the resources they need to get it done on time. It’s also important to invest in ongoing training for team members and reward their hard work to retain valuable employees.

Building a Subcontractor

Consider Modular Construction
If you are looking to make construction projects more efficient, always consider a modular approach. With modular construction, you will build prefabricated sections of the building offsite and then assemble them onsite. Modular construction is a very popular concept, and for good reason – it is very precise and saves a huge amount of time. In many instances, modular construction is also an affordable approach.

Build a Network of Vendors and Subcontractors
To complete a construction project successfully and on time, you will need to work with a variety of vendors and subcontractors. The quality of these partners can make or break the project as well as your brand name, so you need to choose wisely. To make this process easier, create a network of vendors and subcontractors that you can trust and who will return for future projects.

Taking the above steps can improve construction proficiency and will not only make your projects more efficient in the short term but also will improve your reputation in the long term.

February 12, 2023

A Complete Guide to Your Office Buildout and Its Renovation

Designing a great office space is not a small task. You will have to make sure that all employees there will have a safe and comfortable workplace space, and that the office is a welcoming space for all the clients and partners. Whether you are building a company office for the first time or you are renovating an existing office, there is a variety of factors to take into consideration while proceeding. Here’s what to keep in mind when conducting the office buildout.

Commercial Office Building Layout Planning And Must-Haves Design
Before you decide on a site or even start on the construction, you will need to consider the overall design of the office and what you would like to include. Do you want a concept of an open office plan or would you like more defined workspaces for the team? Does your work require a secure space for heavy machinery or more advanced technology? What kind of common spaces does the team/’s need? The answers to these questions will help you build a vision of what your office will look like when it will be completed.

Once you have identified your design and the must-haves, you can then use them to identify potential properties and building for your new office which fit your requirements. Ideally, the building you choose should offer some flexibility in terms of layout and functionality so that you can make necessary adjustments as you go along.

Conduct Test Fits
Once you have identified the building for your new office, it’s time to conduct some test fits. The test fit can be defined as an in-depth vetting process that will give a more realistic idea of what an office buyout will look like. During the test fit process, the building’s landlords will send out proposals, and you will create a more detailed design and construction plan for each space.

During this process, you will be able to identify any potential construction hurdles and any other challenges to navigate. An experienced project manager can guide you through the test fit process.

The Permitting Process
After the test fits, you will need to get the appropriate building permits from your city before you can start the construction of your office. Each city has its own rules and regulations for permits, so you will need to familiarize yourself with them and determine what makes the most sense per your needs.

Remodeling an Office Budget Planning Within The Budget
Office renovations or build-outs can sometimes run over budget. Before starting the construction, finalize a detailed budget for your entire project, and add some flexibility for construction delays and other addition of unexpected expenses. Finalizing the budget will help you determine what will be included in the office space and what you can afford. As you finalize the budget, you will have to make a production schedule to create accurate labor cost estimates.

No matter what sort of office you are looking to renovate or build, it is important to have a trusted and experienced contractor standing on your side. We have deep experience with a wide variety of building projects, including different types of offices, and we always work closely with our clients to bring their visions to life.

January 29, 2023

Understanding the Commercial Upgrades and Their Cost

Upgrades of commercial buildings are often necessary to keep up with building safety standards and retain tenants. However, these upgrades require a significant amount of investment upfront. But this investment can pay off dramatically in the long run, and it is still important to understand the cost of these upgrades and what they bring out. Here is what you need to know about commercial upgrades and what to expect financially.

Breakdowns The Commercial Construction Cost in Commercial Building Upgrades
There are a wide variety of upgrades that are common for commercial buildings. The cost of remodeling will ultimately depend on the type of upgrades that needs to be made. Some upgrades are for aesthetic purposes, such as updated paint colors, fixtures, and lighting. The cost of these types of upgrades depends mainly on the materials you want to use and the level of complexity in installations.

Other building upgrades are for functional purposes and this could include things such as a new HVAC system or a solar energy system, or even adjusting the layout and configuration of the building to make it more safer and accessible. These functional upgrades are often costly but overall provide a huge return on investment by making the building more comfortable and easier for the tenants to use.

Pricing The Commercial Building Upgrades
No two commercial upgrades are exactly the same, which can make it difficult to predict how much the upgrade project will cost. To plan ahead, you will have to accept the given proposals and estimates from contractors for your needs. Getting multiple estimates well in advance of the project will give you some time to adjust the project as per your budget and figure out what upgrade solution makes the most sense.

There are a variety of ways in which contractors will give the estimated cost of your project. If you are planning for remodeling an entire space, they might conduct the estimate in cost per square foot, whereas if you are installing a new piece of equipment, then that will often be priced as a flat fee. When pricing upgrades, contractors will consider giving the specific types of materials used, the amount of time and the number of labor required to complete the project, and the complexity of the installation of new types of equipment. You will also need to consider the cost of any additional permits or any legal services you may need during these upgrade projects.

Upgrade Construction Projects

Commercial construction costs sometimes fluctuate over time as a result of a variety of external factors. These can be, the cost of certain materials and technologies that can fluctuate as a result of availability and the state of the economy, which may affect the overall price of construction.

The location can also affect construction costs. Because of this, very similar types of projects can have different costs based on when and where they take place.

Choosing the Right Commercial Construction Service
Investing in commercial upgrades is key for keeping the buildings safe and attractive for tenants. Planning and budgeting for these upgrades ahead of time will help the process to go more smoothly. For more details on commercial upgrades call us today and book an appointment.

January 22, 2023

Building Plan And Tailoring them as per Business Needs

Not every commercial or retail space is constructed exactly the same. The layout of the building, the spaces found within the building, the size of the building, and the materials that are used to construct the building should all vary based on the type of business that is going to take place. We know how important it is to tailor the building plans to specific businesses’ needs. Here are a few ways that can be tailored in the building plans per the business needs.

The Amount of Space Needed For The Business Currently and How it will expand in the Future

One of the things that we will do when putting together plans for the business is ensure that you have enough space for now and well into the future. The odds are, everyone wants the company to grow and expand over the years. Buying a building that meets the needs now is ideal, but it will now give you the space you need in a few years if the business grows. As such, you want to ensure that there is either land nearby that you can expand onto or space within the building for the company to expand and grow into in the coming years.

Putting Together A Layout That Includes All of the Features To Fulfil The Business Needs

Another way that can tailor the building plan as per the business needs is to ensure that the layout has all the various spaces and elements your business needs. For example, if you are planning on running a vet hospital in the space, you need small examination rooms to be constructed throughout the space, as well as larger spaces for a waiting area, the surgery area, and the kennel area. Or if you are building a clothing store, you need a large open space for keeping the inventory, as well as storage space and fitting rooms. The layout of a building is going to vary from one type of business to another. We can help you choose what a good layout and flow are based on the type of business you run and ensures the space is designed so that the type of business can be successful in the space provided.

Selection of Building Materials That Make Sense for the Type of Business Someone Do

Lastly, we can help you select the building materials that make sense for the type of building you will be constructing. We can help you select the building materials that make the most sense for the type of business you plan as well as select materials that fit within your specified budget.

Looking to construct a building from scratch or renovate the existing commercial space for business? We are here to help you construct the building from the ground up, renovate a building or remodel, all while tailoring the building plans to the type of business you have. When you are ready to get started, give us a call to discuss requirements and plans with our team of construction professionals.

January 19, 2023

Best Roof For The Commercial Building Project

A durable, strong, roof is an important part of any commercial building project. There are many different types of commercial roofs you can choose from, each of which has its own pros and cons for the type you choose. In this article, we will discuss each of the roof types available and in which scenarios it works best to use each of them.

Commerical Metal Roof Construction
Metal roofing is always a popular choice for commercial projects mainly due to its durability. There are many types of metal that are appropriate for commercial roofs, and it depends on you to choose from those options that best fit the style of the rest of your building. Metal roofs can withstand many different weather conditions and are also fire-resistant. Additionally, these metal roofs require minimal maintenance and can last for as long as 40 years. However, metal roofs are quite expensive than many other types of roofing available.
Built-Up Roofing Membrane
Built-up roofing membrane, also known as BUR is another popular roof option for commercial buildings. This type of roof is made from layers of ply sheets with a layer of asphalt applied on top. This roofing strategy has been used for hundreds of years and it remains a durable option. BUR works in many different climates and is the most popular option for low-slope roofs. However, it’s important to note that BUR roofs must have proper drainage to prevent water from pooling, and damaging the membrane.
Thermoset EPDM Roofing
Another good option for low-slope or flat roofs is a thermoset roof. These roofs are made up of ethylene propylene diene monomer, or EPDM, which is a durable rubber material. These roofs are extremely durable and are highly resistant to UV rays as well as extreme weather. They can even reduce energy costs by keeping the building cooler. However, many people don’t like the looks of EPDM roofs.
Modified Bitumen Roofs
These roofs are the most ideal option if you have a roof deck or anticipate that your tenants will spend a good amount of time on the roof. This is because it is quite powerful and stable. Bitumen roofs require minimal maintenance to keep them in good condition. Structurally, modified bitumen roofs are very similar to that BUR roofs. They use a special type of asphalt that is designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures. Additionally, modified bitumen roofs when reinforced with fiberglass give strength to the roof.
Commercial Green Roofing
This is the most unique roof option which might not be the cheapest or easiest option to maintain, but it adds up the aesthetic appeal to your building. These Green roofs are made with a waterproof membrane that can completely be covered with plants. In addition to the looks, these plants actually absorb water, preventing runoff, and they can even minimize the cooling cost.

With so many different types of roofing to choose from, you will need to assess your option and determine which one makes the most sense for the building. For more details call us today and book an appointment.

January 13, 2023

Constructing A Commercial Property on a Budget?

One of the challenges of building a commercial property is creating it on a budget and sticking to it. Commercial properties have so many moving parts to juggle, especially if you are working with a large volume of subcontractors. Determining how much the project will cost is a challenging job, but it’s also very difficult to stick to the same defined budget as the project goes on.

There are many factors to consider when developing a budget for a commercial property. Here’s what to keep in mind when building the project budget.

Available Funding
When putting together your budget, you will have to consider what sources of available funding you have, as well as what cash flow will look like when the project is in progress. If the cost of the work doesn’t align with the available funding, you will need to secure other sources to move the work forward.

Planning and Design Costs
To determine the total budget, you will need to have a plan for what the space should look like. This step should be done as early as possible for the project to move forward and keep it on schedule. You need to keep in mind the planning and design will have their own associated costs. Additionally, you will need to pay for assessments and permits before you can even start building.

You cannot have a clear picture of your budget until the planning phase is underway. To get an estimated budget during the planning phase, look at similar construction projects that have happened in your area or over the last few years. You can use their budget as a benchmark while you are in the early stages.

Current Construction Market
It is important to consider the current construction market in the area when making budget decisions and planning your timeline, as every city has its own unique building restrictions, and some cities are more expensive to build as compared to other areas. Labor shortages and supply chain issues are quite common in recent years, so this is important to take everything into consideration.

There are many subcontractors involved in bringing a construction project to life. When developing the budget, you will need to consider who will be working on the project throughout its lifespan and what their labor costs will look like. It is also important to keep in mind that labor costs can keep on changing throughout the project, especially if you encounter an unexpected challenge that can stretch the project timeline. This should be factored into the budget from the beginning to avoid financial constraints in the later stage.

Material and Construction Costs
Finally, you will have to consider the costs of the physical materials that will be used as part of the build, as well as any other related construction costs that you haven’t addressed. Material costs can vary widely depending on the projects you are working on and the vendors you are partnering with. Consider using a value engineering strategy to find more affordable building solutions without compromising their quality. Developing and sticking to a commercial construction budget can be a tricky task. Starting on your budget well in advance can help you to use your funds more efficiently.

For more details on Budget commercial construction call us today and book an appointment.

January 4, 2023

Commercial Remodeling Benefits

Whether you are a business owner or property manager, you might have wondered if it’s time to remodel or renovate the property, but the cost and inconvenience that comes with it may put you off. However, we will show you how remodeling and renovation are worth the effort and cost and can help your bottom line.

Commercial Remodel, Giving Your Place A Facelift
It is easy for a workplace, whether it’s a restaurant, office, or retail business, it becomes tired looking and well-worn after many years. Remodeling is an excellent opportunity to give the business a fresh look and take care of much-needed maintenance. Updating the look of the place can reinvigorate employees, attract new customers, and excite current customers which help in revenue growth.

Remodeling Demonstrates Your Commitment Level
We have all seen that one old business that’s been around for years and has never been updated. Whether it has outdated lighting, malfunctioning equipment, fading paint, or what have you, it suggests to employees as well as its customers that the owner doesn’t care, regardless of whatever the situation.

When you take the time and put in some money to renovate, you send a message that you are committed to your business and customer satisfaction. People understand how much time, money, and effort is required to conduct a complete makeover and one must appreciate it. Furthermore, renovation can make businesses more efficient by incorporating newer technology that benefits customers as well as employees.

Energy Savings
With the rising energy cost, it is wise for companies to invest in new energy-saving options. Initially, it may cost more to install new energy-efficient equipment, like heating and cooling systems, low-power lighting, insulated windows, and such, but you will get that money back over the time period in lower power bills.

A Picture Of Success
A business that looks worn and outdated, imagine the perception people have that meaning it’s not doing well. When you renovate, it gives you the impression that your business is thriving and you want to make it look better among your competitors. It’s psychological, but people love to be associated with winners, and if you give the impression that the company is doing well, you can attract more customers, which will increase your profits.

It Creates Buzz
When you see a new construction happening in town, it is something that everyone talks about, and the same is true for companies/businesses that are remodeling. Sure, the process can be messy and inconvenient for some time, but it gets people talking, which is the best advertising a business can get.

Commercial Remodel Planning, Giving Your Business A Fresh Start
Maybe the business is in a slump, or people are complacent about what you do. Remodeling is the perfect way to reset the business and start fresh with a new look, attitude, and commitment to customers.

Help Is Available
Renovating a business is a daunting task, and as mentioned, the expenses put off many business owners. However, financial help can be made available through federal and state grants and low-interest loans. For more details on Commercial Remodeling call us today and book an appointment.

December 29, 2022

Tips Before Hiring A Commercial Construction Contractor

The contractors you choose can either make or break your commercial construction project. Selecting a contractor is a major step, and it can sometimes be a difficult job to narrow down the options. Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting a commercial construction contractor and how to make the process easier.

Hiring Professional Commercial Construction Expert

Opt for word-of-mouth recommendations and check for references.
Word-of-mouth recommendation is typically the most effective way to find a commercial contractor that could meet your needs. Since there are different types of commercial contractors in the market, a Google search might not ways narrow down things far enough for your project. If you know other business owners in your area that has worked on similar kind of projects, ask them which contractors they used and what is their experience.

If you don’t have any type of contacts that have worked on similar projects, reach out to the rest of the network for recommendations. Local real estate professionals, interior designers, and architects may be able to provide you with recommendations.

Look for portfolios of similar projects and visit there in person
It is important to find a contractor that has good experience working on projects that is like yours. Building in different industries has its own requirements – for example, a medical building must meet very different standards than building a restaurant. Past experiences will be very relevant when choosing a contractor.

Once you have made a list of potential candidates, go through their portfolio of past projects to get an idea of their experience. If possible, go visit the sites they are currently working on in person to get a more detailed look at each project.

Conduct in-depth interviews
Effective communication is key to successful construction and talking to the contractor in person will give you an effective idea of their communication style and their experience in their field.
A face-to-face interview gives you an opportunity to talk through the specifics of the project in-depth and that gives us clarity on how exactly the contractor would approach it.

Opt for value over low price
Budget is important to consider for any construction project, avoid opting for the lowest-priced contractor without considering its overall value. A lower-bid contractor may seem appealing, but they may not be able to offer you the best quality work. A low-quality commercial build could have a serious negative effect on the business.

Always opt for Certified Commercial Builders. Verify their licensing and insurance requirements.
Before getting started with the contract, verify that your contractor is a licensed one and meets the state insurance requirement. As this protects you as well as your contractor legally if an accident happens on-site. If a contractor is unable to provide a license or proof of insurance, it’s best for you to avoid them.

Don’t rush when making an important decision, take your time to find the right fit for the business. For more detail call us today and book an appointment.

December 16, 2022

What is Trending in the Construction Industry

After several years of uncertainty and fluctuations caused by COVID-19, the construction industry looks to grow and beyond, despite many challenges posed by labor shortages and rising prices. Construction is still the largest industry in the world, but still, that isn’t growing as rapidly as other industries. We look at what’s trending in the construction industry and how it boosts the construction industry’s growth, efficiency, and profitability.

Virtual Construction Tools
Upcoming new technologies such as virtual design and visualization software have helped the construction industry to grow over the next five years. The ability to use specialized software to plan, engineer, and design projects before groundbreaking will be a driving force in speeding up job completion, minimizing mistakes, and reducing overall costs.

Modular Construction
Many construction companies as well as their customers are turning towards modular and pre-fab construction because it reduces the overall costs and building time as compared to traditional construction. Modular projects reduce costs by up to 20%, and with the use of high-quality materials gives customers sturdy, durable structures that go up more quickly than building from scratch.

Robots
The construction industry will be benefitted from robots and machines that help to make job sites more efficient and safer. For example, it’s better to have a robot transport heavy or hazardous materials instead of risking the valuable life of employees. And rather than replacing those employees, the robots allow construction companies to use those people in less dangerous roles, which increases productivity and ensures everyone’s safety.

3D Printing
3D printing is a game changer for many industries, especially for construction. Using 3D printing technology on the job site allows construction companies to quickly create replacement parts or even make changes on the fly as designs change due to circumstances.

Drones
Another technology that is proving to be a game changer in many industries is drone usage. Drones are becoming a must-have resource for construction companies, and currently, the industry has seen a drastic growth in their use over the past years. Drones save construction companies time and money by providing topographic mapping and land surveys, equipment tracking, security surveillance, safety, progress monitoring, and inspection. Drones are so cost-effective they are a must-have in any construction company’s list.

Material Costs
Asking any owner of a construction company what challenges they face, everyone will say the rising cost of materials is probably on the top of the list. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the increasing costs of materials like concrete, crushed and broken stone, gravel, sand, etc., and this trend looks to continue. Many construction companies combat this by using the above-mentioned technologies like drones and virtual design, but also through implementing materials like self-healing concrete, which are more expensive at the outset but will save money over time.

Labor
Even if robots and machines are efficient, you still need a labor force for construction projects, but as we have seen, that quality labor is in short supply. As robots and machines have become more prevalent on construction sites, construction companies must look to hire educated workers to manage data and use the technology.

Our News