Are you overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks required to complete commercial building construction in Toronto? There’s no need to be. By taking each task step by step, you can make the overall process much easier on yourself. To make it simpler, get in contact with commercial building contractors who can guide you through each stage.
1. Planning
In the primary stage of the construction process, you decide and agree on the location and budget of the project. Introduce your architect and general contractor early on as well; however, you can hire a company that provides design-build services to make the process more efficient.
2. Design
The schematic design stage is often the most exciting for clients, as it involves information regarding materials, textures, sizes, and colors. Once the initial draft is finished, your team has to consider any preventative covenants and the building’s placement in relation to utilities to ensure the project’s feasibility. After the design is agreed upon, you’ll receive contract documents stating projected timelines and costs of each stage of the construction project.
3. Preconstruction
The preconstruction stage involves the preparation of the required materials list, which is sent out to various vendors and subcontractors for quotes. The construction manager then reviews multiple quotes to establish a budget analysis and choose the best subcontractor or vendor to use.
At this point, you should have all the required building permits and insurance documents. A site investigation will take place to check for any complications, such as environmental hazards. A soil test will also be taken to determine if the soil can be built upon.
4. Procurement
During the procurement stage, your general contractor and subcontractors purchase all labor, materials, and machinery needed to complete your project. Purchase orders will be drawn up to confirm that each product meets the required specifications for the agreed price.
5. Construction
The construction phase runs from the preparation of the construction site to the completion of the project. During the building’s development, each constructional stage and aspect—foundation, plumbing, and electrical wiring—must pass inspection from an appropriate state construction inspector and the project manager after each is complete.
6. Post-Construction
After the building is completed, it requires a project punch-out, meaning that the structure is examined for any issues before it’s considered finished. Issues, ranging anywhere from a paint discoloration to a chipped window, are collected in what’s known as a punch list and fixed before furnishings and equipment are installed. After final improvements are made, the architect inspects the project to ensure that all requirements are met and issues a certificate of substantial completion so that the building official can perform a final inspection.